Little Manatee River State Park preserves 2,433 acres along the Little Manatee River in a region more often associated with development than expansive natural scenery. Established in 1974 as the Little Manatee River State Recreation Area and redesignated a state park in 1999, it protects a diverse river corridor and inland habitats. A plant survey recorded 523 taxa, including many native species, Florida endemics, and ten threatened, endangered, or commercially exploited taxa. Its wildlife includes Florida scrub jays, white-tailed deer, bobcats, alligators, otters, and many birds. The park also supports quiet recreation through paddling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and wildlife viewing.