Take a hike

Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Day to Visit a State Park

It's become an annual tradition for my family to head out to Myakka River State Park on Thanksgiving Day.

11/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Environment

Sarasota County Acquires 100 Acres for Conservation

The county recently acquired 20 acres along the Myakka River and 80 acres in the Old Miakka area.

11/20/2020 By Staff

Outdoor Adventures

It's Election Day. Let's Go Take a Hike.

Stop refreshing Twitter and recharge in nature at Oscar Scherer State Park or Myakka River State Park.

11/03/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Into the Woods

Photos: The Natural Beauty of Myakka River State Park

Let’s go exploring.

04/21/2020

Sneak Preview

Florida Artists Hall of Fame Photographer Clyde Butcher Opens New Myakka Exhibit at the Bishop Museum

Butcher also will join a panel of judges for Sarasota Magazine's Earth Day Photo Contest.

02/05/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Weekly Planner

A Cast Iron Cooking Class, a Downton Abbey-Themed Dinner and More of This Week’s Best Food and Drink Events

Also on the menu: a night market and food truck rally and a sunset happy hour.

01/29/2020 By Rachel Suwak

Into the Wild

The Ultimate Guide to Myakka River State Park

Let's go exploring.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Where and How to Camp at Myakka River State Park

From barebones basics to rustic comfort, find your site in the park.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Some Lucky People Don't Just Work at Myakka—They Live There

“Your back yard is the park."

11/29/2017 By Susan Burns

Into the Wild

Five Great Ways to Navigate Myakka River State Park

Walk, paddle, ride, boat.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

What to Look For on Myakka's Canopy Walkway

The walkway is one of the park's most popular attractions.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Into the Wild

Volunteers from All Over the Country Help Keep Myakka Running

Some are locals who sign up for a few hours or days a month; others—mainly retirees—come in their campers from all over the country and live in the park for months on end.

11/29/2017 By Pam Daniel and Kay Kipling

Into the Wild

The Myth of the Skunk Ape

Legend has it that Myakka River State Park is home to the fearsome Skunk Ape.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Deep Hole is Home to Hundreds of Alligators

The park’s No. 1 attraction is a prehistoric predator.

11/29/2017 By Pam Daniel

Into the Wild

The Making of Myakka River State Park

Generosity, vision and the Great Depression all played a role.

11/29/2017 By Kay Kipling

Into the Wild

Into Myakka's Flooded Forest

Here's what it's like to kayak through the park during the rainy season.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Five Overnight Adventures for Campers Old and New

Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time out, our region offers camping experiences for everyone.

04/04/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Weekend Starts Now

The Top 7 Things to Do This Week: March 17-23

Stomp returns to Sarasota, the Sarasota Orchestra celebrates Disney and Reverend Barry and Funktastic Soul plays the Full Moon concert at Myakka River State Park.

03/17/2016 By Sarasota Magazine Staff

Smooth Sailing

A Kayak Trip with the American Littoral Society

The American Littoral Society provides a unique and relaxing way to explore Sarasota.

03/03/2016 By Jenna Greenfield

Talking Points

How to Sound Smart About: Making Florida's State Parks Free

The Florida Legislature is considering waiving entrance fees at state parks for an entire year, starting July 1.

02/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker