There is a viewing tower. There is a restroom. Suwannee Springs. While there, youll likely be hungry at some point during the day so why not take a picnic! We loved the observation tower, with the signs showing Tampa and St. Pete. Largo, FL 33774 Race registration. There is both a 1/4-mile loop and a 3/4-mile loop possible at this end of the trail system, with a short spur trail that ends amid the ancient oaks of Weedon Hammock. When those times come, paddling peacefully through a scenic island wilderness or walking along a boardwalk over a tangle of mangroves atWeedon Island PreserveinSt. Petersburgcan be just the ticket. Last updated on April 8, 2023 by Wandering our World. The province capital is Warsaw. Cross Florida Greenway. Big Cypress National Preserve. The preserve offers a total of 4.7 miles of nature trails for hiking, with 2 miles out of the total as boardwalks and paved trails that are ADA accessible and the remaining 2.7 miles as natural trail loops. Port Charlotte. Many of these programs require reservations, so be sure to check Weedon Island Preserves website when planning your trip. There are two different spots to put your canoe or kayak in easily. Lake Placid. There's not a shortage of places to explore near Ocala. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. By Kevin Mims Vero Beach. One large reptile that doesnt mind saltwater environments is the American Crocodile, and while there have been rumors for years that a small population of crocodiles live in Tampa Bay, theres no proof (yet) that any have made their way to Weedon Island Preserve. State of Florida regulations governing saltwater fishing apply. Parts of the trail system have no shade, and the parts that are shady tend to have a lot of mosquitoes. Rentals | Sweetwater Kayaks New Smyrna Beach. Not sure about inflatable as they could get snagged. Closing time is posted at the front gate. South FL Palm Beach. as mosquito-control canals dug during the 1950's and 60's. This coastal ecosystem is home to native plants and animals, an educational facility, and a rich cultural history. Connecting the Bay Boardwalk and the Boy Scout Trail is the Lookout Point Trail. Weedon Island Preserve - Pinellas County With 7,573 lodges, cabins and hotels in the park and the surrounding towns, your perfect adventure is ready and waiting for you. Weedon Island Preserve St Petersburg, Florida, USA, North America Top choice in St Petersburg Like a patchwork quilt of variegated greens tossed out over Tampa Bay, this 3700-acre preserve protects a diverse aquatic and wetland ecosystem. Fernandina Beach. Third Thursday of the month Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. This is the wildest of the trails, a mile round-trip, tunneling deep into the mangroves with a natural surface along a long, shaded corridor with occasional breaks in the vegetation overlooking mudflats. Dowling Park. All rights reserved. When is a good time to kayak through the mangrove tunnel? By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Today, the preserve protects this wide diversity of natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. Today, the preserve protects this wide diversity of natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. On June 13, 1972, Weedon Island Preserve was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Marker #1 is to the left of launch about 100 yards. The distance of the north trail is approximately two miles, making it the shorter option for those looking for a quick kayak excursion. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center ECOmersion is a kayak tour company located in the area whose purpose is to get people outside and connected with nature. GDPR FAQ | Privacy Policy, Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center, 7am-sunset
Closed Day after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Day. Visitors may also experience the Preserve by renting kayaks or canoes on-site and paddling a 4-mile loop trail. Ebro. The Cultural and Natural History Center has or Listed A - Z. PaddleFlorida.net Find Florida's Best Recreational Paddling, Oviedo. 52.55 19.7. White Springs. Basinger. Weedon Island Preserve remains one of Florida's most important natural and cultural resources. With favorable weather conditions, one can see much of the preserve and Tampa Bay from this tower, as well as the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. For instance, pets are not allowed in the preserve. St. Marks. High Springs. Learn about classes, camps, events, and other news pertaining to the Weedon Island Preserve and the Cultural & Natural History Center in the Preserve's monthly newsletter. Week 1: February 20-24, 2023 Week 2: February 27-March 3, 2023, Sponsored by Alliance for Weedon Island Research and Education. Macclenny. Ridge Manor. The Weedon Island Preserve is a Pinellas. Weedon Island Preserve, formed officially in June 1972, is a one of the most beautiful nature and archaeological preserves in Florida. Low 70s, clear sunny day, no wind and zero chance of rain. Its proper management remains the priority of Pinellas County as caretaker of the preserve. The race offers spectacular views of Tampa Bay. Spots are limited so advance registration is required. Immokalee. South Walton. We went through the visitor's center, which had great, educational displays. Trails end is at a picnic bench and a small muddy beach along Tampa Bay. Very nice, natural park and visitor's center. New Port Richey. A great way to spend some time outdoors. Whether by stand-up paddleboard, canoe or kayak, exploring the waters of the preserve is an unforgettable experience. Indigenous peoples occupied this site for thousands of years. