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Myakka River State Park Tours
A boat tour or wildlife tram tour offers a memorable opportunity to get up-close to Florida’s birds and wildlife in their own natural environment.
The Myakka River is the only river in Florida to be designated a Wild and Scenic River, which guarantees the preservation and management of the river for many generations to come. It is set within the Myakka River State Park which is one of the state’s oldest and largest state parks.
The main road of Myakka River State Park is a seven-mile scenic drive with a posted speed limit of 15-25 mph. The road winds through shady hammocks, grassy marshes, and along the upper lake which is great seen by car, bike, or foot. You have a good opportunity to see deer, rabbits, and other native Florida wildlife.
The drive from the main entrance to the Myakka Outdoors tour ticket booth is 4 miles. The speed limit is strictly enforced within the Park!
Myakka Park Guided Boat Tours
Guided scenic cruises on Upper Myakka Lake. During the eco-tour, you’ll learn what makes Myakka unique among America’s freshwater lakes, hear intriguing stories about alligator, anhinga, sandhill cranes, and other Florida wildlife.
The leisurely boat tour is fun and informative for all ages and offers a safe and smooth ride so you’ll have no problem taking photographs to bring home from your vacation.
Boat tours are offered daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Boat Tours Depart on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is $22 for adults and seniors, $12 for children 3 – 12, children under 3 are free (in adults lap).
10% discount for first responders and military personnel.
See Wildlife on a Myakka Park Tram Tour
The Myakka Outdoors tram tour is a three-mile loop into the center of Myakka River State Park where public vehicle access is prohibited.
The knowledgeable tour guide will share information about the park’s history, the culture and lifestyle of Myakka’s pioneers, and wildlife points of interest.
This 40 to 60 minute, narrated tour offers an opportunity to see wild turkey, deer, alligators, and a variety of birds.
Each tour lasts approximately one hour. These educational and fun tours are sure to be a highlight of your visit to Sarasota  and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Tram Tour Schedule : 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Myakka River State Park Backcountry Swamp Buggy Tours
Experience Myakka River State Park on a thrilling all-terrain swamp buggy tour. This off-road adventure takes you down trails in search of wildlife.
Please note: All tours are based on environmental conditions. Please call in advance as schedules may change. T ickets sold at the ticket booth for tours that day starting at 9 a.m. During peak season and holidays, tickets may sell out hours in advance of scheduled tours.
NOTE: If using a GPS when you use the physical address you should be directed to the South Gate or main entrance to Myakka River State Park. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE NORTH, YOU MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE NORTH GATE ENTRANCE WHICH IS NOT ALWAYS OPEN. The North Gate may be closer to you, but you will not be able to enter except 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on WEEKENDS and STATE HOLIDAYS.
Business Info
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- State Road 72 Sarasota, FL 34241
- 941.923.0220
- www.MyakkaOutdoors.com
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Through our interpretive tours, guests explore and experience the unique ecosystems of Myakka River State Park.
Scenic boat tours are offered daily and give you an up close look at the natural beauty of the Myakka River.
Backcountry
Swamp buggy tours of the park´s backcountry are offered from mid-December through May.
Myakka River State Park is one of the best wildlife observation spots in the Florida State Park System offering the chance to see bald eagles, wood storks, sandhill cranes, osprey, alligators, deer, and much more.
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It is our mission to educate the public about the importance of preserving our natural resources and assist them in identifying and enjoying the many wonders of parks in which we operate, including geology, wildlife, plant life, archeology, local Native American culture, local ethnic culture, and historical significance. We will also promote the Park System with its goals of preservation, protection, and enjoyment of public lands.
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11 Things to Do in Myakka River State Park
Experience one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks!
Myakka State Park sits just outside of Sarasota near Florida’s gulf coast, tucked along the 72-mile-long Myakka River. This prime location offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its finest thanks to a diverse expanse of unspoiled land. Designated as one of Florida’s first state parks in the 1930’s, the history of this area dates back long before when the Seminole Indian tribe inhabited this region.
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The park contains several different ecosystems including prairies, marshes, pine woodlands, oak hammocks, tropical palms, rivers, and wetlands. From hiking trails to campgrounds, Myakka caters to all visitors with various interests and skill levels. Read on for the best things to do in Myakka River State Park!
Where is Myakka State Park?
Myakka River State Park is located in Sarasota County, Florida. The park spans over 58 square miles and is situated in the subtropical region of southwest Florida, providing a year-round warm climate. Easily accessible from the I-75 highway, the nearest major cities are Sarasota and Venice, which are approximately 20 miles west of the park.
The best time to visit Myakka State Park
If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the winter months when the weather is typically mild and pleasant. On the other hand, if you are interested in birding or wildflowers then the spring and fall seasons might be the best time to visit Myakka State Park. This is also when the wildlife is most evident.
Note : The summer months are very hot and humid, and because of the substantial alligator population there are no swimming areas inside the park to cool off.Â
The Best Things to do in Myakka State Park
From casual strolls along boardwalks with binoculars to paddling and bicycling, this park has something for every activity level and age.Â
1. Take a Scenic Boat Tour
Take a ride on a flat-bottomed boat around the Upper Myakka Lake to see wildlife up close and learn about the Myakka River State Park. You can buy tickets on the spot (no reservations are taken due to daily weather changes) and the tour lasts around 45 to 60 minutes. The seating is covered but not enclosed, so be prepared to be outside for that time (i.e. sunscreen!). And remember to bring your camera!
Current Myakka Boat Tour Prices:
- $20 for adults
- $12 for children ages 3 to 12
- Free for children 2 and under
2. Go For a Hike
The Myakka Trail includes 39 miles of loop trails maintained by the Florida Trail Association. Various backcountry roads cross the main trail which allows hikers to begin and end the trail at shorter intervals. Live oaks, palm hammocks, pine woods, dry prairies, wetlands and marshes are all identified along the diverse trails.Â
July 2023 update: The park is still cleaning up after a devastating hurricane season in 2022. Hurricane Ian in particular did major damage to the southern west coast of Florida, and there is evidence still of this destruction in the form of fallen trees and construction currently in sections of the park. Some trails may be closed or blocked until this is resolved.Â
3. Get a Bird's Eye View from the Canopy Walkway
Step onto the Myakka Canopy Walkway and experience life from a whole new perspective! As North America’s first public treetop trail, this structure was built in 2000 as a new way to connect with nature.
Suspended 25 feet above the ground, visitors have the opportunity to observe the lush hammock canopy as it extends 100 feet, and climb even higher to the soaring 74-foot tower for a breathtaking view of the surrounding wetlands, prairies, and tree hammocks. From this unique vantage point you’ll be able to spot majestic eagles, hawks, and vultures, as well as the tops of live oak and sabal palm trees.
Note : As of July 2023, due to hurricane damage the canopy walkway is being repaired. Stay tuned for opening dates!Â
4. Take a Day Trip to Venice Beach
Less than 30 minutes from the state park lies the glistening shores of the Gulf of Mexico, offering plenty of opportunities to relax on sandy beaches and soak up some sun. Whether you prefer the pristine shores of Siesta Key or the peace and quiet of Venice Beach, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your preference. Venturing to the Gulf is a fantastic way to make some unforgettable memories and creates the perfect excuse to take a day trip to the beach.
From Myakka, head out to the Venice Fishing Pier to find hidden treasures that wait to be discovered. With every step you could stumble upon precious shells and fossilized shark teeth that line this section of Florida’s west coast. The thrill of the hunt will keep you motivated and eager to see what you will find next. You never know what hidden gems you may discover!
5. Look for Wildlife
Myakka River State Park is most known for the plentiful alligators that call it home… there is an estimated 4,000 of these prehistoric creatures lurking in the dark waters of the Myakka River. The best place to spot an alligator in Myakka is off the bridge that overlooks a wide section of water right along the 7-mile scenic drive running through the park.Â
Note: These reptiles are among the largest in the world and deserve the caution warranted when nearing one – typically however if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. A heads up though, there is no swimming in the state park because of the abundance of gators. So if you are wanting to cool off in the warm Florida water head to the gulf coast beaches!Â
Another great gator viewing spot is via the Deep Hole Trail in the park. This lesser-known location requires a 4.4 mile round-trip trek so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and bring water and bug spray. Only 30 visitors are allowed per day and a permit is required. The permits are first-come first-served so it’s important to get to the ranger’s station early.
Also, the alligators are most likely to be active in the early and later parts of the day, not typically during the mid-afternoon heat. Don’t forget your camera or phone, and a telephoto lens is preferred. Be sure to maintain your distance so you don’t get too close to the wildlife!Â
Along with the alligators, Myakka State Park boasts an incredible variety of wildlife that never ceases to amaze visitors. An abundance of wild animals call this park home, from smaller furry mammals such as raccoons and bobcats to larger black bears and panthers, graceful deer and goofy armadillos. There’s always a chance to spot something exciting on your hike or nature stroll.
6. Enjoy a Florida Draft Beer
The Pink Gator Café located inside the park along the Upper Myakka Lake is a fantastic spot to grab a tasty lunch, dessert, or even a cold draft beer. The second-story balcony offers spectacular views of the lake and serves homemade entrees including alligator stew, seafood gumbo, and other sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. The café also offers local Florida craft beers from Tampa, Fort Pierce, and the Florida Keys on tap, which is rare for a state park!
