The Little Manatee River State Park

The LMRSP is a great asset to our community and offers many recreational opportunities. The Canoe Outpost operates on the Little Manatee River and works closely with the park to maintain the paddling trails and provide services and information to the paddling community. The park offers:

Hiking: Hiking opportunities in the park include the six mile nature trail on the north side of the river for foot traffic only. This trail is maintained by the park and the Florida Trails Association. It offers 3 or 6 mile hikes through the lowlands along the river and the uplands habitat. Other hiking in the park may be done on the 12 miles of shared equestrian trails or the park road system.

Horseback Riding: The park offers 12 miles of horse trails, a parking lot for equestrian day use and campsites with stables. If you need to rent a horse, guided trail rides in the park for 1-6 people can be arranged through Cathy at Wolfe’s Born To Ride by calling 941-812-1980 or visit www.BornToRide09.com

Picnicking and day use: The park has picnic pavilions along the river and a playground.

Call 813-671-5005 or ask the Canoe Outpost staff for more information

The Manatee Viewing Center

     The Little Manatee River plays host to several Florida Manatees at different times of the year. While we have seen manatees in the river in all months of the year, our most consistent sightings happen in the summer months. Since the river covers a large area and manatees move frequently while feeding, an encounter in the wild is a special treat for the paddler.

During the winter months, manatees seek out warmer waters that can be found in Florida’s natural springs or around power plant water discharges. In our area, the TECO power plant in Apollo Beach attracts many manatees. TECO has created a viewing and education center open to the public at no charge from Nov. 1st to April 15th each year. This center offers people a more consistent chance to see manatees and explore the mangroce estuary on a 900’ long boardwalk.

Take I-75 to exit 246. Go west to the power plant. Call (813) 228-4289 or visit www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/ to learn more.

Mountain Biking – Alafia River State Park

Located about 10 miles from the Canoe Outpost is some of the best mountain biking in Florida. Trail skill levels range from beginner to advanced.  For more information, contact the park at (813) 672-5320 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/alafiariver or visit the web site for the bike club that designed and maintains the trails at http://www.swampclub.org/alafia.php

Ruskin Drive-in Theatre

Since 1952, this local institution has been playing 1st run double features at great prices. Located just 10 miles from the Canoe Outpost at 5011 US Hwy 41 N. Ruskin, Fl. (813) 645-1455 or visit http://www.ruskinfamilydrivein.com/

The Alley

Want to bowl a few games or take the kids to the game room? This local attraction might be right up your... Alley. Located 9 miles from the Canoe Outpost at 10221 Big Bend Road Riverview, Fl.  (813) 672-8353 or visit http://www.thealleyatsouthshore.com

For Your River Trip
Picnicking along the river is always popular. The Canoe Outpost sells bagged ice, cold drinks and snacks but if you need more supplies, they can be found just 3 miles north of the Outpost at the intersection of  US 301 and SR 674.

Publix - Full grocery with deli  Subway - sub sandwiches 
Wal-Mart Super Center - full grocery with deli plus fishing supplies and more

Restaurants are plentiful in the area. From fast food and national names you recognize to the unique local spots that give our community extra flavor, there is no need to go hungry in Wimauma/Sun City Center.

- Anna’s Mexican Restaurant: Locally owned and operated by Anna. Serving authentic Mexican dishes including some of the best chili rellenos you’ll find anywhere. 5705 State Road 674 Wimauma 3 miles east of US 301 (813) 634-3721

Pizza Delivery - Hungry Howie's - Sun City Center - 813-633-3433

- Marrion’s Subs: Marrion’s is famous for offering ONLY 1 kind of sub! It must be good because they have been a local institution for decades. Get the whole deluxe but be ready to share.  Located at the intersection of SR 674 and US 41 in Ruskin.  (813) 645-1088

- Old Castle Tavern: If you like great German food and beer, then this is the place for you. Be sure to try the Strudel!
3830 Sun City Center Blvd. In the Home Depot Plaza 3 miles west of US 301 on SR 674. (813) 633-6900

Lodging is available at the Canoe Outpost, including 3 very nice fully furnished cabins, RV rentals, or camping (Please see our camping and lodging pages) but if you prefer, other options include:

- Little Manatee River State Park: The park we paddle through also offers family campsites for tents or Rv’s with water & electric hookups, dump station, laundry and full bath house in a state park setting. They also offer campsites with stables for horses.     215 Lightfoot Road Wimauma Florida 33598 (813) 671-5005   Reservations may be made through ReserveAmerica.com

- Comfort Inn: A national chain located in Sun City Center. 718 Cypress Village Blvd. (813) 633-3318

- Ruskin Inn: Originally built as a Holiday Inn Express now rebranded. 3113 College Ave. E. Ruskin (813) 641-3437

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