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. We launched from a small beach next to the fishing pier at the end Additionally, there are often lectures and exhibits run regularly at the center, so check the preserves website before you go for any special events while youre there, or the centers Facebook page. In this insiders guide well cover everything you need to know when visiting. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate As for dogs, no pets are allowed in County preserves. Feeding of these are wading birds, so keep a look out for waders like Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron and Roseate Spoonbill all year round! Marianna. It is at the end of the road into the preserve / park, next to the pier. I'm Matt, a former globetrotting journalist who's previously worked for media like USA Today and the BBC. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. B&W, 356 pages. ), Distance: South trail (most popular) - a 4 mile loop. Hands-On Adult Archaeology Camp Welcome to Wandering our World! Description Getting There This is a paddle route meant for kayaking, canoeing, or other forms of paddling- it is not a hiking route. Weedon Island - Riviera Bay Collective Leesburg. Pinellas County Florida - Weedon Island Preserve - Annual Events Annual Events / Programs Annual Sponsored Events All donations support Weedon Island Preserve. Guided tours are held every Saturday for free for visitors. Silver Springs. The North Paddling Trail takes paddlers through mangrove tunnels and wider channels and eventually to Gandy Beach over a distance of two miles. Eglin Air Force Base. It's a very pretty view of the waterway. There are even rest rooms. Coast to Coast Trail. for more paddling, View great paddling by FL Region Bonifay. Port St. Lucie. This coastal system, comprised of aquatic and upland ecosystems, is home to numerous species of native plants and animals, an educational facility and a rich cultural history. Be sure to use insect repellent and sun protection. Jensen Beach. There is also an observation deck on the second and third floors but did not really offer an interesting view. The Cultural and Natural History Center is another one of the main attractions of Weedon Island Preserve. Geneva. Try to read all the signage and see if you can name all the plants & trees. We participated in a guided Saturday morning walk on climate change. Marathon. GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power was 34,400 or 114% of the EU27 average in the same year. This is all free! Weedon Island Nature Preserve - Ecomersion Weedon Island Preserve is an approximately 3,700-acre nature preserve that extends along the west side of Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, Florida. That said, an alligator could find itself in the preserve but it would be a rare occurrence. There are kayak rentals & a put in area even if you have your own. There is an extensive boardwalk making this an ideal walk for families with stollers or wheelchairs. You can choose to kayak, canoe, or even stand-up paddle board your way through the paddling trails. Our recent park & trail updates in this region, NORTHWEST FLORIDA Apalachicola. protects nearby development from flooding and coastal erosion by reducing storm surge. There is a concrete walk that leads to some of the wooden boardwalk so I am sure those with wheel chairs, scooters and strollers will find access. Winter Springs. Fort Walton Beach. Titusville . 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Apply for a Right-of-Way Utilization Permit, Apply to be a Small Business Enterprise Vendor, Occupational Licenses/Business Tax Receipts, Florida Small Business Development Center, Pinellas County Economic Development Data Center, Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, Petition to Vacate a Public Right of Way or Easement, Request to Hold a Special Event in a Park, Parks & Conservation Resources Department, Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, Building and Development Review Services Department, Housing and Community Development Department, Office of Resilience and Asset Management. Be sure to observe the high tide CENTRAL FLORIDA OVERVIEW East Coast Greenway. I now run the Wandering our World team - this article was either written by one of our freelance staff writers and then edited by me, or written by myself. South Bay, SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Big Pine Key. It's mostly shallow water, so we recommend paddling during mid trimmed and most are wide enough for easy paddling. Mazowieckie - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Mazowieckie province covers an area of over 35,500 sq. Category: Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Central Florida, County Parks, Day Hikes, Hikes, Launch Points, Loop Hikes, Museums, Natural Lands, Nature Centers, Nature Trails, PaddlingTag: Accessible, Archaeological Sites, Best Family Hikes, Birding, Boardwalks, Easy Hikes, Family-Friendly, Historic Sites, Mangroves, Picnic, Scenic Hikes, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, Wildlife Viewing. North FL, East-Central FL to a movie studio, airport, and speakeasy. before I went. Visitors can take a variety of guided hikes, walk the boardwalks through