We make our home in Wimauma on the Little Manatee River. Our customers often ask about other local attractions, restaurants, lodging and services so we provide this page for your convenience.

Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary

Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary has a mission to provide continuing care, life management and enrichment to exotic and wild animals in need of a home.  Located just a few miles from the Canoe Outpost in Wimauma, a group of caring volunteers work with lions, tigers, leopards, bears and many other animals to provide them a safe and happy home.

Elmira’s is open to the public for tours on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Minimum donation for tours is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Your donation helps to feed and care for the animals and is much appreciated. Volunteer and other involvement opportunities are available. Elmira’s is a 501c3 and donations are tax deductible.

Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary
2502 West Lake Drive     Wimauma, Fl. 33598
www.Elmiraswildlife.org       email: info@elmiraswildlife.org   phone: (813) 634-4115

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.

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

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.        (813) 228-4289           www.manatee-teco.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

- The Copper Penny: A popular locally owned family style restaurant with a good selection. The adjacent Wooden Nickel Lounge is a good spot to have a drink and a burger and tell some river stories.  16701 US 301 S. At SR 674 and US 301.  (813) 634-5476

- 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 in either fully furnished cabins or camping ( Please see our camping and lodging pages ) but if you prefer, local motels and bed & breakfasts are close by.

- 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

- Southern Comfort Bed & Breakfast: Located in Ruskin near the lower Little Manatee River, this locally owned B & B offers fine breakfasts, a choice of five themed rooms, tennis court and pool and of course, great hospitality. 
2409 Ravine Drive W. Ruskin Florida 33570 (813) 645-6361  www.southerncomfortbedandbreakfast.com

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

- Holiday Inn Express: A national chain located in Sun City Center. 3113 College Ave E. (813) 641-3437

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