7. Take Kayaks Out on the Water
Neighboring the cafĂ© is the Myakka Outpost, where guests of the park can rent bicycles (single or tandem bikes), canoes, and kayaks. There is also a gift shop at the Outpost selling Florida souvenirs, and a camp store for any camping supplies you may need including ice and firewood.Â
Visitors can choose to rent single kayaks or canoes which can hold 3 adults (or 2 adults with 2 children). Alternatively, bring your own vessel and launch at the Outpost. The Myakka River is 66 miles long, with 14 of these miles flowing through the state park. Paddlers will see a myriad of wetland creatures including water birds, reptiles big and small, fish, and even the occasional manatee.
Another launching point is at the bridge located one mile into the park, which allows paddlers direct access to the Myakka River. This is a popular spot for anglers of all types to fish for tarpon, gar, largemouth bass, and tilapia. Fishing supplies can be found at the Outpost.Â
8. Go Camping in the State Park
The park features 90 campsites spread out over three campgrounds, each equipped with 20/30/50 amp electrical service and water. The only sites with sewer hook-ups are in Palmetto Ridge. Laundry facilities are available to all campers. The sites are large, some are shaded, and the entire park is clean and well-kept.
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake by the Outpost. Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance. Bonus, pets are welcome in these three campgrounds!
Alternatively, stay the night in a historic log cabin! Built in the 1930’s, each of the palm log cabins includes a bathroom, shower, fully-equipped kitchen, and sleeps up to six guests. From the welcoming front porch to the inside fireplace, these cabins offer a bit of rustic charm to your stay in Myakka State Park.Â
Note : These cabins are meant to be a relaxing experience, so there is no wifi or television to be found.
9. Ride Along the Biking Trails
Myakka State Park offers seven miles of paved roads perfect for biking enthusiasts. Pedal through serene hammocks, past, grassy marshes, and along he stunning Upper Myakka Lake shoreline. For less traffic, head to the North Drive over the main drive to enjoy a tranquil ride.
Or if you’re feeling adventurous, head to the dirt roads in the backcountry north of State Road 72. Be aware that some of these roads are a bit more challenging with sand, mud, or even damage caused by feral pigs! Also, keep in mind that the roads may be flooded during the rainy summer months.
10. Look for Bigfoot
Rumors are that a “skunk ape” (AKA bigfoot or sasquatch) has been inhabiting the areas in and surrounding the state park! Â There have been multiple sightings and records of this foul-smelling cryptid dating back as far as when early Europeans settled in this region. Seminole and Miccosukee tribes even includes stories of a foul-smelling, powerful, secretive creature called Esti Capcaki , Â roughly translating to “Furry Tall Man” or “Hairy Giant”.
Apparently the skunk ape has been spotted all over the state of Florida as far south as the Florida Keys. More recently, this mysterious creature has been supposedly caught on film by visitors and has been featured on movies and shows including Animal Planet’s Finding Bigfoot . This “Florida Bigfoot” has become an unofficial mascot for the state and signifies the Florida wilderness.
11. Go Bird-Watching
Experience the park’s impressive bird population, with majestic animals inhabiting the park year-round. Guests can often spot bald eagles, ospreys, anhingas, ibises, sandhill cranes, and herons. During winter, migratory birds such as white pelicans and roseate spoonbills will appear.
Walk along the bird boardwalk and enjoy the peaceful and expansive view of the surrounding marshes, wetlands, and waterways. Recently reopened following hurricane damage, the “birdwalk” takes you closer to the Myakka River so you can easily spot the birds and other wildlife.
There are so many fun, unique, and adventurous things to do in Myakka River State Park. We spent the weekend camping, relaxing, hiking, and even got a beach trip in. This state park is one of Florida’s natural wonders and truly embodies the “Old Florida” experience!
Some of our other favorite Florida State Parks to visit:
- Paddle in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
- Swim at Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont
- See the manatees at Blue Spring State Park
- Tips for Visiting Rainbow Springs State Park
- Spend the Perfect Day in Bahia Honda State Park
Happy Travels!
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Myakka River State Park Guide — Canopy Walkway, Tours, and More
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How to get to myakka river state park, getting around myakka river state park, what to see and do in myakka river state park, best times to visit myakka river state park, where to stay in myakka river state park, where to eat in myakka river state park, myakka river state park facts, final thoughts.
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Myakka River State Park is a unique natural wonder that features Florida’s first state-designated “Wild and Scenic River.” The park offers diverse landscapes, including prairies, wetlands, and pinelands. You can explore this ecosystem’s natural and cultural history, hike, fish, take boat tours, and enjoy wildlife viewing.
With over 300,000 visitors each year, this park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Florida’s natural wonders.
Where Is Myakka River State Park?
Myakka River State Park is situated in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. It is a vast area stretching over 37,000 acres. The park is 9 miles east of Interstate 75, making it easily accessible for visitors.Â
Myakka River State Park Opening Hours and Seasons
This park is an amazing destination that remains open throughout the year, offering visitors plenty of opportunities to explore and appreciate its natural beauty, regardless of the season. The park operates from 8 a.m. until sunset, so you can plan your visit accordingly and maximize your time here.
If you intend to take part in a boat tour, keep in mind that the concessionaires have different hours from the park.
Nearest Airports to Myakka River State Park
The most convenient airport for reaching Myakka River State Park is Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), around 30 minutes away.
This airport provides numerous nonstop flights to various destinations, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, New York City, and Toronto. Many well-known airlines offer services at this airport, such as Air Canada, Allegiant, American, Breeze, JetBlue, Southwest, and Sun Country.
Travelers can enjoy the airport’s convenient location, shorter check-in lines, spacious terminal, and a wide range of services.
Driving to Myakka River State Park
To reach the breathtaking Myakka River State Park, you can take the main route, I-75. Once you’re on the highway, take exit 205 and then drive 9 miles towards the east on SR 72 . Keep an eye out for the park entrance on the left-hand side of the road.Â
Taking the Train to Myakka River State Park
There is no train service to Myakka River State Park.
Taking the Bus to Myakka River State Park
No bus goes directly to this park, but you can take a Greyhound bus to Sarasota . From the station, it’s approximately a 25-minute drive to the park. You can easily organize a ride-sharing service or rent a car from here to get to the park.
There are multiple ways to explore Myakka River State Park. You can drive along the park road, which offers various spots to park and enjoy the scenic views. Another option is to paddle through the park’s waterways. You can also opt for hiking along the numerous trails that meander through the park.
This park offers a vast array of activities for visitors to indulge in. The park is a nature lover’s paradise, from hiking and biking to kayaking and wildlife spotting. You can also take an airboat ride, go fishing, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
This state park is a paradise for biking enthusiasts . With 7 miles of winding paved roads, the park offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty of the region’s natural wonders. You’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of shady hammocks, luscious greenery, and the sparkling waters of Upper Myakka Lake.Â
You can bring your bike or rent one from a nearby concessionaire, but be sure to pack a helmet, as they are required by Florida law.Â
This park is a nature enthusiast’s paradise, boasting an awe-inspiring variety of wading birds, songbirds, raptors, ducks, and migratory birds that make their home here at different times of the year.
This park is a birder’s dream come true, from the majestic bald eagle to the pink roseate spoonbills. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced birdwatcher, you’ll be captivated by the unique sights and sounds of this incredible sanctuary.
Be sure to explore the Wings Over Florida program during your visit, which allows visitors to discover the park’s diverse bird species through self-guided tours and informative bird lists. If you’re lucky enough to be here between November and mid-April, you can meet with a bird naturalist at the Birdwalk most days of the week to learn even more about the fascinating world of birds.
The park offers visitors a chance to take a boat tour around Upper Myakka Lake aboard flat-bottomed vessels, with an opportunity to witness the wildlife up close and appreciate the park’s rich history.
These tours occur daily, with departures scheduled every 2 hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with no prior reservations required. Each tour has a duration of 45 to 60 minutes.
The serene waters of Upper Myakka Lake serve as a habitat for a variety of species, including alligators, turtles, and various bird species. Knowledgeable tour guides provide a wealth of information on the park’s natural environment and history, allowing visitors to engage with the tour on a deeper level.
This tour provides a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Upper Myakka Lake, with ample time to capture stunning photographs and admire the breathtaking scenery.
Canopy Walkway
The Canopy Walkway is an incredible experience for those who visit Myakka River State Park. This attraction not only offers a chance to explore the treetops but also provides a unique opportunity to observe the wildlife that lives in the canopy. The walkway is an outdoor laboratory that serves both research and educational purposes.
The walkway is suspended 25 feet above the ground and extends for 100 feet through the hammock canopy. Visitors can easily explore the treetops and observe the canopy inhabitants up close. Moreover, the walkway provides a great vantage point for birdwatching and photography.
In addition to the walkway, there is a 74-foot tower that provides a panoramic view of the park. This tower is an absolute must-visit attraction for tourists, as it offers an unmatched view of the treetops, wetlands, prairies, and hammocks. Visitors can see the park’s natural beauty in all its glory from the top of the tower.
