Myakka River State Park

The 37,000-acre Myakka River State Park was a gift to the State of Florida from the sons of Bertha Palmer. Bertha was probably the largest land-owner in the area in the early 1900's, and she used some of her property to develop and establish agricultural practices (farming and ranching) that helped to establish Florida as an agricultural giant in the United States. She also built a resort and her winter retreat in the area.

Myakka River State Park is known for the huge variety of its birds, including some of the rarer tropical species that never go further north than Florida. The Myakka River (a designated Florida Wild & Scenic River) flows through some 58 square miles of pinelands, prairies, hammocks and wetlands here.

There is a whole network of hiking trails across the eastern (dry prairie) side of the park. Along some of these trails you'll find the six primitive campgrounds on Myakka River State Park. Five of them offer on-site water pumps, the Mossy Hammock site doesn't. Certain trails and roads are also designated for use by bikes and horseback riders.

The State Park's main road gives access to a boardwalk that leads to the Myakka River and Upper Myakka Lake, both much-loved by bird watchers. There's another trail off the main road leading to the Myakka River Canopy Walkway: a tower and suspension bridge that offer great views of the entire state park and views of the forest canopy below.

Canoeing, boat tours, picnic areas and developed campsites are also available at Myakka River State Park.

Admission fees: $4 per single occupant vehicle, $6 per vehicle to a max of 8 occupants, $2 each for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers. Camping fees: $26 (plus tax) per site per night, includes water and electric. Primitive and Youth Camping: $5 per person for primitive, $1 per youth for youth, $5 per adult/chaperone for youth. Cabin fees: $70 (plus tax) per cabin per night. Equestrian fees: $8 per horse, per day (negative Coggins test required), $15 per day for family of 4. Airboat & Tram Tours: $12 per adult, $6 per child aged 6-12. Canoe and kayak rentals: $20 for 1st hour, $5 for each additional hour. Bicycle rentals: $15 for up to 2 hours, $25 for 2-4 hours, $40 for the whole day.

To get there: Myakka River State Park is 9 miles east of Interstate 75 in Sarasota on State Route 72.