on May 30, 2017

Crowley’s Museum & Nature Center

If you like hiking and you enjoy old Florida then Crowley Museum & Nature Center would make a great place to visit! It was established in 1878, by John Crowley. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time with an historic home, The Tatum House 1888-1892 is an old pioneer cabin, it was donated to Crowley’s by the Albritton Family. The Tatum Ridge School House dates back to 1862. The historic one room schoolhouse, was originally on Tatum Rd, it closed in 1941 when Myakka Elementary & Tatum Ridge consolidated as Fruitville Elementary…

Crowley’s: Pioneer Cabin

There is a blacksmith shop that holds some of Crowley’s tools and a Pioneer Cabin & museum with antique furniture. There is a sugar cane mill that was horse drawn, and is still working. This non-profit covers a diverse Florida landscape with 190 acres of old rural Florida including, farmland with Cracker Cattle, they are descendants of the original cattle owned by Crowley. There is a garden, producing vegetables, a grape vineyard, bee hives & honey for sale! Acres of amazing wilderness, including a marsh and sawgrass, with plenty of Florida wildlife. There are bobcats, gators, river otters, a variety of snakes, birds, foxes, dragonflies, butterflies, Sherman’s Fox Squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies and other wildlife, along with countless native Florida plants.

Crowley’s: Hiking trails at Crowley’s

There is a ½ mile trail with a boardwalk that leads to a 2-story tower and you can see for miles, and even a peek of the Myakka River named a “Wild and Scenic River, by the FL State Legislation, which provides protection. Be sure to where sneakers… We took a trail back along a pretty creek, I understand it is Spring fed… Old rural Florida at its best!

If you enjoy birding…. they are listed on the “Great Florida Birding Trail” (2 mile stretch designated birding trail) with a number of sightings… (see list on link below)

http://floridabirdingtrail.com/trail/trail-sections/south-section/crowley-museum-and-nature-center/

Crowley’s: Crowley’s Old Rural Florida

They have a Farmers market on some Saturday mornings and special events, even some at night, call for info. They offer primitive camping on occasion and the property can be used for events like weddings, or group events… more information and prices are on their website.

Admission is $5 each Children 3 to 12 are $2. You’ll receive a map with numbered stations to explain points of interest!

The admission area looks like an old general store…

16405 Myakka Road
Sarasota, FL 34240

941-322-1000

Open Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm. They have homeschool groups with guided tours by appointment… there is also a children’s trail. They do allow dogs if they are leashed, well socialized and you pick up after them (no exceptions)

You’ll enjoy the scenic ride to get out there. It’s east on Fruitville Rd about 10 miles from I-75, you’ll pass sprawling ranches, and get a feeling of what old Florida was like, when you hit the end (at the T) you’ll take a right (Myakka Rd) you’ll head south for about 3 miles, it is on the left after Crowley’s nursery (see Nursery info below)

Crowley’s Nursery & Organics!

Do you enjoy exotic and rare plants? How about Organics? You are going to love this garden in Old Miakka. It has an extensive variety of Roses, Vines, Bamboo, organic Fruit Trees, and exotic flowers. Kathy Crowley (her husband Charlie is a descendant of John Crowley, their sons, Warner & Brad play vital parts at the Nursery) They are a wonderful example of a family run businesses, friendly and very knowledgeable… if you have any questions, feel free to ask! Some of the Roses date back to the 1800’s. There are many rare fruit trees and edible plants. The Bamboo comes in more than 20 varieties, from 3 gallons to 45 gallon. They belong to many plant societies and will let you know what grows well here and what is drought tolerant…

Let’s support our area growers! Buy local! You’ll be in awe of all the plants on the property! Feel free to ask questions or visit their fb pg! You may learn a few tips! So many unique plants to choose from!

Crowley Nursery & Garden – organics!