The Lemon Bay/Myakka Trail Story
Whether you are on a brief drive or plan on staying awhile, you have arrived at a place worth
experiencing. Lemon Bay and the Myakka River are the significant water resources that give our
scenic highway its name. These waters and others gave birth to our proud heritage drawing
Native Americans, European settlers, pioneers of the 1800s and early 1900s, and even today’s
settlers. As you travel the highways, bikeways, Blueways, or foot trails of this area you will follow
in the footsteps and paddle swirls of the explorers who have added to our rich history.
Relive our history by visiting early 19th century sites to learn about our widespread maritime and
agricultural heritage. The Historic Olde Englewood Village contains examples of early pioneer
architecture. Englewood Pioneer Days, a locals’ favorite event, celebrates the area’s settlers.
The historic district of El Jobean was marketed to northerners as a “Planter’s Paradise,” and
was used as a Hollywood film set in the 1930s.
Launch off one of the many boat ramps or ride with a local captain who will ensure you come back
with memories larger than the fish you catch. You can also participate in local fishing tournaments
and seafood festivals. If you are more adventurous, you can rent a vessel and embark on your own
water odyssey. Or, join the anglers fishing from the El Jobean, Anger and Coral Creek Fishing
Piers.
Hike our many parks and see native species of plants and animals. Great places to see wildlife
and nature are Cedar Point, Oyster Creek and Tippecanoe Environmental Park, as well as
Myakka State Forest, Lemon Bay Park, Manasota Scrub Preserve, Venice Rookery, and
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. These parks offer many recreational activities and have
educational/environmental centers that teach the whole family about our heritage and the
environment.
Water – and all its opportunities – brought the area to prominence throughout the corridor’s
history. “Water, water everywhere!” is still the theme for the Lemon Bay/Myakka Trail. The
Trail embraces the natural element of both land and sea and incorporates it into the activities,
scenic views and history. Today’s residents and visitors recognize the “Old Florida” ambiance
they find upon experiencing the beautiful Lemon Bay/Myakka Trail.