FLORIDA'S
LARGEST STATE PARK
Over 45 square miles of
woodlands, wetlands and prairie invite you to explore by foot, bicycle,
canoe or auto. The park is famous for its abundant wildlife and quiet, scenic
beauty. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to watch the Myakka Movies
and discover how the park is restoring one of our country's rarest communities--Florida
dry prairie. Spend a day or camp overnight in the campgrounds or in one
of the log cabins built by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The Myakka "Wild and Scenic
River" flows through the western portion of the park and its two
lakes and floodplain marshes are a haven for wading birds and waterfowl.
The scenic drive winds through shady hammocks, verdant marshes and along
the Upper Myakka Lakeshore. Airboat tours, tram rides, and ranger-led
walks provide insight into one of Florida's last remaining wildernesses.
MYAKKA WILDLIFE TOURS
Hop aboard one of the world's two largest airboats, the "Myakka Maiden,"
or the "Gator Gal" for a scenic cruise on the Upper Myakka Lake.
Discover what makes the Myakka unique among America's freshwater lakes.
Hear intriguing stories about the alligator, anhinga, and sandhill crane
as you become acquainted with the variety of creatures that make their home
here.
These air-powered vessels venture
into the shallow, grassy areas where traditional crafts of such size wouldn't
dare to go. The leisurely ride is so safe and smooth you'll have no problem
taking photographs to bring home.
You don't have to "rough
it" to take Myakka Wildlife Tours' special "Tram Safari"
into the back country of Myakka River State Park. Discover what life in
old Florida was like as you see it through the eyes of the early settlers.
Learn to detect clues of the presence of resident wildlife as you pass
through shady hammocks, majestic pine flatwoods, fertile marshes and sunny
prairies. If you want to gain an understanding of the intricate workings
of a natural ecosystem in progress, you have to experience it for yourself.
BIRDING PARADISE
Myakka offers birders an exciting lineup of birding experiences. Diversity
of habitat is responsible for the variety of birds that can be  seen
in a day. Herons and ibis feed in shallow lakes and fertile marshes; eagles
nest in pine flatwoods and steal fish from successful ospreys; and the calls
of meadowlarks and bobwhite echo through the prairies.
Winter and spring bring flocks
of ducks, warblers, wading birds and hawks. It is a time when the waters
of the Myakka River and Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes are at their lowest.
The shallow waters often entice large flocks of wading birds into a feeding
frenzy.
Park Rangers offer Beginning
Birding classes at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays from Thanksgiving to Easter. New
birders learn to use field guides and binoculars, then go out into the
field to discover the pleasures of birding.
HISTORY
In the early 1930's local residents recognized the Myakka River Valley as
a valuable part of their heritage, worthy of preserving for future generations.
We can thank them for their perseverence in establishing Myakka River as
one of Florida's first state parks.
Myakka River--Wild &
Scenic
Because of strong citizen interest in protecting its scenic qualities,
the Myakka was declared an official Florida Wild and Scenic River by State
Legislature in 1985.
When development threatened
and adjoining the park in 1992, thousands of Floridians wrote to legislators
petitioning for its protection. The campaign was a success. The land was
purchased with Preservation 2000 funds and now the park manages an additional
8,249 acres.
 THE
CABINS AT MYAKKA RIVER
The five palm log cabins were built by the men of the Civilian Conservation
Corps. They include an air conditioner, electric stove & refrigerator
and hot water showers.
CABIN RENTAL:
$55 per night for up to 4 people
$5 each additional person
$3 extra vehicle
There is no extra charge for
children under 6 years or members of the same immediate family (parents
and dependent children). Maximum Occupancy 6 persons. Rental Deposit required.
Check in: 4 p.m. Check out:
11 a.m.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted by phone or in person. Call (941) 361-6511
Call up to 11 months in advance
to reserve cabins for 2 to 14 nights. One night reservations are accepted
up to 30 days in advance for Sunday through Thursday nights (except holidays).
Cabins may be rented for one night on weekends or holidays when available.
Special Notation:
Cabins are very popular and often are completely booked for weekends,
months in advance. Holidays are often booked 11 months in advance. If
you are unable to reserve cabins for the days you need them, there is
a private campground on the Myakka River that also rents cabins. Contact Venice Campground for information.
Cabin Refund Policy
Reservation deposit fee, less handling fee, will be refunded from Tallahassee
if the reservation is canceled at least 14 days prior to check in date.
Cancellations received later than 14 days prior to the scheduled check-in
date or after arrival at the park: (reservation fee, less handling fee),
will be refunded from Tallahassee if the cabin can be rented for the remainder
of the nights reserved.
Sorry, no pets allowed in the
campgrounds.
Cabins at other locations:
Venice Campground is a private campground
on the Myakka River (south of Sarasota) that offers camping and cabins.
CANOEING
Take a canoe along the Myakka River.....
Fourteen miles of the Myakka
Wild and Scenic river flows through the park. Bring your own canoe or
rent from Myakka River Outpost. A boat ramp on the Upper Myakka Lake provides
access to the river and both lakes. Additional canoe launch locations
are at picnic areas along the main drive. During periods of low water
(winter and spring) it is necessary to portage around the weir at the
south end of the Upper Myakka Lake. It may also be necessary to portage
along shallow portions of the river or when blockages of water hyacinths
occur.
Rental Prices at Canoe Outpost
Deposit Required: $30 + Driver's License
| 0 - 2 hours |
$10 |
| 2 - 4 hours |
$18 |
| 4 hours - All Day |
$25 |
CAMPING
Camping is available in one of two family campgrounds within walking distance
from the Myakka River or the Upper Myakka Lake. Campsites accommodate tents,
trailers, or motorized campers up to 35' long. Each site includes a picnic
table and grill. Sites with water and electric are available. A dump station
for sewage disposal is also available. Reservations are taken by phone up
to 11 months in advance.
Rates: Dec-April $15 per night;
May - Nov $11 per night. Electricity $2 per night. Extra person &
extra car rates may also apply.
Six primitive campsites are
located along a 39-mile hiking trail. Hike through oak-palm forest, dry
prairie, pine flatwoods and wetlands. Shortest hike to a campground is
2 1/2 miles. Shaded campsites have pitcher pumps but water must be treated.
Reservations are taken up to 11 months in advance. $3 per person per night
for adults. Children under 18 are $2.
Three group camp sites are available
for organized groups such as church groups, scouts and civic clubs. Reservations
are taken by phone up to 11 months in advance. Tents only, no electric available.
Bathrooms have showers with hot water. Each site has tables and grills and
accommodates up to 20 persons. Adults $3 per night. Children under 18 are
$2.
Myakka River State Park is located 9 miles east of Sarasota on S.R. 72.
For more information about Myakka River State Park, contact:
Myakka River State Park
13207 S.R. 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
or call (941) 361-6511
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