Destin History & Fishing Museum

05/30/2026

We had a great visit with Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for Preservation last week! Be sure to learn about all the work they do to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of NW FL.

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

What a cool opportunity for kids interested in marine biology!

Thousands of lionfish harvested from local waters during the Emerald Coast Open pre-tournament are being shipped to more than 200 teachers across the country for classroom dissections.

05/01/2026

Our thoughts are with Bruce’s family and loved ones.

Stop by the museum to hear some of his legendary stories told in his own words. Bruce was a local icon who will truly be missed.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a true Destin legend, Bruce Cheves—better known to so many as the Wandering Weighmaster.
For 41 incredible years, Bruce was the heartbeat of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, greeting anglers with a smile, a story, and an unmatched passion for the sport and this community. Whether you brought in a guppy or a Godzilla, Bruce made every catch feel like a winning moment.
His presence was larger than life, and his absence will be deeply felt. This year’s Rodeo will look a little different without him—but his legacy, laughter, and love for Destin and the Destin Fishing Rodeo will live on in every cast, every weigh-in, and every memory shared.
Please keep Bruce’s loved ones and rodeo family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon. If you have a favorite memory or photo of Bruce, we encourage you to share it below as we celebrate a life that meant so much to so many.
Tight lines forever with fair winds and following seas, Bruce—you will never be forgotten. 🎣

03/28/2026

Thanks for spending part of your day with us! 🐟🐟🐟

03/24/2026

📣 Calling all Destin Fishing Rodeo fans! Have you ever wondered who Miss Destin was in 1977? Do you love vintage advertisements? Are you just looking for your granddad’s name in print?

🐟 We have a brand new digital exhibit that archives the Destin Fishing Rodeo Guides from decades past.

🎣 Stop by the museum and check it out! It is currently on display in our hr Rodeo Gallery!

03/07/2026

Thank you for having us!!

03/06/2026

Thank you Impact100 of Northwest Florida, Inc. for inviting us to last night’s recruitment event at Jackacuda's Seafood & Sushi! We had a great time mingling and sharing our story of how recieving the grant has forever changed the future of the museum. They are now accepting new memberships if you’re interested in making a lasting impact in our community!

03/04/2026

“Harboring Change. Growing the Solution.” is a vertical oyster garden workshop free to attend!
Instead of your typical debris spring cleanup, we’re looking toward ecosystem restoration. The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and the City of Destin have teamed up to offer a vertical oyster garden workshop at Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park (200 Harbor Blvd) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oyster gardens are an important aspect to the health of Destin’s Harbor waters. Oysters filter up to 50 gallons of water per day per oyster, improve water clarity, reduce excess nutrients, and support fish and marine habitat.
All oyster garden materials will be provided at the workshop. For patriotic pizzazz, we’ll have marine-safe markers on hand for anyone wanting to decorate their oyster garden America 250 style.
The vertical oyster garden workshop will be April 18th from 1-2 p.m., and attendees will have the opportunity to see a vertical oyster garden that has been growing in the Harbor for over a year. Joining in harboring change and growing the solution!
For questions, please reach out to [email protected].

02/02/2026

We are absolutely thrilled (and chilled 🥶) to be the beneficiary of this year’s Destin Dunk cold plunge! They raised $1400 that will go towards our mission of helping preserve Destin’s unique history. A huge heartfelt thank you to the organizers (one of our very own board members— Muri Kersanac, Destin Realtor, and to all who braved the frigid water to ring in the new year!

Nearly 200 people came out for the 21st annual Destin Dunk behind The Back Porch on New's Year's Day.