Canopy Walkway is an attraction you won’t want to miss during your visit. The walkway and tower are truly unique and offer a fascinating glimpse into the park’s beauty.
The park is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts with a Florida freshwater fishing license . Visitors are permitted to fish in both Upper Myakka Lake and the Myakka River. The park offers a variety of excellent fishing spots, including the South Pavilion, Log Pavilion, and Clay Gully Pavilion. Fishing from the bridge is also allowed for those looking for a unique experience, but it’s important to exercise caution due to traffic conditions.
The fish species you can catch in the park are diverse and abundant. Some of the most common catches include largemouth bass, tilapia, tarpon, gar, and several types of panfish. Myakka River State Park is the perfect place to cast your line and reel in some of the best catches.
Nestled within the park’s lush greenery lies the Myakka Trail , a 39-mile hiking loop trail that is sure to take your breath away. The trail offers diverse terrain, including wetlands, prairies, and dense forests, providing hikers with an exhilarating adventure through the park’s natural wonders.Â
The Myakka Trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. Along the way, hikers can take in stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, spot wildlife such as alligators and deer, and even catch a glimpse of the park’s famed Canopy Walkway.Â
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, the Myakka Trail is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the park. Pack your hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and get ready to experience the beauty of the Myakka Trail.
Historic Sites
The Myakka River Valley was developed into a park by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. Today, visitors can explore several sites within the park, such as the visitor center, South Pavilion, Log Pavilion, boat basin, weir, and 5 cabins. These sites offer a variety of activities, including picnicking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Horseback Riding
Myakka River State Park boasts a vast network of trails, and 12 of these trails, totaling 15 miles, are specifically designated for horses , providing riders with a unique opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or a beginner, the park’s horse trails offer a thrilling adventure for all skill levels.
This park is an idyllic destination for visitors who cherish the tranquility of paddling. The Myakka River and 2 picturesque lakes within the park’s boundaries offer an awe-inspiring backdrop and an array of aquatic activities , including canoeing and kayaking. Whether you are an experienced paddler or a novice seeking an adventure, there are countless opportunities to paddle through this park.
Visitor Center
The Myakka River State Park’s visitor center is the perfect starting point to embark on your adventures. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally built this facility and offers interactive displays about the park’s flora, fauna, and resources. During the busy season, a knowledgeable volunteer is on hand to help you plan your day.
The visitor center also provides a fun activity for children called the Visitor Center Scavenger Hunt. It will inspire and educate them about Florida’s wildlife.Â
Wildlife Viewing
Spread across an expansive 58 square miles of natural terrain, the park is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. The park boasts stunning vistas of untamed beauty, with lush greenery, pristine waterways, and captivating wildlife sightings.
From the formidable alligators sunbathing by the water to the elusive bobcats stalking their prey, the playful otters frolicking in the water, and the melodious tunes of over 100 bird species filling the air, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors and marvel at the stunning beauty of the natural world.
Myakka River State Park is a fantastic destination that you can visit any time of the year. However, some seasons may offer better experiences than others, depending on what you’re looking for.
Best Time To Visit Myakka River State Park for Ideal Weather
When planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to research the weather of your destination since it can greatly impact your experience. The best time to come for ideal weather is November. During this month, there are usually only a few days of precipitation, and the temperatures range from the low 60s to the upper 70s, making it a pleasant time to visit.
Best Time To Visit Myakka River State Park To Avoid the Crowds
Many visitors are interested in visiting Myakka River State Park when the number of tourists is low. September is the best time of the year to visit the park and avoid large crowds. During this month, you can explore the park at your own pace without dealing with long queues, traffic, and crowds.
Best Time To Visit Myakka River State Park for Wildlife
January is the perfect time to visit Myakka River State Park for an unforgettable wildlife experience. The park offers an array of exciting activities, from hiking to picnicking, but what sets it apart is the chance to witness the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. During this month, the water levels are lower than usual, which creates the perfect opportunity to observe the fish in the lake up close.
Cheapest Time To Visit Myakka River State Park
Saving money while traveling may seem daunting, but it is possible with proper planning and research. One of the best ways to save money while visiting a park is to plan your trip in early September. During this time, flight rates and accommodations in nearby towns are at their lowest, making it an ideal time to travel.
Visitors can save hundreds of dollars on travel expenses by visiting in early September.
Annual Events in Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The park organizes some of these events, while others are hosted by nonprofit organizations that collaborate with the park.
Cache Myakka Funcoast Bash
The Cache Myakka! Funcoast Bash is an annual event that takes place every February. The Friends of Myakka River organizes it, and it is a day of geocaching fun.
The night before the event, 200 caches are released for participants to find. Additionally, there is a poker run consisting of 7 caches and a per-chance drawing where participants can win geocaching supplies, tools, and swag.
This event is suitable for people with different levels of experience, including beginners who can join the game with a Geo Buddy and learn the ropes of geocaching. Free snacks, fun games, and prizes are provided to make the event more enjoyable.
First Day Hike
The First Day Hike is an invigorating annual event that takes place on January 1. It is a unique opportunity for visitors to join a knowledgeable park ranger on a guided hike around the park. During the hike, participants will learn about the park’s natural and cultural history and discover hidden gems they may have overlooked.Â
This exciting event is an excellent way to start the new year and stay active. The guided hike provides a great workout, while the stunning scenery and fresh air offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Don’t miss this chance to kick off the new year with a memorable adventure in the great outdoors.
Determining where you will stay during a trip is the first order of business when planning a vacation. Thanks to the incredible location of Myakka River State Park, there are plenty of options for accommodations both in and near the park.
Inside the Park
Multiple accommodation options are available for those who wish to stay within the park’s boundaries during their visit. You can choose from historic cabins or any of the 3 campgrounds.
There are 5 cabins available at Myakka River State Park, constructed between 1934 and 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Each log cabin features a fully equipped kitchen, a full bathroom, and a large common room. The porch and fireplace add a cozy touch to your stay. These cabins can accommodate up to 6 guests.
No televisions, phones, or Wi-Fi are available, providing a primitive atmosphere. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.
There are 3 beautiful campgrounds at this state park, offering a total of 90 spacious and well-maintained campsites. Each campsite is equipped with essential amenities like electric and water connections and a fire ring and picnic table for your convenience.
After a day of exploring the park’s natural wonders, you can unwind and freshen up in one of the nearby restrooms, which boast hot showers and clean facilities. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the great outdoors, Myakka River State Park’s campgrounds have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Towns Near Myakka River State Park
You’ll be pleased to know that many accommodation options are available in the nearby popular towns. Whether you’re looking for a cozy bed and breakfast or a luxurious resort, you’ll find a range of accommodation choices that cater to every taste and budget.
Fruitville, Florida
Fruitville is a charming town that is a mere 14 miles from Myakka River State Park. Fruitville is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a convenient and comfortable home base close to the park.Â
The town boasts a variety of accommodation options, including hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. The town also has a diverse selection of restaurants catering to all tastes, serving everything from juicy steaks to fresh seafood.
Fruitville’s location is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike, with numerous parks, beaches, and museums within easy reach.
Sarasota Springs, Florida
Sarasota Springs is a picturesque town with an excellent location for visitors exploring Myakka River State Park. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, a wide array of accommodation options are available to suit your needs and budget. From cozy Airbnbs to luxurious hotels and budget-friendly motels, the town has something to offer for everyone.
One of the highlights of this town is its diverse and delightful restaurant scene. You’ll find a plethora of options ranging from casual bars and grills to cozy cafes. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, delicious barbecue, or exotic international cuisine, you’ll find it all here.
Aside from its fantastic dining scene, Sarasota Springs offers plenty of recreational activities to entertain you. You can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting one of the many museums in the area or exploring the beautiful parks and beaches nearby. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this beautiful town.
There is only 1 place to eat within the park’s boundaries, but you will find numerous dining options just a short distance away. When you feel hungry during your park visit, you can easily find the food of your choice just down the road.
Pink Gator Cafe
Pink Gator Cafe is the sole eatery situated within the boundaries of Myakka River State Park. It offers lunch, dessert, craft beer, and breathtaking views of Upper Myakka Lake.
The cafe’s menu includes sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, wraps, jalapeno poppers, and onion rings. The Pink Gator Cafe is an ideal spot to recharge after your park expeditions and continue your explorations.
Siegfried’s Restaurant
Siegfried’s Restaurant is a highly rated 5-star eatery in Sarasota, just a short 18-mile drive from the park. The restaurant is known for its authentic German cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant also boasts a fantastic biergarten where you can enjoy your meals and drinks alfresco.Â
The menu at Siegfried’s is impressive, with a variety of dishes that will satisfy any appetite. Siegfried’s Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal after a long day exploring the beautiful Myakka River State Park.
1. A New State Park Established
The official dedication ceremony for this park took place in 1941, marking its opening to the public.
2. The One and Only
The Myakka River is the only river in Florida with a “Wild and Scenic River” designation, ensuring preservation for future generations.
3. A Woman with a Plan
Bertha Palmer was a pioneering businesswoman from Chicago. In 1910, she came to Sarasota and purchased a large area of land. She intended to try her hand at cattle and swine ranching. She named her ranch Meadow Sweet Pastures, and it was situated near the Myakka River. Bertha Palmer introduced fencing and dip vats to Florida ranching, making it more efficient.
