Myakka River State Park located on Route 72 some 9 miles east of Sarasota is one of Floridas larger parks. Covering an area of 57 square miles, the luxuriant park is a representative slice of the Florida environment oaks, pines, scrub, water, prairie, and marshes.
The Park

The park is rich in bird life and a variety of water birds and waders make their home here. The park is also home to alligators Floridas state reptile. It has 2 large bodies of water named the Upper and Lower Mayakka Lakes and the two lakes are connected by marsh land. Together the lakes and marshes make up the Myakka River basin and an ideal habitat for its plants and wild life to thrive in.

The parks environment includes Live Oaks, Pines, and Sabal Palms. A 7-mile paved drive runs through the park which is also used by bikers. The drive is beautiful with live oak trees thickly festooned with Spanish moss growing on either side of the road. At the ground level the scrub and grass provide a habitat for smaller animals, birds, insects, and smaller plants. There is yet another habitat at the canopy level. The tree-top level hosts a host of bird life, insects, and plants the Epiphytes and Resurrection Ferns which grow on other trees by anchoring their roots on them for physical support while drawing sustenance from the air.

Canopy Walk

The canopy walk at the treetop level is an important feature of the park. The walk is an inspiration of Dr. Margaret Lowman, a leading expert on treetop environments. The Canopy Walkway provides a 30- to 40-minute walk along the treetops and allows a closer look at the treetop habitat and some of the plant and creatures inhabiting it. These include several types of epiphytes, lichens and ferns growing on trees close to the canopy level.
Alligators

There are many alligators in the shallow, gently flowing water of the Myakka River. Alligators are seen floating among the reeds and tall grasses and on my tour on the Myakka Maiden, a full-sized gator accompanied the boat and swam alongside for some distance providing a great photo-op for tourists on board. The alligator then effortlessly swam away demonstrating the powerful propulsion system that its massive tail is. Gators are everywhere and hang out on the shores, in the boat channel near the dock. They are also to be seen on a small dam like structure behind the concession stands. They lie on the waters edge soaking in the sun. Black vultures keep a watch them from a safe distance.

The park is a great place for bird watching. Herons and ibis are common. So are some rarer birds like limpkins which are less frequently seen elsewhere. Wood storks - at one time a threatened species are also to be seen in the park. Sandhill cranes nest along the shores of Myakka lake. Among raptors, Bald eagles and Ospreys frequent the area. In addition to birds that make their home in the park, migratory birds also stop at the park. Ducks and cranes also visit. The park with its abundant and varied birds is a favored stop for Audubon groups and avid birdwatchers.

Park Tours

An airboat tour is major attraction in the park. The tour which lasts about 60 minutes takes the visitor to hard to access areas. The depth of the lake is shallow and it is only airboats that can cruise freely over the swampy marsh. The lake has 2 airboats Myakka Maiden and Gator Gal. The Myakka Maiden is the bigger boat and is said to be the largest airboat anywhere. Cruising Myakka Lake on an airboat is an enjoyable way to view the wild life in the park.

Airboat tours are also educational. Boat captains seem to know every corner of the lake and the many birds and animals that live in it. The captains are also entertaining to listen to. Guiding the tour I was on was Captain Dick Fredlund. A senior cruise guide with many years of experience, the captain had many stories to tell. He was knowledgeable about the parks wild life and took the boat to parts of the lake of special interest for the tourist. He made the ride both instructive and entertaining. The park also offers Tram Safari or park tours by land to different areas of the park. Bike and kayak rentals are also available for those wishing to explore on their own.