By: Makenna Skipper
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Visitors are greeted by a life-size manatee sculpture and welcome sign at the entrance to Manatee Park in Fort Myers, Florida. The park is a protected warm-water refuge where manatees naturally gather, especially during the winter months.
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A large map near the entrance of Manatee Park shows visitors the walking trails, observation decks, and canal system. The park sits along the Orange River, where warm water discharged from a nearby power plant attracts manatees during cooler months.
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| The Manatee Park Welcome Center features a mural of manatees swimming through warm Florida waters. The building serves as the hub for visitor information, wildlife education, and public restrooms, reinforcing the park’s motto: “All Living Things Are Connected. |
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A directional sign topped with a manatee figure points guests toward the visitor’s center and kayak launch.
Manatee Park charges a small parking fee that helps support maintenance, educational programs, and wildlife protection efforts.
 | A sign from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlights conservation efforts and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The agency supports habitat protection, endangered species conservation, and environmental education throughout Florida and beyond. |
 | A bulletin board at Manatee Park shows maps and damage photos from Hurricane Ian’s impact in 2022.
The park was temporarily closed due to storm damage and officially reopened on October 21, 2022, after extensive cleanup and recovery efforts.
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A bulletin board near the welcome center promotes family-friendly activities like Manatee Park Bingo and nature scavenger hunts. The park offers interactive ways for kids to learn about local wildlife while respecting the natural environment—no pets allowed, except service animals. | |
A life-sized manatee sculpture greets visitors at the start of the walking trail through Manatee Park.
This popular photo spot is a favorite for families and marks the beginning of a scenic path lined with native plants and educational signs.
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| “Eye on Nature” trail markers guide families through interactive learning stations that highlight native Florida plants. This self-guided activity encourages visitors of all ages to explore the park’s biodiversity up close and at their own pace. |
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| A life-sized skeletal replica shows the anatomy of a manatee, complete with labeled bones and facts about the species. This exhibit helps visitors understand the biology and vulnerability of Florida’s beloved sea cows, whose gentle nature makes them especially at risk. |
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| An empty observation deck overlooks the warm waters of the Orange River on a quiet morning at Manatee Park. While no manatees were present during this early visit, the peaceful setting still invites reflection and appreciation for their protected habitat. |
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A friendly cartoon sign reminds visitors to observe manatees from a distance without touching, feeding, or disturbing them. These gentle reminders help protect manatees from harm and ensure that everyone can enjoy them safely and respectfully. |
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An audio station lets visitors hear what manatee vocalizations sound like—chirps, clicks, and squeaks used to communicate. Even on days when no manatees are visible, this exhibit helps people connect with these gentle creatures in a memorable way. |
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A sign marks the entrance to the Butterfly Garden, maintained by volunteers and the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. The garden is planted with native species that attract pollinators and celebrate the park’s commitment to environmental stewardship. |
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| Florida Power & Light’s nearby power plant releases warm water into the Orange River, creating a manatee haven during colder months. The discharged water raises river temperatures, attracting hundreds of manatees when surrounding waters drop below 68°F. |
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A thermometer on the observation deck shows the current water temperature in the canal at around 92°F.
Because manatees seek warm waters only when temperatures drop below 68°F, none were spotted during today’s visit. |
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| A plaque honors the donation of Manatee Island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Originally established in 1920 by President Woodrow Wilson, the refuge reflects a long-standing commitment to protecting Florida’s natural habitats. |
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| A wooden boardwalk winds through the Riverine Wetland section of Manatee Park, surrounded by dense subtropical vegetation. This shaded path is home to native plants and wildlife, offering a quiet retreat and prime bird-watching opportunities. |
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| Signs along the trail warn visitors not to feed the alligators and mark access to the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail. The Blueway is a 190-mile marked kayak and canoe trail through Southwest Florida’s coastal waters, rivers, and back bays. |
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A shaded playground at Manatee Park offers kids a break from the trails and a place to play. Located near the picnic area, it’s part of the park’s effort to be both educational and family-friendly. |