4. What’s in a Name?
A Seminole Indian supposedly told a surveyor in the 1850s that the river was called Myakka. The word Myakka has no known translation.
5. Deep Hole
Deep Hole is at the southern end of Myakka Lake, a 140-foot sinkhole known for its alligator sightings and popularity among anglers.
Myakka State Park is a stunning natural wonderland that offers a range of activities such as bird watching, hiking, kayaking, and nature walks. Visitors can enjoy observing the diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitats, including alligators, snakes, and various bird species. Book your trip today and explore what Myakka State Park offers.
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Myakka River State Park: 10 reasons to visit this big, wild Sarasota preserve
By: Author Bonnie Gross
Posted on Last updated: July 5, 2024
Editor's Note: This story was written prior to both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. For storm updates, flooding and closures, Read More
Myakka River State Park near Sarasota is one of the oldest state parks, one of the biggest, and given what I experienced on an early March visit, it may have the most alligators.
It is a place of splendid abundance.
Whereas you are lucky to see a pair of pretty-in-pink roseate spoonbills in another park, at Myakka River State Park, kayakers can be treated to flocks of two dozen spoonbills, wading in a marsh next to wood storks and black-necked stilts.
Here are 10 reasons to visit Myakka River State Park:
- The Myakka River State Park canopy walkway takes you on a walk in the treetops.
- Adventurers can head out on 39 miles of hiking trails .
- There are excellent paved and unpaved biking trails.
- The wild and scenic Myakka River and adjoining lakes are outstanding for kayaking.
- Myakka River State Park offers a pontoon boat ride that is family friendly for those who can’t get in and out of kayaks.
- Given you need plenty of time to see it all, you can stay in one of 80 shaded camping sites under a canopy of trees.
- Myakka River State Park features some of the most historic and unusual cabins in the state park system — five rustic log cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
- Myakka River State Park has some of the best birding around. At the Birdwalk, a boardwalk extending into Upper Myakka Lake, friendly expert birders man this spot on winter mornings, locating birds in their scopes and helping visitors identify them.
- History buffs will enjoy hiking to the site of buildings that were part of the ranch operated here by Chicago hotelier Bertha Palmer in the early 20th Century.
- The Pink Gator cafe, operated by a concessionaire, makes a great lunch time stop , with sandwiches, craft beers and free wifi.
At 37,000 acres, Myakka is one of Florida’s most complete outdoor experiences, centrally located so that it draws visitors from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and snowbirds from throughout the United States.
The main road through Myakka River State Park
While Myakka is popular with backwoods backpackers, visitors from kiddies to Grandma can enjoy this park without hiking or kayaking. The road through the park is seven miles long, and there are several great places to get out, enjoy the wildlife and scenery and take a short walk.
The park road makes an excellent bike trail, however, and I highly recommend parking at the south (or north end) and experiencing the park by bike the first time through.
By bike, you enjoy the 360-degree view of the spectacular tree canopy over the road and the constant sounds of birds. On our bikes, we heard a flock of whistling ducks before we saw them and the distinctive voice of sandhill cranes that never came into view. In a car, we might have missed that.
It’s easy to pause at beautiful spots by bike and to venture down some of the unpaved bike trails. There are cars on the park road, but they are generally driving slowly and watching for the many bicyclists. (I’ve never seen so many in a state park.) The quietest section of the road is the northern section.
From the main entrance (there is a northern entrance open only on weekends) here are key stops along the main road by car or bike, from south to north:
- The Log Pavilion, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 , is a beautiful building whose logs are palm-tree trunks. Park across the street behind the monument rock and explore the riverside and picnic area behind the pavilion too. There are benches overlooking the Myakka River, with oak trees arching their branches over the water. This a sure-fire place to spot alligators lounging across the river.
- Cross the bridge over the Myakka River and, if you’re driving, park on the north side. People gather on the bridge, watching birds or gators or appreciating the view. We saw swallow-tail kites swooping overhead here at sunset and early one morning there was a flock of black-bellied whistling ducks on an island. A beautiful short trail extends along the northern bank of the river through the woods.
- The Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk draws crowds and since only four people can cross the narrow one-way “swinging” bridge at a time, it’s best to visit here early or late in the day. The Myakka Canopy Walk is quite short – a narrow passageway 100 feet long and 25 feet off the ground, connecting two wooden towers that overlook the forest top. Kids will find it an adventure. My take: It’s just as cool to look at it from below; the view of the tree branches and air plants isn’t all that different at ground level. (Note: Climb to the top of the tower furthest from the road because the one-way walkway starts on that side. )
- Traveling northward, the Big Flats Marsh stretches to your left, with excellent birding opportunities. This is part of the Florida dry prairie habitat the park preserves and is restoring. Much of Central and Northern Florida were prairies like this – a vast plain covered with grasses, saw palmetto and cabbage palms. It was easy to repurpose this land for farms and groves because few trees had to be removed, and today little prairie is left in Florida.
- Along the right, watch for the gate with rustic sign “ Meadow Sweet Pastures .” This is the beautiful Ranch House Road, easily biked even on skinny tires. It leads to the site of buildings that were part of the ranch operated here by Chicago hotelier Bertha Palmer starting in 1910. Palmer donated much of the land that became Myakka River State Park. The ranch buildings are gone, but visitors have created a small pile of artifacts here – broken dishes and glass fragments – that are fun to stumble upon. (Ranch House Road connects to the long back-country trail system, though the connecting All Weather Road requires fat tires not skinny for bicyclists.)
- If you stay on the main road here, you’ll soon come to the Birdwalk, a boardwalk extending into Upper Myakka Lake, where on winter mornings, you’ll find volunteers who will help you locate and identify birds. (It is not ADA accessible since the hurricane, but will eventually be rebuilt.)
- Near the end of the park, well off the main road on the right, is a particularly attractive picnic area along Clay Gully Creek.
- If you’re driving the park road on weekends or holidays, you can leave by the north gate and go one mile to the charming Crowley Museum and Nature Center . Whereas the park preserves the natural environment, the Crowley tells the story of people, the early pioneers. You’ll find historic buildings, including a log cabin and a museum, and farm animals. There’s a $5 admission for adults. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on the Crowley Museum .
Myakka River State Park boat tours and cafe
On your way back, take the road spur that goes to the bustling concession area. Pontoon boat tours of the lake are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 plus tax for adults and $12 plus tax for children 3-12. Toddlers 2 and under are free.
The Pink Gator café in the concession area offers counter service for a variety of sandwiches and has a variety of draft beers, including some locally brewed ones. The view off the café’s covered deck is excellent and it’s a great place to relax. It closes at 5:30 p.m., however, so it’s not a great dinner option. (Note: The Pink Gator has free wifi, a boon in a park where I had only weak cell-phone signal.)
The concession area also rents bikes, kayaks and canoes.
Kayaking at Myakka River State Park
If you bring your own kayak, your best put-in spot is the boat ramp south of the bridge on the main road. If you rent kayaks or canoes, you put in on the Upper Myakka Lake. Unless the water level is very low, it is possible to portage the boats around the low dam and reach the Myakka River, which I think makes more interesting kayaking than the lake.
The most popular kayaking route : Launching at the bridge, kayak against the current toward the upper lake, which makes your return trip an easier one.
The roundtrip paddle to the weir (a small dam built by the CCC at the lake) takes a few hours. For us, it was four or five, because of a strong current, plus we stopped to photograph birds and to picnic near the weir and use the facilities at the concession stand. It can be done more quickly, probably in 2.5 to 3 hours, but why rush?
It was a memorable and beautiful kayak trail, full of wildlife. At some points, big old live oaks draped with Spanish moss line the shores. At others, your view is of broad grassy marshes.
We passed uncountable gators and many were among the largest alligators I have ever seen. There was no manmade presence visible on the trail except a set of powerlines and no sounds except nature until the end, when the drone of the airboat could be heard.
And the birds! Flocks of roseate spoonbills, frequent sightings of limpkins, storks and all sorts of wading birds were exceptional on our March visit.
A second good kayak trail is the one downstream out of the boat ramp at the state park and into the Myakka River Wilderness Preserve to Lower Myakka Lake. To kayak this route, you need to stop at the ranger station and get a free permit because access to the preserve is limited.
The downstream kayak trail has some good scenery but we found far fewer birds. About half-way to the lake, the trail enters an open area, twisting through grasslands until it opens to the lake.
The roundtrip to the lake is probably a three to four hour paddle, with the hardest part – paddling against the current – on the return.
We paddled this route on a day that was too windy to explore Lower Myakka Lake. (We wondered, actually, if we’d make it out of the lake, paddling against both a strong current and a stiff wind.)
We had read about the Deep Hole, a 140-foot sinkhole at the southern end of the lake, famous as both a fishing destination and as a magnet for dozens of alligators, but the wind prevented us from reaching there.
There are several potential picnic spots – shady dry banks — in the first half of the trail.
If you have just one day to paddle and the water level is ample, I’d suggest you do the trip from the ramp to Upper Myakka Lake. It’s more rewarding, has more wildlife and while you’ll meet a few kayaks near the lake, most of the time you’ll be alone and in Myakka’s beauty.
