Black Island, Lovers Key, Inner Key and Long Key make up this 712-acre state park which features canals and tidal lagoons fringed with mangroves, which support an array of fish and other aquatic animals.

Once dredged for development, the unsuccessful business venture left behind a serpentine maze of waterways now enjoyed by canoeists, kayakers, bird-watchers, and others. 

This is a favorite area for the West Indian manatees and for a wide variety of bird life including osprey, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and more.

Trout, redfish, snook and tarpon are caught seasonally. Castnetting for mullet in the bay is a popular activity.

A boat ramp is available for access to adjacent Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A canoe launch is also available. This canoe launch is the terminus of the 7-mile Estero River Canoe Trail that begins in Koreshan State Historic Site.

Wildlife

Although the park has been disturbed in the past by dredge and fill activities and the invasion of non-native plants, today the area provides habitat for numerous animals.

The remnant maritime hammock on Black Island hosts several species of woodpeckers, hawks, owls and warblers. Osprey may be seen regularly fishing in the water and nesting in area trees.

Marsh rabbits, raccoons and gray squirrels may also be observed in their natural setting. Many shore birds and wading birds, including roseate spoonbills and reddish egrets, may be seen feeding in the lagoons and along the beach area. Bottle-nosed dolphins and the endangered West Indian manatee also inhabit the near shore waters.

Things to Do

Bicycling
Enjoy over 5 miles of bike trails including the Black Island Trail through a maritime hammock. Trail maps are available showing many interesting places and observation points along the trail. Bring in your own bicycles or rent them at our concession located in the main parking lot. For rental information, contact the park at (239) 463-4588.

Birding
Lovers Key State Park offers one of the best birding areas in SW Florida. The park is home to many active Osprey nests and 2 Bald Eagle nests. Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy Egrets, American Kestrel and many other species are often observed feeding in the bays, estuaries and maritime hammock. With over 40 species of birds recorded, 17 of which are on the designated species list; Lovers Key State Park is a birder paradise.

Boat Ramp
A boat ramp is located in the park for direct access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Boating
Boating is one of the most popular activities at the park with direct access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking are very popular throughout the inner waterways and in Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Fishing
Trout, redfish, snook and tarpon are caught seasonally. Castnetting for mullet in the bay is a popular activity.

Nature Trails
The Black Island Trail is 2.5 miles of hiking or biking adventure through a maritime hammock along the canal banks of Black Island. There are a total of 8 miles of trails within the park including the beach.

Picnicking
Several picnic areas are set throughout the park. On the beach, the inner waterways or the backwaters of Estero Bay, you will be able to find the right spot to enjoy a picnic. Many of the picnic areas are equipped with grills and trash receptacles.

Shelling
With over 2 ? miles of shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, Lovers Key State Park has some of the best shelling opportunities on the Lee Island Coast. Just remember that the taking of live shells is prohibited.

Showers
Outdoor showers are located in the main parking lot.

Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity in the Gulf and the park boasts 2 1/2 miles of excellent beachfront.

Tours
The park staff and concessionaire offer a full array of programs that are sure to entice the adventurous side of you. Join the environmentalists as you discover the many interesting aspects of this nature lover's paradise. For more information please contact the park at (239) 463-4588.

Wildlife Viewing
Lovers Key is one of the best birding areas in South West Florida. You may also encounter Bottlenose Dolphin or West Indian Manatees while in the park.

Lovers Key State Park
8700 Estero Blvd.
Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Phone: 239-463-4588
Park Manager: Paul Rice