Crowley Museum and Nature Center

Sarasota, Florida: Part history museum, part nature preserve; the Crowley Museum and Nature Center have been transporting visitors back in time for over 30 years. Here you can take a glimpse into early pioneer life or take a hike deep into natural Florida.

Founded in 1974 by William Jasper Crowley, the Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a 190 acre preserve that combines a pioneer village and museum with trails and wildlife.

As you enter the property and head to the visitor’s center, you are right in the middle of the pioneer area. It is here you will find the museum which houses exhibits from the Crowley family and the area of Old Miakka. The are is also home to the Pioneer Cabin, Sugar Cane Mill, blacksmith shop and the Tatum House. All buildings have been relocated here and then restored to their original state and furnished with pioneer era furnishings to help tell the story of early pioneer life.

From the village you can embark on a hike out to the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh at the edge of the Myakka River. The journey begins on the Pine Level Trail, an old wagon trail that traversed between the county seat of Pine Level to Braidentown (present day Bradenton). From the Pine Level Trail, you then enter the Boardwalk Trail which takes you the remained ½ mile to the Observation Tower. During the hike on the Boardwalk Trail, you will pass though an oak hammock, Maple Branch Swamp and ending at the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. At the end of the boardwalk is a two story observation tower that gives you an elevated view of the marsh and the distant Myakka River

They also have an education center that serves local schools and youth groups, providing them with multiple educational opportunities throughout the year.

In addition to the daily touring and exploring, Crowley also hosts several special events. Two of the more popular are the Southwest Florida Heritage Festival and Starry Night.

Click on the photo above to view the Crowley Museum and Nature Center photo gallery.