Myakka River State Park cabins
Florida state parks have a lot of great cabins, but these CCC-built ones made out of palm-tree trunks, have to be among the most picturesque. The Myakka cabins are set back in the woods, separate from each other and away from the road.
The five cabins book up far in advance. They were damaged in a 2022 hurricane but will reopen in January 2024. (The best dates in winter and spring are already booked, but keep checking for cancellations.)
Effective January 1, 2024 , Florida residents will have a 30-day head start to book campsites and cabins at Florida State Parks, reducing the reservation window for non-residents to 10 months in advance. This new law does not apply to state forests, national parks, county or municipal campgrounds, which have their own rules.
We loved the big stone wood-burning fireplace and were surprised how large our cabin felt. The cabin is described as three rooms: There’s a complete, small kitchen and adjoining small room with table and chairs and a modern bathroom. All this is located in what feels like an addition to the original cabin, which is one big room furnished with two double beds, a futon and a heavy wooden dining rooms table and six chairs plus the fireplace. It’s cozy but there is not a lot of natural light. Cabins have heat and air conditioning.
A few things to note: There are no “extras” stocked in the cabin. No soap. No coffee filters. No corkscrew. No paper towels. We were surprised that there were sheets but no warm blankets. (We got our picnic blanket out of the trunk to stay warm.) You are advised to bring your own dishes, silverware and pans, so pack as if you were camping. (The park website notes you can borrow these items if you need them.)
Myakka River State Park hiking
This park is a hiker’s wonderland, with close to 39 miles of marked trails and six back-country camping sites.
We spent more time paddling than hiking — good reason for us to return. This Florida Hikes story raves about hiking here.
Myakka River State Park camping
With all its assets, it’s no surprise Myakka River State Park is a popular camping destination, particularly with snowbirds who reserve their two-week stint exactly 11 months in advance. There are three campground loops, lots of sites, and they all fill up on winter weekends.
Effective January 1, 2024 , Florida residents will have a 30-day head start to book campsites and cabins at all Florida State Parks, and the reservation window will be reduced to 10 months for non-residents.
For campground reservations at Myakka River State Park, visit reserve.floridastateparks.org or call (800) 326-3521 ..
Here’s a Florida Rambler story that focuses on camping at Myakka .
Resources for a trip to Myakka River State Park:
Online: Myakka River State Park , 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241; Park Office: (941) 361-6511; Campground Reservations: (800) 326-3521 or at the parks reservations website .
- More from Florida Rambler about camping at Myakka River State Park
- Camping at nearby Camp Venice , a good alternative in the region.
- While at Myakka, visit the adjacent Crowley Museum and Nature Center
- Friends of Myakka River State Park
On a road trip? Here are nearby places to explore from Florida Rambler:
- The fabulous beaches of Venice
- Bicycling: Legacy Trail and Venetian Waterway Park
- Hidden Gem: Oscar Scherer State Park
- Indian mound unwrapped at Historic Spanish Point
- Cabins in Florida state parks: ‘Comfort’ camping
- Best camping near Tampa: 9 choice campgrounds
- Fort DeSoto Park: Beach ranked among best in nation
The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.
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Saturday 18th of January 2020
I have been researching our trip to Myakka River State Park for a while now (I made the cabin reservation six months ago). This article is by far the most comprehensive treatment of the park that I have seen. Great job! Now I will return the favor with a random act of traveler kindness: You missed the best part of Myakka River State Park. The Deep Hole Trail is in the park but outside of the normal area where people are. You have to drive a mile up 72 from the south entrance to get to the trail head. But first you must get a pass from the park office. Only 30 a day are granted. I think the reason for that is that there is no parking at the trail head. You have to pull off the road. It's 2.5 miles in to get to an ancient sink hole that,in the dry season, offers a huge number of alligators and wading birds as well as decent fishing. If you google "Deep Hole Trail Myakka" you will see some photos that will blow your mind. Happy travels.
Bonnie Gross
Sunday 19th of January 2020
Thanks so much! I will definitely check this out on my next visit. Thanks for sharing.
This post includes affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a modest commission if a purchase is made. This revenue directly supports the creation of original content for your enjoyment.
Lucy Tobias
Travel, gardens and environment in florida and beyond, myakka river state park has a airboat tour – all aboard.
Don’t let a little mystery keep you from going to Myakka River State Park and taking a Myakka Wildlife Airboat Tour aboard one of the world’s largest covered airboats.
The mystery? Prior to the 1850’s English maps called the river the Asternal River. Then a Seminole Indian told a surveyor the river’s name was “Myakka”. The name was changed. But no one can figure out how to translate the word “Myakka”. Who knows what it means?
This mystery hardly matters to the steady stream of people eager to take a tram or airboat tour, or both. The first task: search for a parking place near the Tram & Airboat Ticket Booth inside Myakka River State Park near Sarasota.
Airboat Tours at Myakka River State Park fill up fast
Winter airboat tour schedule (Dec. 16-May 3) has boats departing at 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes ahead of time to, hopefully, be assured of a seat. Ticket sales stop five minutes before departure. Cost is $14 plus tax for an adult $7 plus tax for children ages 6-12. Children under the age of five admitted free in adult’s lap.
In the summer months, airboat rides leave at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30 so it is always a good idea to call ahead and see if the weather makes this trip a “go” or “no go”. Call 941-365-0100 Â
Be advised the ticket booth is three miles inside the park entrance. After paying the park fee it might seem going three miles on Park Drive will go by quickly. Not so, especially on weekends. A slow speed limit and several congested areas – the Canopy Walkway area and a bridge with sightseers and fishermen on both sides – means reduced driving.
Toss in bicycles on the road and walkers along the sides – you get the message – start out early to arrive on time for a tour.
The two airboats are named “Myakka Maiden” and “Gator Gal.” Ours on a recent Saturday morning was “Gator Gal.”
Myakka Wildlife Airboat Ride surprisingly quiet
I have to confess to being surprised they didn’t hand out earmuffs or earplugs. My only previous airboat ride was in the Everglades aboard a much smaller, uncovered boat with a huge motor on the back that roared at top volume. As we skimmed over the water flocks of birds rose up out of the grass in protest. Alligators slithered down the banks and disappeared into the mud. Truly we were alien invaders.
Not so on this airboat. It is positively quiet. You can hear the guide/captain speaking. No earmuffs needed. The airboat journey goes across the Upper Myakka Lake to see a whole lot of alligators along the shore and then comes back again. Takes about an hour.
The scenery is postcard perfect and the narration outstanding (suggestion: do bring money to give the guide a tip at the end, he earns it).
See Alligators on Airboat Tour inside Myakka River State Park
Our guide smoothly says this is a shallow lake, sixteen inches to three feet deep at most. Why we could get out and walk back to shore. Some look over the side at the brown water with relief. If the boat tips over we’re fine, right?
But then he questions if you’d want to get into the water with anywhere from 500 to 1000 alligators who live here. Everyone sits up a little straighter. The boat starts looking pretty good and solid.
I learned more about alligators in one hour than I’ve ever known. Yes, we saw a lot of them both swimming and sunning along the shore. That plus who knew there was a wild hog problem – and a trapper paid to remove pigs, just to keep the population down?
Turns out centuries ago Spanish explorers arrived in ships that had hogs in the hold. They let them go and then did roundups twice a year. Needless to say, some pigs just kept on moving on and now wild hogs are part of the Florida landscape.
Combine being on the water with blue skies, puffy white clouds, balmy breeze, and a sweeping wild Florida shoreline – all that plus great story telling adds up to an awesome airboat tour.
And if you want to know more about walks in the park, here is a review of the park’s famous Canopy Walk by Randy Eady https://www.afar.com/places/myakka-river-state-park-sarasota
More Airboat Tours
Two I’ve taken that were outstanding:
Near DeLand: The Fountain of Youth Eco/History boat tour , leaves from inside De Leon Springs State Park , four times a day and goes through Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge .
Near Ocala: The glass-bottomed boat tour on the Silver River leaves inside Silver Springs State Park . Use the main entrance on Silver Springs Boulevard.
New Facebook Page
I invite you to “LIKE” my new Facebook page – Labyrinth of the week
Walk with me as I travel around Florida walking labyrinths for an upcoming book – and let’s share labyrinth stories!
More to Explore
Go Greek for a day (or two)
Mount Up – Horseback Riding in Florida
Making Mosaics in Barcelona, Spain
- ← Jack Kerouac Slept & Wrote in College Park, Florida
- Flutter with the Butterflies in Fort Myers →
Experience Myakka River State Park Near Siesta Key
Myakka River State Park is a wonderful nature preserve right in Sarasota’s backyard. The park holds 37,000 acres of unspoiled land that offer a variety of exciting wildlife tours near Siesta Key.
Myakka is located southeast of Sarasota along Florida highway 72. It’s about a half-hour drive from Siesta Key to the park entrance. With a car, or maybe even a bicycle, it’s doable as a day trip. You could find yourself relaxing on the Siesta Key beachside villas , floating through the verdant wetland of the Myakka River, and traversing a great savannah – all before sunset.
