--- title: Parks and Preserves to Visit Near The Islands Community description: The Islands on the Manatee River is located near several parks where you can enjoy native wildlife, hike, kayak or canoe, or just relax. image: https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/f784981de47c73b7df8c5b1b8f9b0323.jpg --- [![Logo](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=450&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) [![Logo](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=300&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) - [HOME](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) - [LOCATION](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/location) - [LIFESTYLE](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/lifestyle) - [COMMUNITY](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/community) - [RESIDENCES](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/residences) - NEWS/EVENTS - [OUR BLOG](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [PHOTO GALERY & VIDEOS](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/media-gallery) - [CONTACT US](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/contact-us) ![banner-blog](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/f784981de47c73b7df8c5b1b8f9b0323.jpg?width=1920&name=f784981de47c73b7df8c5b1b8f9b0323.jpg "banner-blog") - [The Islands on the Manatee River (58)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/the-islands-on-the-manatee-river) - [boating and golf community (32)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/boating-and-golf-community) - [Waterfront community Sarasota Florida (29)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/waterfront-community-sarasota-florida) - [new waterfront homes florida (25)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/new-waterfront-homes-florida) - [things to do in sarasota (25)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/things-to-do-in-sarasota) # Parks and Preserves to Visit Near The Islands Community May 31, 2018 by [Islands](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/author/islands) 0 Comments - - - - The Islands on the Manatee River is located near several parks where you can enjoy native wildlife, hike, kayak or canoe, or just relax. The following parks are conveniently located near The Islands:![2505167855_60d9b871e7_o\[1\]](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2505167855_60d9b871e7_o%5B1%5D.jpg?width=350&name=2505167855_60d9b871e7_o%5B1%5D.jpg) ***Related Blog: [Best Water Activities in the Sarasota and Bradenton Area](http://blog.theislandsofrw.com/best-water-activities-in-the-sarasota-and-bradenton-area)*** [**Rye Preserve**](https://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/natural-resources/preserves/rye-wilderness.html) Rye Preserve has an extensive trail system that travels through four different ecosystems, giving you the chance to see some interesting wildlife in each. Bike, hike, or ride horses to explore Rye Preserve’s 145 acres, or launch your canoe or kayak to paddle the river and surrounding areas. Camping is also popular at Rye Preserve, which is located just northwest of the Lake Manatee Dam. [**Little Manatee River State Park**](https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Little-Manatee-River) This park is located on 2,433 acres along the Little Manatee River, which flows for 4.5 miles throughout. It can be explored by hiking, canoeing, or horseback riding. The Oxbow Nature Trail offers a short one-mile walk if you’d like to take it relatively easy, or try a more strenuous hike on one of the area’s most popular trails, the 6.5-mile stacked loop. A full-facility campground is available. [**Emerson Point Preserve**](https://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/natural-resources/preserves/emerson-point.html) This 365-acre preserve is located at the tip of Snead Island, where the mouth of the Manatee River meets Lower Tampa Bay. Native wildlife and plants abound, and visitors can use a canoe and kayak launch to access tidal canals and Terra Ceia Bay. The Preserve also includes a part of Florida’s history, since it’s home to southwest Florida’s largest Native American temple mound. [**Fort Hamer Park**](https://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/fort-hamer-park.html) Located in Parrish, Fort Hamer Park has become very popular since an 8,000-square-foot boathouse was adding to store racing sculls. This has helped make Fort Hamer the winter training home of some of the best collegiate rowing teams in the country. The park also has a pavilion, kayak launch and fishing pier, with more renovations planned. [**Robinson Preserve**](http://www.robinsonpreserve.com/) This coastal preserve is located on about 600 acres in northwestern Bradenton. Many species of fish and other types of marine life make ![f784981de47c73b7df8c5b1b8f9b0323](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/f784981de47c73b7df8c5b1b8f9b0323.jpg?width=300&name=f784981de47c73b7df8c5b1b8f9b0323.jpg)the salt marsh home. Hike, bike, or jog on one of Robinson Preserve’s trails, or bring a canoe or kayak to explore the waterways. Leashed dogs are welcome so bring your furry friend, and don’t miss the 53-foot-tall tower that offers a wide-open view of the Tampa Bay area and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge! [Contact us](http://theislandsofrw.com/contact-us/) for more information about The Islands on the Manatee River. We'd love to share our community with you! [![Download Brochure Islands](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/465801/deb03689-e610-4187-bcc5-4af5334e8510.