Sometimes, gator bites are on the menu.Īnother cool attraction at Myakka River State Park is its canopy walkway, located 25 feet above the ground and crossing 100 feet over in an oak/palm hammock. Myakka River State Park also has a concession stand and larger gift shop where you can load up on Florida souvenirs and grab a bite to eat. There’s an extra fee for both yhe tram and boat rides.

If you’d rather stick to land, there’s the tram ride that goes further back into the park’s vast acreage. The boats will take you out on Upper Myakka Lake, where a knowledgeable guide will share the history of the park and details about the wildlife. During Sarasota’s busiest season, it’s not uncommon to find tourists speaking several different languages stopped in clumps to gaze at gators and snap pics to share with others.Īnother great way to learn about the park is with its boat and tram rides. Keep your distance, of course, and use the closeup function on your camera phone or a telephoto lens on a nice camera to snap some nice shots. When the weather is warm, you can see alligators swimming along in the river or sometimes sunning themselves not far from shore. Previously, the land for the park was owned by Bertha Palmer, a businesswoman from Chicago who pursued cattle and pig ranching on the land.įast forward to today, and one major draw for Myakka River State Park is the many, many alligators that call it home. Myakka River State Park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was one of eight state parks in Florida developed by the CCC. Running through the park is the Myakka River, perfect for boating, kayaking and fishing. Myakka River State Park is 58 square miles large and combines prairies with wetlands and pinelands.

This massive park is home to literally thousands of alligators, all waiting for their close up-from a safe distance, of course.

If you’re staying in a vacation rental in the Bradenton Beach, Sarasota, or Siesta Key area, don’t forget to add Myakka River State Park to your vacation to-do list.

The Diamond Lens by Fitz-James O'Brien