If you want to extend your stay camping is also an option. There are multiple campsites with full amenities. There are also 6 barebones campsites along the main hiking trails for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
As far as things to do in Siesta Key , these tours are quite off the beaten path. You’ll find some very interesting wildlife boat tours, tons of trails, birdwatching spots and even a path leading through the treetop canopy.
Myakka River Wildlife Tours
Jump on a pontoon flowing upriver toward Lake Myakka. You’ll be amazed how much different terrain there is to cover just a short distance from the Siesta Key gulf coast . A friendly and casual tour guide will explain the local wildlife and ecosystem.
You’re quite likely to see alligators, turtles, and several species of birds. If you’re lucky, you might catch a rare glimpse of a blue heron or roseate spoonbill. These birds are smaller and more elusive than some of their cousins, but their bright blue or pink plumage will be sure to give them off!
There are multiple river tours daily, leaving every two hours from 9 am – 5 pm. The tour operator offers discounted children’s tickets. It’s recommended to show up early and get tickets in advance. The boats sell out regularly during peak winter months. Many animals prefer to hide in the shade, or underwater, to escape the Florida summer heat. You’re more likely to see flourishing wildlife when it’s cooler.
For those not interested in the boat, you can try off-roading on a “tram” tour. The tram is more of a safari expedition. It is remarkable how close the dry prairie is to the wetlands. Here you may see cranes or owls nesting in the surrounding canopy. Starting in 2020 the tour vendor will offer horseback and horse-drawn carriage tours as well.
Canopy Walkway at Myakka
A long wooden bridge through the branches of the trees overlooks miles of untouched land in all directions. From here, you can see the lush forests, dense wetlands, and stretches of prairie which dot the area.
The Canopy Walkway begins with a stair climb going up to a tower 74 feet (22.5 meters) high.
Follow the signs to make sure you are taking the right path, as it’s a one-way walk. The signs are also very informative.
The walkway is like an outdoor museum where you can learn about all the plants, animals, and bugs that live here in real-time. A careful eye might also spot deer prancing through the forest, or a bird of prey descending on their target from above.
Plan Your Next Stay
These walkways are important projects aiming to support and educate people about biodiversity. By visiting, you’re helping to support the preservation of Florida’s natural wildlife from invasive species – not just Myakka, but Siesta Beach too! It’s something great to think about when planning one of your own Myakka River tours as part of a larger stay with Siesta Key beachside rentals .
The Birdwalk at Myakka
In the heart of the wetlands, large birds like hawks, falcons, ospreys, and vultures to come here to eat, rest and sometimes mate. It’s not uncommon to see the American bald eagle fighting off other birds to get their fish. There are owls in the treetops; pelicans and herons in the water; turkeys and quails roaming the land.
The variety of birds is seasonal. In the dry winters, water levels are low, and tall grass stretches across the land. In the wet summers, the area becomes dark and marshy. The level of rain provides different habitats and food sources throughout the year. You may find it helpful to seek out park rangers or do your own research and download some bird calls or images.
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The Myakka Park Airboat
Take a guided tour on the gator gal or myakka maiden..
One attraction that’s definitely worth its price is the Myakka Park Airboat ride, a scenic one-hour guided tour of the Myakka Lake on one of the two world’s largest airboats; the airboat I was on is called the “Gator Gal.”
The other is the “Myakka Maiden.” The “Gator Gal” is a smooth ride out on the Myakka Lake.
The End of an Era Slips Quietly into History Two of the main attractions of Myakka River State Park have been retired; the "Gator Gal "and "Myakka Maiden" Airboats. As of July 31, 2018 the two airboats, on which visitors took guided tours of the lake, were taken out of service. Known both as perhaps the largest and slowest airboats in the world, they have been replaced with pontoon boat tours which began August 1, 2018. The two legendary airboats had been in service for 36 years and carried generations of naturists, adventurers and sightseers out on the Upper Myakka Lake. ----- We shall leave this original page about the airboats on the web site in memory of, and in tribute to, the Gator Gal and Myakka Maiden and all those many untold thousands who enjoyed them over their life span.
The tour guide-airboat captains are outstanding. Experts.
To date, I’ve been on the “Gator Gal” for three guided tours.
Each time there was a different park ranger or tour guide.
Each one had extensive knowledge about the Myakka Lake and River, the ecosystem and even the history of the area and how “aliens” invaded what is now the Myakka River State Park area, decades ago.
Aliens such as foreign species of grasses, animals like Armadillos and even some of the Palm Tree varieties were brought from elsewhere.
By the way did, did you know that Palm Trees really aren’t trees at all? They aren’t. They’re part of the grass species. So maybe a Palm Tree, in reality, is just a giant blade of grass! It’s amazing what these airboat tour guides impart. Their knowledge of the Myakka River, its creatures and ecosystem would be hard to top.
While the Myakka Park Airboat tour on the “Gator Gal” is just as informative whether or not you see any alligators in their natural habitat, it’s probably more fun to see one or two, especially, while you’re on an airboat named, “The Gator Gal!” But no matter what time of year you find yourself at Myakka River State Park, it is still worth taking the airboat guided tour.
So what about those alligators? Well, the American Alligators of the southeast U.S. are usually more visible in the early spring: late March and early April because it’s mating season and the Florida weather has not yet become hot, when alligators usually spend most of their time under water staying cool. They dislike the high temperatures as much as we humans.
More on The Myakka Park Airboat
The tour guides are entertaining and quick with a quip and also quick to point out a gator here, a turtle there, a rare Blue Heron in the tall grass over yonder.
For me, it was a very well spent $12 and I've been on the Gator Gal 3 times now. (For children 6 - 12 the cost of a ticket is $6). Save your ticket for a second trip within 12 months for a 50% discount. (Prices subject to change. More on pricing below.)
The "Gator Gal" airboat and the "Myakka Maiden" rotate tour schedules and are docked in the Lagoon or “Boat Basin” across from the Myakka Outpost Concession stand.
NEW BOAT TOURS HOURS OF OPERATION as of 8/1/2018:
The airboat tours have been replaced with pontoon boat tours. Boat tour times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 plus tax for adults and $12 plus tax for children 3-12. Toddlers 2 and under are free. More info: 941-361-6511
Tips: Traditionally, Tickets for the Myakka Park Airboat guided tour may be purchased on board the boat, but you can claim a seat ahead of time at the boat's pavilion just next to its dock.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour for boarding and if you want to take an 11 a.m. tour, you might show up prior to the 9 a.m. tour to secure a seat for the 11 a.m. trip. During busy season you could have a difficult time getting a seat.
They do not take reservations. It is strictly first come-first serve at this writing time.
Although additional tours may be added during peak season, make sure you secure your seat early. The tour lasts about an hour. Directions: The main road, Park Road, will lead you straight to the Boat Basin, The Myakka Outpost and the Myakka Park Boat Tours.
Phone: 941-361-6511
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Storm Update – Park and Overnight Accommodations Closed 
Effective Oct. 24, 2024: To help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the park and any associated overnight accommodations are closed due to Hurricane Helene and/or Hurricane Milton. The Florida State Parks reservation team will email guests with affected reservations to make alternate arrangements or issue refunds. The park and its overnight accommodations will reopen as soon as conditions allow. Please visit our Storm Updates page for more information.
- Camping & Lodging
Experiences & Amenities
Experiences.
Myakka offers bicyclists an opportunity to explore diverse Florida ecosystems. Seven miles of paved road wind through shady hammocks, along grassy marshes and the shore of the Upper Myakka Lake. The North Drive often has less traffic than the main drive. Bicycles are permitted on backcountry dirt roads north of State Road 72 and on the Myakka Island Trail to the Carlton Reserve. Some roads are hardpacked and grassed-over; others may be sandy, muddy or dug up by feral pigs. Roads are often flooded in summer.
Maps are available at the ranger station. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
- Hiking and Biking Map
- Bike Rentals
Myakka is a wonderful place to see birds of all kinds. Myakka's 37,000-plus acres provide wonderful habitat for wading birds, raptors, songbirds, migratory birds, and ducks. Whether you are a professional or amateur birder, you won't be disappointed.
Check out the Wings Over Florida program. Bird lists are available in the ranger station. This is a great, self-driven program for those who love observing Florida's natural beauty.
From November through mid-April, there is a bird naturalist at the Birdwalk most days of the week from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Call the ranger station ahead of time at 941-361-6511 to see if they are on duty the day you plan to visit.
Every day, flat-bottomed boats take visitors on a ride around the Upper Myakka Lake. See wildlife up-close and learn all about Myakka River State Park. Don't forget your camera!
Tours run at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. No reservations; tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours may be cancelled due to weather conditions.
- $22 plus tax for adults.
- $12 plus tax for children ages 3 to 12.
- Free for children 2 and under.
The tour is 45 to 60 minutes long. The seating is covered but not enclosed; please be prepared to be outside for this length of time. Cash and credit cards (except American Express) are accepted. Special arrangements and rates are available for groups of 25 or more people.
Please call 941-923-0220 for more information .
The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.
Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost and Wi-Fi.
Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site.
- Hammock camping is permitted on campsite numbers 7, 8, 11, 15, 23, 27, 33 and 48. A limited number of hammocks are designated on each of these sites based on number of appropriate trees available.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days.