tidal flats and mangrove forests . The Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre natural area situated along the western shore of Tampa Bay and located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. This coastal ecosystem is home to native plants and animals, an educational facility, and a rich cultural history. Its best to allow up to 3-4 hours to complete this trail. Pinellas County Florida - Weedon Island Preserve Weedon Island Preserve - Yelp Fort Pierce. They had a sign out front that said closed due to inclement weather. Weedon Island Preserve Parkrun - Saint Petersburg, FL - AARP #1 through #38). Just be warned that the platform sways in the breeze, and it is safe. The hiking trails were nice, although trails should be more clearly marked. easy to get lost. Rather its better to kayak. At 3,190 acres, there's so much to explore when visiting this pretty nature preserve. Weedon Island Preserve is an expansive 3,000-acre region on Tampa Bay in north St. Petersburg comprised mostly of marine habitats with some uplands. Orlando. Chipley. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre natural area located on Tampa Bay. (727) 464-3000 trail. A refuge for native flora and fauna, Weedon Island is also one of Florida's most important cultural resources. Palatka. Donations Welcome, Exhibits, hands-on displays, programs and classes. Hi! Whether you're looking to kayak, do some light hiking, fish, or learn about the natural area and history of the land, Weedon Island has something for you. Indigenous peoples occupied this site for thousands of years. Lectures and hands on events such as archaeology labs to learn how the area is excavated are held regularly as well. Longwood. Curious to explore the trails at Weedon Island with a guide? Explore Nature Preserves | Visit St Petersburg Clearwater Florida excavated in 2011 - dating from between AD 690-1010, it's the longest ever found Ding Darling NWR. St. Indigenous peoples, including those during the Weedon Island Cultural Period, occupied this site for thousands of years. You will love it. Hobe Sound. Destin. Gators and all - Review of Weedon Island Preserve, St. Petersburg Alligators actually prefer freshwater rivers and lakes, and are rarely found in saltier habitats. Here youll find information about the Native Americans that lived in the area. of small black crabs on the mangrove roots. Participants will work with professional archaeologists to uncover the rich cultures of the past and will help scientists investigate the early people who once were inhabitants of Weedon Island and their surrounding environment. This is one place I always try to stop at when I am in the area. Gopher Weedon Trail Run - RunSignup The event takes place at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Theres nothing quite like paddling through a tunnel of mangroves, watching the sun fade away as you paddle under the mottled shade of the canopy. Hiking In Costa Rica: 14 Breathtaking Trails For Views & Fun. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Acapulco vs Puerto Vallarta: The Honest Comparison You Need [2023]. Florida Keys. Visitors are encouraged to view all the exciting exhibits and explore the gift shop which carries cultural and natural history items. There are special events and guided tours run regularly within the preserve. Can I take the mangroves trail by using an inflatable kayak? Weedon Island. Thanks for your question. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center What does it cost to join in? Thankfully for kayakers, there are no alligators in Weedon Island Preserve. Hollywood. Anglers should head to the fishing pier for snook, jack and sheepshead. Lake Mary. Lake Okeechobee. To be fair, we didn't go into their building so we don't know what was there. The Cultural and Natural History Center features classrooms and exhibit areas designed by anthropologists, historians and Native Americans to reflect the art and history of the area's first people. Weedon Island Frostproof. At approximately two miles long, these boardwalks are family friendly and suitable for everyone. Brandon. Weedon Island Kayak Rentals - Ecomersion Today, the preserve protects this wide diversity of natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. From 3:18pm to 4:18pm Moonrise Click here to see Weedon Island's fishing times for the week. On the other side of the entrance road from where this loop meets the paved Upland Trail, a 3/4-mile loop called the Riviera Trail leads out to views along the bay. shell mounds within the preserve, the many dirt mounds seen in the mangrove tunnels were There are ample amounts of fish and marine life to observe while youre there too. St. Petersburg, Florida 33702 *This address will bring you to the Weedon Island Preserve Visitor's center where parking is available for the rentals. Weedon Island Preserve is a well-known birding site and is included in the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Dade City. Shellfish, sponges, snakes, jellyfish and more live in the root systems. Scenic, peaceful preserve a true naturalist delight! Hi! Weedon Island Preserve 95 reviews Claimed Parks, Rafting/Kayaking, Cultural Center Closed 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM See hours See all 380 photos Active Life Parks Weedon Island Preserve Write a review Add photo Location & Hours St. Petersburg, FL 33702 Gateway Get directions You Might Also Consider Sponsored Freedom Boat Club - Hula Bay 12