Myakka River State Park

In the early 1930's, local residents recognized the Myakka River Valley as a valuable part of their heritage and worked to establish one of Florida's first state parks. Between 1934 and 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps, with help from the National Park Service and Florida Park Service, constructed facilities and developed the park. Myakka River State Park was opened in 1942. Many of the original buildings are still in use today.The Myakka River was designated a Florida Wild and Scenic River by the State legislature in 1985. It is the only river in Florida to be recognized with this special status. The act provides for preservation and management of the 34 mile portion of the river within Sarasota County.