Manatee Village Historical Park

Located in Bradenton, Manatee Village Historical Park provides an enjoyable walk through the past. It’s open Monday through Saturday. Though it is free, donations are accepted.

After a visit to the Wiggins Store where we picked up a map and walked through the 1903 establishment, we strolled leisurely through the park. We saw the boat works, blacksmith shop, turpentine still, smokehouse, and gazebo. One of the highlights was the Old Meeting House, a church which was begun in 1887. Stained glass windows and period furnishings drew us in for a closer look. Across the shady way, we found the Manatee County’s first courthouse and the Bunker Hill School. Anyone interested in Florida history will enjoy visiting the park.