Along this path, there are five interactive stations: Birds of Prey, Bats, the Gopher Tortoise, Spiders, and the Florida Panther. Children's Discovery Path: This 3/8 mile long nature hiking path with five discovery stations where a child can stop and learn about animals, birds, and insects that are native to southwest Florida is focused on play.Flying overhead, one can observe bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, ospreys , and other birds of prey. In the spring otters will play in the creek under the tower and about halfway there on the boardwalk last summer you can sometimes see a mother alligator and her young. The far tree line to the southeast is Myakka River State Park. This is a great birding spot as the Red-winged Blackbirds and others enjoy the pristine environment in this area. The tower points east and is a wonderful place to view sunrise and moonrise if you are camping with us. In the winter months, guests often find white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and wood storks by the river. During the early summer, visitors can enjoy the vast stretch of blooming swamp hibiscus that fills the marsh with soft pink. OBSERVATION TOWER : A two-story observation tower at the end of the boardwalk is a favorite spot for birders, providing a panoramic view of the marsh with the Myakka River in the distance.Our boardwalk is closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian September 2022 Note: During the rainy season the boardwalk may be closed as the boards do get slick when wet. You will find Willow, Sweet Gum, Maple, Hickory, and Ash trees here along with many varieties of ferns and flowering plants as well. Benches placed at comfortable intervals allow for rest, quiet contemplation, and wildlife viewing. A comfortable elevated walkway, the boardwalk allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the swamp without getting their feet wet and without harming the delicate life below.

THE BOARDWALK : One of our star attractions is the 1/2 mile Boardwalk, which traverses Oak Hammock, Maple Branch Swamp, and the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh.The Pine Level Trail is a preserved piece of history within the Center, allowing visitors to walk a portion of the trail just as the pioneers once did. This trail is an authentic portion of the wagon trail pioneer settlers used to travel from Pine Level, then the county seat, to the coastal settlement of Braidentown (today’s Bradenton).

PINE LEVEL TRAIL : The self-guided walk starts right outside the Welcome Center door on the Pine Level Trail.

Panther creek park owl prowl