Myakka River State Park

The Myakka River glows in the evening light.

Florida's scenic Myakka River flows through 57 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands, nurturing one of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas.

The river and its two shallow lakes attract a variety of wetlands wildlife, which makes birding, canoeing, fishing, camping and wildlife observation popular activities.

A seven-mile scenic drive winds through shady oak-palm hammocks and along the shore of the Upper Lake. More than 39 miles of hiking trails and many miles of dirt roads provide access to the remote interior, which includes imperiled Florida dry prairie.

The park is located nine miles east of Sarasota on S.R. 72. Myakka Wildlife Tours (airboat tours year-round, tram tours seasonally) are available. There are also bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals available.