Encompassing 57 square miles of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Located just 9-miles east of Sarasota and her Barrier Islands of Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key and Manasota Key, the park is a favorite for hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and viewing Florida’s abundant wildlife.
Once a portion of the estate holdings of Bertha Palmer, her family donated the park to the state in the early 1900’s and named after the Myakka River, the shallow, winding river that flows through 14 miles of the park. Designated as one of Florida’s “Wild and Scenic Rivers” in 1985, the Myakka River is a popular destination for freshwater fishing and canoeing and is home is one of Florida’s largest alligator populations.
Activities abound in the park: Hike along 39-miles of trails, canoe or kayak on the Myakka River or on its lakes, bike along the roads, bird watch along the Birdwalk, take a leisure ride on the Air Boat, ride your own horse along the backcountry horse trails, picnic with the family in the designated picnic areas, or walk through the treetops on the Canopy Walkway.
Myakka River State Park is noted for its diverse wildlife. Herons, ibises, roseate spoonbill, bald eagles, osprey, meadowlark, bobwhite, hawks, ducks, and warblers bring bird watchers from near and far. Alligators, turtles, and gopher tortoises are just a few of the many species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the many fish identified in the rivers and lakes are Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar, Mudfish, Tarpon, American Eel, Yellow Cat, Snook, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Striped Mullet. Native flora provides a verdant sea as mossy live oaks, sabal palms, and mangrove trees blanket the park.
As an area native, recent transplant, or Florida visitor, the picturesque views of Myakka River State Park are a must-see on anyone’s to-do list.
Myakka State Park is located on State Road 72 is just a 14 mile drive from Siesta Key.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed any of Sarasota’s Barrier Islands. Call 941.350.5035.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream
Once a portion of the estate holdings of Bertha Palmer, her family donated the park to the state in the early 1900’s and named after the Myakka River, the shallow, winding river that flows through 14 miles of the park. Designated as one of Florida’s “Wild and Scenic Rivers” in 1985, the Myakka River is a popular destination for freshwater fishing and canoeing and is home is one of Florida’s largest alligator populations.
Activities abound in the park: Hike along 39-miles of trails, canoe or kayak on the Myakka River or on its lakes, bike along the roads, bird watch along the Birdwalk, take a leisure ride on the Air Boat, ride your own horse along the backcountry horse trails, picnic with the family in the designated picnic areas, or walk through the treetops on the Canopy Walkway.
Myakka River State Park is noted for its diverse wildlife. Herons, ibises, roseate spoonbill, bald eagles, osprey, meadowlark, bobwhite, hawks, ducks, and warblers bring bird watchers from near and far. Alligators, turtles, and gopher tortoises are just a few of the many species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the many fish identified in the rivers and lakes are Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar, Mudfish, Tarpon, American Eel, Yellow Cat, Snook, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Striped Mullet. Native flora provides a verdant sea as mossy live oaks, sabal palms, and mangrove trees blanket the park.
As an area native, recent transplant, or Florida visitor, the picturesque views of Myakka River State Park are a must-see on anyone’s to-do list.
Myakka State Park is located on State Road 72 is just a 14 mile drive from Siesta Key.
Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed any of Sarasota’s Barrier Islands. Call 941.350.5035.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream
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