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Parks & Recreation

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preservepr fourmile rotate
East end of SE 23 Terrace
For GPS Use: 2220 SE 21st Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33990
 

pr icon phone   Park Office: 239-549-4606
  Kayak Shack (seasonal): 239-574-7395

pr icon direction   Click for directions to Eco Preserve

Hours of Operation
:

Preserve Hours:
Daily 8:00 a.m. – dusk; year-round

Kayak Shack: (Seasonal)

Weekends only from November thru May (Closed June-October)
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
No rentals after 2:00 p.m.; All boats must be back by 4:00 p.m.

Kayak rentals available at the Kayak Shack Outpost seasonally from November through May.

PARK AMENITIES:

  • 6600’ Nature Trail
  • Veterans Memorial Area 
  • Picnic Areas
  • Restrooms
  • Seasonal Kayak Rentals  (Kayak Shack)
  • Two (2) Observations Piers
  • Visitor Center


At 365 acres
, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is the second largest preserved green space in Cape Coral*. Located just north of Veteran's Parkway, Four Mile Cove / “Eco Park” is a brackish water wetland area that features a walking trail, visitor center, Veterans Memorial Area, and seasonal kayak rentals. There is an 800’ portage along the kayak trail, therefore it is not for beginners and children under 6 are not permitted in the kayaks. However, visitors of any age can walk through the preserve on the boardwalk. Possible wildlife sightings include eagles, ibis, herons, other wading & migratory birds, raccoons, snakes, etc. Be sure to stop at the visitor’s center for information on programs, local wildlife, trail guides and the “last chance to use the facilities.”

 
On the south side of the parking lot is the Veterans Memorial Area, which includes several memorials designed to recognize and honor those who have served our country through the U.S. armed services.

As the City of Cape Coral was being developed, the state stepped in and mandated that the area, which was known locally as Four Mile Cove, be preserved. Now, the property is leased from the state to the city to operate as a preserve. The trail system was funded by grants & as a condition of these grants, the city must manage the park to benefit the wildlife; so human intrusion is kept to a minimum.

This is a nature preserve, therefore dogs are not permitted on the trails and neither is jogging, skateboarding, biking, skating or rollerblading. The walking trails and access to the Veterans Memorial Area are available year-round, but the kayak rental operation is limited. (Weekends, November through May).