Manatee County Dept. of Natural Resources Robinson Preserve Robinson Preserve is a 700+ acre nature preserve that features over eight miles of nature trails with biking and hiking. There is also kayak channels were you can explore mangrove tunnels and surrounding estuaries. The largest feature is a 60 ft. observation tower where visitors can get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area. It is located at: 
Emerson Point Ecological Preserve Emerson Point Ecological Preserve is a 365 acre preserve located on Snead Island in western Palmetto, FL at the mouth of the Manatee River. Enjoy hiking and biking trails as well as an extensive kayak trail system along the river and neighboring Terra Ceia Bay. Emerson point is also home to the Portavant Temple Mound, one of southwest Florida's largest and intact Native American mounds. Emerson Point is located at: 
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature The Bishop Museum is the largest natural and cultural museum on Florida's Gulf Coast, interpreting the region from the Pleistocene to the present day. Visitors young and old will delight in the many opportunities to view manatees in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Interpretive programs on manatees are presented several times daily. The state-of-the-art Planetarium transports visitors to the farthest reaches of the universe. In addition, the Bishop Museum offers gallery spaces with a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions, providing our visitors with something new to see and experience with each visit. 
Manatee Village Historical Park Manatee Village Historical Park Step back into time at the Manatee Village Historical Park. Visit this collection of restored buildings from Manatee County's settlement history and experience life in Manatee County before the arrival of modern conveniences such as automobiles and electricity. The Manatee Village Historical Park is a joint project of the Manatee County Historical Commission, Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court, the Manatee County Board of County Commission, and the City of Bradenton. Manatee Village Historical Park is located at: 
Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state's most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park´s river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. A boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world´s two largest airboats. Myakka River State park is located at: 
Mote Marine Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Come meet our fish, And our scientists. Our working aquarium gives you an up-close experience with a variety of marine animals and fish, including two touch tanks and a 135,000 gallon shark habitat. You can also witness our scientific research—as it happens—in viewable working laboratories. Be sure to say "Hi" to some of our star residents like the manatees Hugh and Buffett, and the sea turtles Hang Tough and Montego. More than 100 species of marine life call Mote their home, and you are more than welcome to meet them all. Mote Aquarium is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has met rigorous, professional standards for animal care, wildlife conservation and research, education and more. Mote Marine is located at: |
Last updated: August 1, 2022