- No pets or alcohol allowed.
- Primitive camping is $5 plus tax per person, per night.
- See the site locations and trail map . Please choose your site before you reserve!
- To reserve one our primitive campsites, call the ranger station at 941-361-6511. Have date and site requests prepared.
Myakka has three group/youth camping areas that are available for nonprofit, organized groups to rent (Scouts, school groups, etc.). Bathroom and water facilities are available. No electricity is available. Each of the three sites holds up to 20 people and six tents.
- Information and photos
Fishing is permitted in the park for those with a Florida freshwater fishing license. Fishing licenses are not sold at the park. You can purchase at MyFWC.com or local retailers.
- Do not dispose of fishing line or other materials in the water.
- Do not feed or disturb the alligators.
- Brown hoplo, blue tilapia, vermiculated sailfin catfish and walking catfish are exotic/invasive species. If you catch them, please do not release them live in the water. Dispose of them properly.
- Cast-netting is permitted for exotic species catch only . No cast-netting from structures.
- Crabbing, frogging, spear fishing and bow fishing are strictly prohibited.
Myakka does not have a specified fishing pier, but anglers are welcome at the Upper Myakka Lake and Myakka River. Good spots to fish include behind the South Pavilion, Log Pavilion and nearby the Clay Gully Pavilion. Many people choose to fish from the bridge; please be aware of overcrowding and traffic conditions.
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech "treasure" hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.
- Operation Recreation GeoTour
The Myakka Trail includes a 38.9-mile hiking loop trail maintained by the Florida Trail Association. Backcountry roads crisscross the trail, allowing hikers to shorten or lengthen hiking trips. Discover shady live oak/palm hammocks, sandy pine flatwoods, sunny dry prairies, and marshes teeming with life.
Hiking at Myakka offers visitors relief from life's daily hassle and a chance to get away from it all. Late fall, winter and early spring are ideal hiking seasons. Summer hiking, especially on the shadeless prairie, can be extremely hot, and hikers should beware of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Insects may be a problem at any time. Trails are often flooded during rainy periods and may be overgrown in the summer and early fall.
Always carry water, a map, and compass or GPS. Wear appropriate sturdy footwear. Maps are available at the ranger station.
- Hiking and Biking Map
Myakka has 12 miles of designated horse trails. If ridden together, it becomes a 15-mile journey. Upon arrival at the park, riders must bring proof of negative Coggins test to the ranger station for all horses on state park property. The ranger station will provide the gate code for access to the horse trails.
Please see our Horse Trail brochure for more information.
The 66-mile Florida Wild and Scenic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands, starting in northeast Manatee County and ending in Charlotte Harbor. Fourteen miles flow through Myakka River State Park. The river and its two shallow lakes attract a myriad of wetland creatures, making birding, canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation popular activities. Canoeing and kayaking south of State Road 72, within the park, is limited access and requires a permit from the ranger station.
Paddlers should be aware of water levels. During the dry season, portaging may be required in many places along the river. During the wet season, the river current becomes very strong and the river widens into nearby hammocks, potentially causing navigational difficulties. Please be sure to check weather and wind conditions before planning your trip.
If you plan to canoe or kayak during your visit, you can bring your own vessel or rent from the outpost located within the park.
- Paddling Rentals
Fifty-eight square miles of protected nature allow visitors to see an abundance of thriving wildlife. Bobcats, otters, alligators and 100-plus species of birds can be seen at Myakka. The Florida dry prairie, a globally imperiled ecosystem, comprises more than half the park. This is the second most biodiverse ecosystem in North America, and it is full of diverse plants.
Myakka River State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors.
These amenities include:
- Myakka River boat tours.
- Pink Gator Café.
- Myakka Gifts and Boutique.
- Interpretive exhibits.
- Campsites with concrete pad, picnic table, ground grill and nearby restrooms. Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Historic cabin.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Nearby the Log Pavilion, Myakka River State Park has an amphitheater. Permanent benches face a speaker's podium with a screen available for slideshow viewing. There is also a large campfire pit nearby (to the left of the screen). During season, rangers give campfire circle presentations at the amphitheater about the park's history and resources. It is a wonderful place for school groups, Scout troops, book clubs, speakers and others.
The amphitheater is surrounded by a lush oak/palm hammock, immersing visitors in nature and providing privacy from busy park activity. The log bathroom (shared with the Log Pavilion ) is nearby.
The amphitheater is approximately 1/4 mile from the park entrance on State Road 72. There is a small parking area shared with Log Pavilion visitors nearby.
Myakka has a boat ramp near the concession area. All motorized boats must pay $4 to launch (payment accepted at the ranger station). Trailer parking is nearby. Boats must observe strict minimum speed/no wake regulations.
Myakka does not have strict motor size restrictions, but seasonal water level variation prevents some engines from operation. During especially dry times, Myakka may close the ramp to all vessels. For current conditions, please call the ranger station.
To access areas of the park south of State Road 72, boaters must have a wilderness preserve permit. Only 30 people are allowed south of 72 per day, and all people going must register at the ranger station on the day they would like to go.
Myakka River State Park is sometimes visited by manatees. We are closely monitoring their behavior. If you see a manatee , please let the ranger station know. Please try to have the location of the manatee, time of sighting, any distinguishable markings (scars, size, etc.) and pictures if possible.
To fish at the park, you must have a Florida freshwater fishing license. These are not sold at the park. You can purchase a license at www.MyFWC.com or local retailers such as Economy Tackle and Walmart.
Stay the night in a log cabin at one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1941, each of the historic palm log cabins includes a bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen and a large common room that sleeps up to six guests. A porch and fireplace add to the charm of these historic cabins. Linens, light thermal blankets, kitchen utensils, coffee pot and microwave oven are provided.
- For the guest's relaxation, televisions, phones and Wi-Fi are not provided.
- Pets are not permitted in cabins.
- There is a minimum two night stay in cabins on weekends and holidays, either Friday and Saturday night, or Saturday and Sunday nights.
Stay at your own campfire circle on your campsite or join us at ours. During season, park staff and special guests gather 'round the campfire circle for engaging presentations and discussions all about Myakka. Please call the ranger station for the program schedule.
The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites, each equipped with 20/30/50 amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.
Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake. The Myakka Outpost, wildlife tours and Wi-Fi are also nearby.
Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gallery & Gifts. Up to four well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds.
- Hammock camping is permitted on campsites 7, 8, 11, 15, 23, 27, 33 and 48 only. A limited number of hammocks are designated on each of these sites based on number of appropriate trees available.
Paddlers are welcome to launch at the bridge located one mile into the park from the State Road 72 entrance. There are nearby places to park. This launch allows paddlers direct access to the Myakka River. The river flows from the north to the south, and the current is strong when water levels are high.
Visitors may also launch into the Upper Myakka Lake near the concession area. The Upper Lake is a wonderful place to paddle around. In dry seasons, portaging may be required.
To access areas of the park south of State Road 72, boaters must have a wilderness preserve permit (issued daily at the ranger station).
There is no park-provided shuttle system. Please make arrangements as appropriate before you come, or be prepared to paddle back to your entrance location.
Pink Gator Cafe
Enjoy lunch, dessert or a craft beer while taking in the sights of the beautiful Upper Myakka Lake. Try our famous homemade alligator stew, seafood gumbo, hand-breaded gator bites, garden veggie burger or one of our fresh deli subs. Don't forget to stop by the Ice Cream Parlor for dessert. You can also visit Myakka Gifts and Boutique where you can take home a Myakka souvenir. The Nature Gift Shop has jewelry, local art, home décor, Florida books, T-shirts, hats, camp fashions and much more.
From the 1850s through the 1920s, the lands of Myakka River State Park were used for cattle ranching. The last of such ranchers, Bertha Palmer, is memorialized on Ranch House Road. Visitors hiking or biking on Ranch House can visit the kiosk where the original Ranch House once stood.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps came to the Myakka River Valley to make it accessible as a park. Their legacy lives in many of the trails, structures and buildings in the park. The visitor center, South Pavilion, Log Pavilion, five cabins, the boat basin and the weir were built by the CCC.
Canopy Walkway at Myakka River State Park
The Myakka Canopy Walkway provides easy access to observe life in the treetops of an oak/palm hammock. As an outdoor laboratory for research and education, it is a place for discovery and opportunity for visitors to Myakka to see its canopy inhabitants up close. Completed in 2000, this structure is the first public treetop trail in North America. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above the ground and extends 100 feet through the hammock canopy. A tower soars 74 feet in the air to present a spectacular view of tree tops, wetlands and the prairie/hammock interface. You can look down on eagles, hawks, vultures, and the tips of live oaks and palm trees. For park visitor safety, only leashed service dogs are permitted on the Canopy Walkway.
Learn more about the Canopy Walkway
Laundry facilities are available to all registered campers. The machines are in both Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds.
The William Boylston Nature Trail is a self-guided interpretive walk. Along this 0.8-mile journey, visitors can learn about the wildlife and ecology of Florida's oak/palm hammocks. The Canopy Walkway is located on the southwestern portion of the Nature Trail.
Experiencing this thriving hammock is thrilling for adults and children alike. To guide the fun, we have created a scavenger hunt for information. It can be done alone or in small competitive groups.
