Myakka River State Park

Being one of Florida's oldest state parks, this southwest park was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930's as part of the Great Depression era New Deal projects. It was detrimental to the survival of many youths across the country and created one of Florida's greatest state parks in the process. The park encompasses some 58 square miles complete with two lakes and the Myakka River.

Myakka River State Park is also one of Florida's biggest state parks and you can tell right away when you visit the park for the first time that it is immense. With so much diverse wildlife and habitat, the park is filled with opportunities to explore each area in a different way.

Two tours are available to explore the backwoods of this vast expanse of rare Florida dry prairies, grass swamps and lakes. Probably the most sought after tour in the park is the airboat tour. You have a choice of boarding the "Myakka Maiden" or the "Gator Gal"-two of the largest airboats in the world-for a tour along the lakes and swamp waters of the Upper Myakka Lake.

Listen as the tour guide tells the tale of why this is Florida's most unique lake, discover alligators in their natural habitat and take one of a kind photographs. The airboats traverse over shallow waters and swamps making this an adventure you and your family will never forget.

The other tour is a tram safari which takes park visitors through some of the dry prairies and pine flatwoods that make up the backcountry of Myakka River State Park. This seven mile scenic tour will take you through an amazing and diverse ecosystem full of rare plants and animals. A large number of birds frequent the park year round.

But that's not all you get when visiting Myakka River State Park. It is home to an elevated walkway through the canopies of the forest. The treetop trail is suspended from a 74 foot high tower that allows guests to view the hardwood hammock and wetlands from the vantage point of the birds.

A full facility campsite complete with 76 sites is the perfect place to spend the night in your tent or RV. Each site comes with water and electricity, a picnic table and fire ring and nearby are hot showers and restrooms. The park also has a coin operated laundry facility for overnight guests.

For information on directions to the park, fees and hours of operations, visit their website here.