Manatee Village Historical Park showcases Manatee County's long and storied past, and visitors can take a trip back to its beginnings. Upon entering, you're greeted by "Old Cabbage Head," the monstrous black steam engine, after which you can proceed, with a guide or without one, to a historic 1887 church, Florida's earliest courthouse, a one-room schoolhouse and more. The K.W. Wiggans general store houses the park's main office and gift shop, where snacks are available. Guests may use the grounds for picnics or special events. Admission is free to this national historic site.
The Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez aims to preserve and promote local maritime heritage through exhibits of photographs, tools, models, equipment, watercraft and other materials. This museum also features a research library, which includes books, letters, records, diaries, logs and other archival material. Classes, field programs and school tours are available.