- Hammock Hunt
Parking is permitted in designated lots and alongside the main road. Vehicles may not block traffic or gates. Parking on the bridge is not permitted.
Domestic pets are welcome at Myakka River State Park, including on trails and in developed campgrounds. Please do not bring pets into buildings (including bathrooms and cabins) or onto structures (including the Canopy Walkway). Trained service animals are welcome.
- All pets must always be on a leash or physically confined. Leashes may not exceed 6 feet.
- Do not bring a pet near shallow water.
- Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and dispose of waste in proper trash receptacles.
- Pets may never be tied to standing objects, even if the owner is present (this includes trees, bushes, tables, etc.).
- Pets must always be well behaved. If a pet is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive, it will not be allowed to stay in the park.
- Pets must be up-to-date with vaccinations.
- Horse owners must show proof of negative Coggins test.
- All captive wild species and barnyard animals (except horses) are prohibited.
Camping with Pets
Florida State Parks welcome pets to stay with the family when camping. Please be aware that this applies only to our developed campgrounds: Big Flats, Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge. These are sites 1 through 90. Pets are not permitted in cabins, primitive campsites (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Oak Grove, Panther Point and Prairie) or the youth/group campgrounds. All rules for day-visitor pets apply to our overnight pet guests.
- Pets must be confined in your unit during quiet hours, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Pets may not be left unattended at your site for more than 30 minutes.
- Pets must always be well behaved. You may be asked to board the pet outside of the park or leave the campground if your pet is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive.
- You must leave your campsite clean, including all animal messes. Please pick up after them and place their waste in a trash bin.
There are many informal places to picnic in Myakka with benches and grills. Many large groups enjoy reserving a pavilion for their get-togethers. The park has four reservable pavilions.
Click here for photos and information about each pavilion.
Click here to learn about making reservations.
- South Pavilion: 110 people max, $80 plus tax.
- Log Pavilion: 60 people max, $80 plus tax.
- Lake Pavilion: 40 people max, $40 plus tax.
- Clay Gully Pavilion: 40 people max, $40 plus tax.
Park entry fees are not waived for groups reserving pavilions. Individuals may pay for themselves upon entry, or the pavilion renter may pay for tallied cars on the day of the reservation. Alcohol is prohibited at the pavilions. All pavilion rentals end at sunset. Everyone must depart the park and the pavilion must be clean by sunset. No after-hours reservations are permitted.
Restrooms are available at the ranger station, visitor center, South Pavilion, Log Pavilion, concession and the Clay Gully Pavilion.
Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining rest rooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.
Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle and Myakka Friends Gallery & Gifts. Up to four well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds.
- Hammock camping is permitted on campsites 7, 8, 11, 15, 23, 27, 33 and 48 only.
All campsites are within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers. Showers are for registered campers only. Those not registered to camp can purchase rights at the ranger station for $8 plus tax to shower one time.
Start your journey at our visitor center. Originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, our visitor center provides interactive displays about park wildlife and lots of information about park resources. During season, the visitor center is staffed with a knowledgeable volunteer who can answer questions and help you plan a fantastic day.
The visitor center is a wonderful way to introduce children to Myakka. This scavenger hunt can be adapted for large or small groups of children. It's a fun activity to inspire and educate young minds about Florida wildlife.
- Visitor Center Scavenger Hunt
- Moscow Oblast
- Weather in Chernogolovka
10-Day Weather for Chernogolovka
Extended weather forecast for Chernogolovka (Moscow Oblast) for the next 10 days. Information about air temperature, wind, pressure, humidity, sunrise, and sunset.
Forecast for the next 10 days
Weather forecast 10 days for nearby cities.
- Zagoryanskiy
- Ivanteyevka
- Elektrostal
- Elektrogorsk
Day and night temperatures in Chernogolovka for 10 days
Interactive graph of the temperature in Chernogolovka for 10 days (24 October-02 November). The minimum value of the daily temperature is expected at around +41°F; the maximum is expected at around +50°F. At night, the minimum temperature will be +36°F and the maximum +45°F.
Weather in large and nearby cities
Weather in Moscow +46°
Khimki +45°
Balashikha +46°
Podol’sk +46°
Zagoryanskiy +45°
Ivanteyevka +45°
Fryazino +45°
Fryanovo +41°
Elektrostal +45°
Elektrogorsk +43°
Bolshëvo +45°
Medvezh’i Ozëra +45°
Krasnoarmeysk +45°
Losino-Petrovskiy +45°
Staraya Kupavna +45°
Sofrino +45°
Borisovo +41°
Bokovo +41°
Now 23:42, 24 Oct
- Sunrise: 07:17 Sunset: 17:02
- Daylight: 09:45
- Moon Phase: Third quarter
- Read more about Sunrise
IMAGES
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COMMENTS
Tours last about 45-60 minutes. Tours are first-come, first-served only. No reservations are taken on the phone or online. Tours are ADA-friendly and wheelchair accessible. They are weather dependent, and they will not run within 30 minutes of thunder/lightning. Groups. Minimum size for a group is 25 people.
See Wildlife on a Myakka Park Tram Tour. The Myakka Outdoors tram tour is a three-mile loop into the center of Myakka River State Park where public vehicle access is prohibited. The knowledgeable tour guide will share information about the park's history, the culture and lifestyle of Myakka's pioneers, and wildlife points of interest.
Boat Tours. Book Now. Join us on one of our pontoon boats and explore the awe-inspiring waters of the Upper Lake of Myakka River State Park. Available seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The waterways connected to Myakka River are home to a richly diverse ecosystem. Our expert guides will describe the habitat and denizens of the Upper ...
Would highly recommend this tour to anybody that wants to learn a little bit about the Myakka River and Florida in general. He knows everything there was to know about this area and its ecosystem. Semper Optima Captain Matt., keep charging. Jack sanzalone ... Myakka Wildlife Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Through our interpretive tours, guests explore and experience the unique ecosystems of Myakka River State Park. ... Myakka River State Park is one of the best wildlife observation spots in the Florida State Park System offering the chance to see bald eagles, wood storks, sandhill cranes, osprey, alligators, deer, and much more. ...
The majestic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of one of Florida's oldest and largest parks. This diverse landscape includes prairies, hammocks pinelands and wetlands, which beckon visitors to explore natural beauty. ... Wildlife Tours. Experience Myakka by boat and tram! Tours last about 45 to 60 minutes and are ADA-friendly ...
Explore the WILD Myakka River with US! Located at Snook Haven. Plan Your Tour Today - Speak directly with our reservation manager (941)875-2070. Reservations. Tour Schedule. Photos. About Us. Eat @ Snook Haven. Directions. Logan River Tours is family owned & operated with over 35 years in the tour and charter business. Featured In. Venice City ...
Between the abundant wildlife, canopy trails, boat tours, and endless waterways to kayak, see the best things to do in Myakka State Park! ... Take a ride on a flat-bottomed boat around the Upper Myakka Lake to see wildlife up close and learn about the Myakka River State Park. ... The Myakka River is 66 miles long, with 14 of these miles flowing ...
Myakka River State Park is a unique natural wonder that features Florida's first state-designated "Wild and Scenic River." ... You can explore this ecosystem's natural and cultural history, hike, fish, take boat tours, and enjoy wildlife viewing. With over 300,000 visitors each year, this park is a popular destination for both locals ...
Here are 10 reasons to visit Myakka River State Park: The Myakka River State Park canopy walkway takes you on a walk in the treetops.; Adventurers can head out on 39 miles of hiking trails.; There are excellent paved and unpaved biking trails.; The wild and scenic Myakka River and adjoining lakes are outstanding for kayaking.; Myakka River State Park offers a pontoon boat ride that is family ...
Of Myakka River's 66 miles, 12 are contained in the park, as well as the Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes, which are fed by the river. These waterways are important resources for the various kinds of wildlife that are found in the park. One of the park's largest and most iconic residents is the American Alligator.
Airboat Tours at Myakka River State Park fill up fast. Winter airboat tour schedule (Dec. 16-May 3) has boats departing at 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes ahead of time to, hopefully, be assured of a seat. Ticket sales stop five minutes before departure. ... Myakka Wildlife Airboat Ride surprisingly quiet.
Experience Myakka River State Park Near Siesta Key. Myakka River State Park is a wonderful nature preserve right in Sarasota's backyard. The park holds 37,000 acres of unspoiled land that offer a variety of exciting wildlife tours near Siesta Key. Myakka is located southeast of Sarasota along Florida highway 72.
NEW BOAT TOURS HOURS OF OPERATION as of 8/1/2018: The airboat tours have been replaced with pontoon boat tours. Boat tour times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 plus tax for adults and $12 plus tax for children 3-12. Toddlers 2 and under are free. More info: 941-361-6511
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake. The Myakka Outpost, wildlife tours and Wi-Fi are also nearby. Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gallery & Gifts.
Chernogolovka is a town in Moscow Oblast, Russia. Center of the town is located some 43 km northeast of the Moscow city limit and 59 km from Red Square.
Things to Do in Chernogolovka, Moscow Oblast: See Tripadvisor's 251 traveller reviews and photos of Chernogolovka attractions.
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