From Dredged Sandbar to Island Retreat – The Origins of Peanut Island

Long before it became a weekend hotspot for snorkeling and camping, Peanut Island started life as a utilitarian pile of dredged sand. Here’s how this accidental island grew into one of Palm Beach County’s most unique destinations.

🏗️ How It Was Formed

Peanut Island was created in 1918 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the Lake Worth Inlet to make Palm Beach Harbor accessible to larger ships.

Fast facts:

• Formed from dredged sediment (a "spoil site")

• Originally just 10 acres — now over 80 acres

• Still partially used for spoil deposits today

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🥜 Why It’s Called Peanut Island

In 1946, a peanut oil shipping terminal was proposed for the site — though it never opened. The name stuck anyway, giving the island its quirky, memorable title.

🌴 Public Park Transformation

In 2005, the island underwent a dramatic renovation, adding:

• A campground

• Snorkeling lagoon

• Walking trails, picnic areas, and docks

  
  

Today, it’s a blend of history, nature, and recreation — all thanks to its dredged beginnings.