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/465801/deb03689-e610-4187-bcc5-4af5334e8510)   [boating and golf community](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/boating-and-golf-community) [fort hamer park](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/fort-hamer-park) [florida recreational activities](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/florida-recreational-activities) [parks](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/parks) [florida parks](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/florida-parks) [florida preserves](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/florida-preserves) [leisurely activities](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/leisurely-activities) [day trip destinations](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/day-trip-destinations) [fishing in bradenton](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/fishing-in-bradenton) [florida outdoors](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/florida-outdoors) [florida outdoor activities](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/florida-outdoor-activities) [spend the day in the florida outdoors](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/spend-the-day-in-the-florida-outdoors) [waterfront neighborhood parrish](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/waterfront-neighborhood-parrish) [bradenton](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/bradenton) [things to do](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/things-to-do) [The Islands on the Manatee River](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/the-islands-on-the-manatee-river) [things to do in sarasota](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/things-to-do-in-sarasota) [suncoast of florida](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/suncoast-of-florida) [amenities](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/amenities) [parks in florida](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/parks-in-florida) #### Related posts - [Fun Area Amenities to Enjoy Near Parrish, Florida](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/fun-area-amenities-to-enjoy-near-parrish-florida) - [Top 5 Places in the Bradenton Area to Visit With Your Boat](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-5-places-in-the-bradenton-area-to-visit-with-your-boat) - [Final Phase Now Open - Rio Vista Estates](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/rio-vista-estates) - [Top 5 Beaches in Sarasota and Bradenton](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/top-5-beaches-in-sarasota-and-bradenton) ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/DSC_6898-1.jpg) [Rio Vista Estates - over 75% SOLD OUT](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/our-new-neighborhood-rio-vista-estates) May 24, 2023 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/TheIslands-Boat-ManateeRiver.jpg) [Boating News | JUNE 2023](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/boating-news-february-2021) May 24, 2023 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/The-Islands-Local-Holiday-Guide-2020-v3.jpg) [All You’ll Want For Christmas: 15 Local Holiday Events for 2020](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/all-youll-want-for-christmas-15-local-holiday-events-for-2020) December 18, 2020 ### Posts by Topic - [The Islands on the Manatee River (58)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/the-islands-on-the-manatee-river) - [boating and golf community (32)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/boating-and-golf-community) - [Waterfront community Sarasota Florida (29)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/waterfront-community-sarasota-florida) - [new waterfront homes florida (25)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/new-waterfront-homes-florida) - [things to do in sarasota (25)](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/topic/things-to-do-in-sarasota) - [REQUEST BROCHURE](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/home?scrollto=the-form-brochure) - [CONTACT US](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/contact-us) - [941.208.1213](tel:9412081213) Do you want to live in paradise? [![CLICK HERE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/465801/a96f345f-2300-45ec-a018-15623fa6f3e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/465801/a96f345f-2300-45ec-a018-15623fa6f3e3) [![Logo](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=738&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://liveattheislands.com) It’s a brand new day at The Islands. The new Fort Hamer Bridge brings Lakewood Ranch, I-75, Bradenton and Sarasota within minutes of our gated paradise. Expansive 1/2-acre-plus homesites allow for waterfront living in a highly sought after area. This is the lifestyle that you have always imagined, without compromise. - - - ### SITE NAVIGATION - [Home](https://www.theislandsrealty.com) - [Location](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/location) - [News/Events](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com) - [Lifestyle](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/lifestyle) - [Community](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/community) - [Residences](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/residences) - [Contact Us](https://www.theislandsrealty.com/contact-us) ### Subscribe To Newsletter ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### LATEST NEWS ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/DSC_6898-1.jpg) [Rio Vista Estates - over 75% SOLD OUT](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/our-new-neighborhood-rio-vista-estates) 24 May, 2023 ![feature image](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/hubfs/TheIslands-Boat-ManateeRiver.jpg) [Boating News | JUNE 2023](https://blog.theislandsrealty.com/boating-news-february-2021) 24 May, 2023 Privacy Policy • Site Map | The Islands on The Manatee River © 2026