TOP TEN Things to do at Crowley
Click to find out the top ten best things to do when you visit Crowley.
read moreDirections, Hours and Admission
***Google maps, Mapquest, and GPS directions are incorrect. Use directions below and please do not rely on these sources.*** ADDRESS 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota, FL 34240 View Map From the south or west: Take Fruitville Road (exit #210 off I75) and drive 10 miles to the dead end. Turn right on Myakka road. Go 3 miles, Crowley is on your left. If you travel over the bridge to the north entrance of Myakka State Park, you missed us by a mile . Enjoy the park, and come on back by…. From the north: Take I75 to route #70, exit #217B, travel...
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Children’s Discovery Path
Children’s Discovery Path A 3/8 mile long path with five discovery stations where a child can stop and learn about animals, birds, and insects that are native to southwest Florida. Along this path, they will learn about eagles, bats, the gopher tortoise, spiders, and the Florida panther. Each station has a fun, hands-on activity where path explorers can jump, climb, see, and feel what it is like to be one of these creatures. CDP Video Click Here INFORMATION COST: Discovery Path – self guided $3 per child aged 5-12 No charge...
read moreMuseum and Pioneer Area
THE MUSEUM Our pioneer museum exhibits a variety of historic objects, mostly from the Crowley family and the Old Miakka area. The museum is partially arranged like a general store, such as the one John Crowley and his son Jim had kept. A cowboy photography exhibit by well-known area photographer Jimmy Peters is also in the museum. Click here to visit Jimmy’s website and see more amazing photos… THE PIONEER CABIN The one room cabin is typical of those built by pioneers when they first arrived to an unsettled area and contains...
read moreNature Trails and Boardwalks
NATURE TRAILS The self-guided nature trail winds through the Crowley property from high and dry pine flatwoods, through the shady oak hammock, over the Maple Branch swamp, and out to the edge of the expansive Tatum Sawgrass Marsh along the Myakka River. The wide trails offer easy and pleasant walking conditions that are enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Visitors are provided with a booklet for the self-guided trail that details much of the native flora and fauna that might be seen. Below are the main parts of the trail that...
read moreOur Founders
William Jasper Crowley & Edina Truchot Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a 501(c)3 community organization founded by Jasper Crowley (1900-1976) and Edina Truchot (1899-1976) in 1974. John Crowley, Jasper’s grandfather, was an Irish immigrant who came to this area from Pennsylvania. He was a farmer and a blacksmith, a sawmill owner and his wife Sylvia was a teacher. He moved to Florida hoping to improve the health of his wife and daughter. In 1884, John applied for a homestead on 160 acres near Bayshore in what was then Manatee...
read moreMission Statement
Our Vision: To be the best steward of southwest Florida natural and cultural history. Our Mission: To facilitate the enjoyment and understanding of Southwest Florida nature and history, to foster responsible stewardship, and to promote environmental awareness. Our Core Values: Environmental stewardship, conservation, and preservation Cultural heritage preservation Furtherance of sustainable agriculture practices Service to our community Service with integrity and honesty Education through experiential learning Synergistic opportunities with...
read morePets at Crowley
At Crowley we respect and admire all animals, wild and domestic. Considering that our site is just under 200 acres we have wonderful diversity of wildlife and plants. Much of our property is wetlands adjacent to the river and Crowley Creek. This creates a sanctuary and breeding ground for many elusive and rare species. The park is closed three days out of the week to allow the animals to express natural behavior and this makes it more likely to observe them on the days we are open. Also, the Crowley Farm surrounding the museum area...
read morePOV Nature Cam
Naturalists Larry Roberts and Greg Hebert are out there–way, way out there. We know it, and they know it. Watch Larry’s new POV camera in action if you don’t believe us You Tube Video: My Florida Wildlifers Also, visit My Florida Wildlife website for more amazing pics and stories: My Florida Wildlife...
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Become a member and protect everything you love about Crowley.
Admission & Hours
We are open Thursday through Sunday at 10 am until sundown. Admission is $6.50 for Adults, $4.50 for Students and Seniors, $2 for Kids 5 – 12; under five are free.
Programs
Programs and fun activities at Crowley.
