Robinson Preserve

CONTACT US +

Coastal Trails Open to Pedestrian Traffic Only

Due to loose sand from the hurricanes, the northern section of the Osprey Loop is open to pedestrian traffic only. No bikes allowed.

The Tern Trail is closed mid-way due to a damaged boardwalk.


 

Tram Tours Cancelled

Due to hurricane damage, Tram Tours are canceled for the foreseeable future.

Robinson Preserve is located in northwest Bradenton, with entrances at the West end of 9th Ave NW and 17th Ave NW.  Including the recently acquired "Expansion" and Winston tract properties, the preserve now consists of 682 acres that is a mix of preserved mangrove, tidal marsh, and former agricultural lands which have undergone an incredible transformation to coastal wetland habitat.  This process continues with the "Expansion" which brings to you loads more coastal wetlands and other habitats, a 2.5k rubberized pedestrian-only trail, additional kayak launches and trails, restrooms, picnic areas, and the NEST and Canopy Zone, our brand-new and already iconic educational/event space.

For rules and more information please check out the Robinson Preserve brochure and trail map.

Location

17th Ave NW North Entrance (w/Valentine House)
1704 99th Street Northwest
Bradenton, FL 34209
Map

9th Ave NW South Entrance ("The Expansion" w/NEST and Canopy Zone)
10299 9th Ave NW
Bradenton, FL 34209
Map

Hours

Robinson Preserve is open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. Trespassing after hours outside of programs and special events is prohibited and vehicles left unattended will be towed at owner's expense.

Kayak Storage

Kayak storage tubes at Robinson Preserve Manatee County has kayak storage facilities for rent at Robinson Preserve. There are 40 kayak storage tubes located at the North entrance, 17th Ave NW North Entrance (w/Valentine House), and 120 kayak storage tubes located at the 9th Ave NW South Entrance ("The Expansion"), 10299 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

Kayak storage tubes cost $480.00 per year plus tax.  They are paid for on an annual basis and you are allowed to renew for up to five years.  Tubes are 20 feet deep by 3 feet in diameter.  The upper tubes are 4.5 feet off the ground.

Effective September 30, 2024, all kayak contracts for both the North Entrance and South Entrance will expire September 30th each year.


Join the Kayak Storage Waitlist

Things to Do

  • Hiking and nature trails
  • Kayak/canoeing trails and launch
  • Outdoor education
  • Non-motorized bicycle trails
  • Rollerblading
  • Managed fishing
  • Picnic areas and pavilions
  • Wildlife viewing areas
  • Group camping / Paddle-up Camping
  • Observation tower
  • Dog walking

Accessibility

Accessibility: There is one paved trail that begins at the entrance of Robinson Preserve and traverses the entire preserve ending at Manatee Avenue.  Most of the trails are packed shell through the preserve.  Please help to protect the habitat and resident wildlife by remaining on designated trails at all times.

Kayak/Canoeing

Kayak/Canoeing: The launch is available near the entrance to the preserve. The Blueways Trails connect to the Manatee River, Perico Bayou, and Palma Sola Bay, comprising over 3 miles of internal trails. A 5-mile round-trip adventure would start at the launch and meander through the preserve to Palma Sola Bay and back.

Picnic Pavilions

Picnic Pavilions: Two locations are available by reservation or on a first-come-first-serve basis.  You can reserve a pavilion online here or by calling (941) 742-5923.

Group Camping

Group Camping: Available for groups by reservation only. 

Group rate: $90/per 25 total occupants
Minimum of 1 adult (over 21) per every 10 children (under 12 years).

Please call (941) 742-5923 for more information or to reserve the campground.

Visitor's Center

Visitor's Center: Transplanted from its original location in Palmetto, the historic Valentine House now sits at the entrance to Robinson Preserve. See Valentine House hours.

Policies & Regulations

  • Hours change seasonally and are posted on entrance signs. Trespassing prohibited when preserve is closed. Gates close automatically at time
    indicated on signs at entrance.
  • Unattended vehicles left after sunset will be towed.
  • Visitors must remain on mapped trails and boardwalks. Disturbing wildlife or destruction of habitat by walking or bicycling off trails is prohibited.
  • Collecting of any kind is prohibited. All plants, animals, and artifacts are protected by federal, state, and local law.
  • Alcohol, littering, & glass containers are prohibited on Preserve property.
  • Drones and other remotely operated vehicles or toys are prohibited.
  • Pet owners are responsible for keeping animals held on leash (maximum length of 8 ft) and under control at all times. Proper removal and disposal of pet waste is required. Pets are not allowed to damage habitat or approach wildlife by leaving trails or entering water bodies.
  • Wildlife is protected by law from being hunted, harassed, injured, captured, chased, displaced or otherwise disturbed. Please enjoy viewing and photographing wildlife from a distance.
  • Fishing is allowed at piers and bridges only using rod and reel. Wading and cast nets are prohibited inside Preserve property.
  • Bicycles must yield to pedestrians and obey posted speed limits.
  • Paddle trail users must use landing areas provided to beach. Shorelines
    are protected.
  • Unregistered motorized vehicles and motorized vessels of any kind are prohibited on Preserve property. This includes ATVs, off-road motorcycles, golf carts, powered bicycles or scooters, vessels with motors or any device which is not self propelled with exceptions of mobility aids as provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Preserve employees reserve the right to expel visitors for violation of these rules and/or any listed in Manatee County Code Chapter 2-24.

VIOLATIONS PUNISHABLE BY FINE OR IMPRISONMENT UNDER MANATEE COUNTY CODE OF ORD. CHAPTER 2-24 STATE AND FEDERAL LAW

More about Robinson Preserve

Explore the Coastal Paradise in your Backyard

Tucked into the corner of northwest Bradenton, Robinson Preserve includes 679 acres of coastal grasslands, saltern, marsh, and mangrove habitat. These systems support a variety of rare wildlife, presenting careful observers with an opportunity to see roseate spoonbills, wood storks, white pelicans, bald eagles, and least terns in their natural environment. Sprouting up from the salty soil are a vast array of intriguing plants, including saltwort, glasswort, and succulent sea purslane.

Robinson Preserve offers visitors numerous ways to explore the coastal habitats. Scale the 40-foot tall observation tower for a view of four counties and five water bodies or check out the view from the camera in the Valentine House Visitor’s Center. Bike or roller blade on 2.5 miles of paved trail, and hikers can explore more than 5 miles of shell and coastal trails. For paddlers, Robinson Preserve’s 2.5 miles of blueways present a chance to navigate through mangrove tunnels, marshes, and more. The opportunities are endless.

It takes a Community to build a Preserve

The restoration work at Robinson Preserve represents an incredible partnership between numerous local, state, and national agencies. Florida Communities Trust was the County’s significant partner with a grant of $6 million applied to the County’s $10 million purchase of the property. Additional supporters included Southwest Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Gulf of Mexico Foundation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

These agencies have contributed financial assistance and consulting services, supporting Manatee County’s commitment to preserving and restoring sensitive lands and natural resources.