Located nine miles east of Sarasota on State Road 72, Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida and protects one of the state´s most diverse natural areas.
The Myakka River, designated as a “Florida Wild and Scenic River”, flows through 58-square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park´s river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing and kayaking; a boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie.
Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world’s two largest airboats. Safari tram tours of the park’s back country are offered from mid-December through May. Full-facility campgrounds and primitive campsites are available. Five palm log cabins, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, have been modernized for comfortable lodging.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.
Admission Fee: Yes
Visit: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241
Contact: 941-361-6511
Connect: Website | Friends of Myakka River (non-profit organization)
