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Sarasota, Florida Parks.

Myakka River State Park is a Sarasota, Florida park offering one of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas. The "Florida Wild and Scenic" Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands in this Sarasota, Florida park. The river and its two shallow lakes attract a myriad of wetland creatures making birding, canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation popular activities at this Sarasota, Florida park.

A 7-mile scenic drive winds through shady oak-palm hammocks and along the shore of the Upper Myakka Lake. Over 39 miles of hiking trails and many miles of dirt roads provide access to the remote interior of this Sarasota, Florida park.

Large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie thrive at this Sarasota, Florida park thanks to intense restoration efforts. This globally-imperiled community suffered many decades of fire exclusion before people realized how dependent these grasslands were on frequent fire.

This Sarasota, Florida park is one of the state's oldest parks. It was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and many of the original, historic buildings are still in use today, including five log rental cabins.

You'll find many opportunities to discover the uniqueness of this Sarasota, Florida park. Brochures and information about park programs and tours are available at the Ranger Station. Try out CyberRanger at Myakka Friends Gallery and Gifts for native plant and wildlife facts. Stop by the Visitor Center for videos and exhibits of wildlife and their habitats, then discover how plants and animals adapt to survive flood, drought and shade at the nature trail. You can even explore the treetops of this Sarasota, Florida park on Myakka's canopy walkway, and climb the 70-foot tower for an awesome view of wetlands, forest, and prairie.

Fourteen miles of the Myakka Wild and Scenic River flow through the Sarasota, Florida park. Canoes are available for rent from Myakka River Outpostat this Sarasota, Florida park. A boat ramp on the Upper Myakka Lake provides access to the river and both lakes. Additional canoe launch locations are at picnic areas along the main drive. During periods of low water (winter and spring) it is necessary to portage around the weir at the south end of the Upper Myakka Lake. It may also be necessary to portage along shallow portions of the river or when blockages of water hyacinths occur.

The Boylston Nature Trail at this Sarasota, Florida park is a 45-minute walk through a shady, oak/palm hammock. A spur trail takes you to the Myakka Canopy Walkway and 74-foot high tower. But if hiking isn't a favorite activity, you may hop aboard one of the world's two largest airboats, the "Myakka Maiden," or the "Gator Gal" for a scenic cruise on the Upper Myakka Lake at this Sarasota, Florida park. Discover what makes the Myakka unique among America's freshwater lakes. Hear intriguing stories about the alligator, anhinga, and sandhill crane as you become acquainted with the variety of creatures that make their home at this Sarasota, Florida park.

These air-powered vessels venture into the shallow, grassy areas where traditional crafts of such size wouldn't dare to go. The leisurely ride is so safe and smooth you'll have no problem taking photographs to bring home. You also may take Myakka Wildlife Tours' special "Tram Safari" into the backcountry of this Sarasota, Florida park. Discover what life in old Florida was like as you see it through the eyes of the early settlers. Learn to detect clues of the presence of resident wildlife as you pass through shady hammocks, majestic pine flatwoods, fertile marshes and sunny prairies. If you want to gain an understanding of the intricate workings of a natural ecosystem in progress, you have to experience it for yourself.

Wildlife that may be seen at this Sarasota, Florida park include: deer, raccoons, opossums, red-shouldered hawks, turkeys, barred owls, and vultures are commonly seen along the park drive. The river, lakes and wetlands attract huge alligators, ducks, wading birds, woodstorks, sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, eagles, ospreys, and shorebirds. Hiking trails lead to the prairies and pinelands that harbor caracaras, Bachman’s sparrows, bobcats, bobwhite quail, and meadowlarks.

For more information on this Sarasota, Florida park, see their website at:   floridastateparks.org/myakkariver/default.asp.

Be sure to check out Sarasota, Florida vacation rentals by owner houses, villas and condos for luxurious, yet affordable accomodations - many times less than the cost of a cramped, stuffy, less-than-clean hotel room.

Sarasota, Florida Parks:
 
Arlington Park
2650 Waldemere St
Sarasota, Florida
941.316.1346

Cattleman Road Park
1575 Cattlemen Rd
Sarasota, Florida
941.341.0890

Colonial Oaks Park
5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd
Sarasota, Florida
941.316.1330

Longwood Park
6050 Longwood Run Blvd
Sarasota, Florida
941.316.1383

Myakka River State Park
13207 S.R. 72
Sarasota, Florida 34241
941.361.6511

Newtown Estates Park
2800 Newtown Blvd
Sarasota, Florida
941.316.1161

Phillippi Estate Park
5500 S Tamiami Trl
Sarasota, Florida
941.316.1309

Pinecraft Park
1420 Gilbert Ave
Sarasota, Florida
941.316.1330

Twin Lakes Park
6700 Clark Rd
Sarasota, Florida
941.316.1172