Attractions Along the Myakka River: Florida's Only 'Wild & Scenic River'

Among Sarasota County's hundreds of unspoiled parks, nature preserves and wetlands, the area offers eco-friendly attractions along the Myakka River, a beloved body of water that’s celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2025 as the state’s only “Wild and Scenic River,” designated by the Florida State Legislature in 1985.

This 72-mile-long waterway stretches through three counties, starting in eastern Manatee County and winding its way south through Sarasota County before emptying into Charlotte Harbor. The 34-mile portion of the river that flows through Sarasota County has been protected from development – keeping this treasure wild and free for future generations.

From horseback riding beside the Myakka River to soaking in a natural mineral spring, I discovered natural attractions going from north to south county that can be enjoyed on a daylong excursion or weekend getaway.

Myakka River State Park

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL

My first stop along the river is Myakka River State Park, the oldest state park in Florida and one of its largest protected areas. Located off State Road 72 just nine miles east of I-75, the 58-square-mile park is home to wetlands, prairies, oak hammocks and pinelands. 

The park’s 7-mile-long main road is the perfect place to explore on rented bikes, watch for birds and other wildlife and access a variety of walking trails. It’s common to spot alligators, wild turkeys, wild hogs, vultures and many other birds in the park. 

One must-do nature experience is the Canopy Walkway and Nature Trail, a suspended pedestrian bridge that gives visitors a bird’s-eye view among the majestic trees. Completed in 2000, it was the first public treetop trail in North America. 

The walkway, which is suspended 25 feet off the ground, is limited to four walkers at a time, and you’ll feel the bridge sway as you walk. For even more amazing views of the entire area, climb the 74-foot-tall tower. My family enjoyed the thrill of the treetop views and spotting birds’ nests so much that we climbed the tower three times!

Pack food or pick up a bite from the snack bar and have a seat at a table near Upper Myakka Lake or in the Clay Gully Picnic Area. After spotting license plates from 30 states across the country – as well as a few Canadian provinces – we realized that many locals and visitors are taking advantage of the amazing natural wonders in our backyard. Renting kayaks/canoes or taking a flat-bottomed boat tour are other popular ways to explore along the River.

Stay Nearby: You can't get much closer than reserving an RV or primitive campsite or a cabin within Myakka River State Park's campground and lodging area.

Crowley Museum & Nature Center

16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota, FL 

Just a mile beyond the Park’s north entrance, Crowley Museum and Nature Center (open to the public Saturday – Sunday, 10 am–5 pm, in fair weather) is especially popular with families look to experience Old Florida. Explore the historic 190-acre homestead with its pioneer cabin and artifacts, plus a blacksmith shop, working sugar can mill, farm animals, as well as a nature-oriented Children’s Discovery Trail. A half-mile boardwalk also takes visitors through five different Florida habitats and ends with a two-story observation tower overlooking the marsh and the Myakka River. 

Keep a look out for special events throughout the year that help promote sustainable agriculture, connection to nature and practical wilderness skills, including Family Camping Adventures and a Myakka River Rendezvous.

Stay Nearby: One of the closest places to stay is Sun Outdoor Sarasota, an RV resort with full hook-ups as well as family-friendly cottages for vacation rentals.

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

7001 Forbes Trl, Venice, FL

Peaceful and serene, Deer Prairie Creek Preserve in Venice, is spread over 16 square miles in the southern reaches of Sarasota County. While most people visit to hike or bike along its 75 miles of unpaved trails, I explored the preserve on horseback.

I began my adventure at the trailhead near the entrance to the preserve. Our group of five riders met Jimmy, who brings his horses down from his farm in Parrish. At first, my horse, Rowdy, didn’t seem to match his name. Docile and friendly, he rekindled my love of horseback riding immediately as I held the reins and stroked his brown-and-white flank.

Jimmy led our group through the prairie, accompanied only by the sound of the wind rustling in the trees. He has spent six seasons giving daily tours to locals and visitors. He shared his love of horses and riding through natural lands as he guided us along 22 miles of wooded trails and small streams left by recent heavy rains. 

Part of the trail borders the Myakka River – I spotted paddlers and other boaters enjoying its sparkling waters. We reveled in the beauty of the unspoiled lands and soaked up the silence, broken only by bird calls.

The horses enjoyed the casual trot as much as the riders did, as we spotted wild hogs and other critters. When the trail opened up to a wide field, Rowdy lived up to his name and took off at a gallop, which left me breathless. It was a symbolic finish to my adventurous ride through the prairie.

Stay Nearby: Under a 15-minute drive is TownePlace Suites by Marriott Venice and Fairfield Inn & Suites - Venice for convenient and comfortable hotel options.

Warm Mineral Springs Park

12200 San Servando Ave, North Port, FL 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Warm Mineral Springs in North Port has drawn underwater explorers as well as recreational swimmers since the 1950s. Florida’s only naturally formed warm-water mineral spring, this geothermal sinkhole has long been a source of discoveries for archeologists. In 1973, divers uncovered the remains of an almost perfectly preserved man, estimated to be around 10,000 years old!

Generations of swimmers have been drawn to the mineral-rich waters – which stay at a constant 85 degrees – for relaxation and rejuvenation. The mineral concentration is the highest of any spring in the United States, providing buoyancy that amazes swimmers.  

The spring, nearly 250 feet deep, discharges 9 million gallons of water each day, refilling every two hours. A lawn sprinkled with Adirondack chairs and tables surrounds the waters, making it a great place for a morning swim and a picnic lunch from one of the food trucks parked outside the park.

As a result of significant hurricane damage, the historic building complex (which includes the gift shop, permanent showers, restrooms and changing facilities) is closed to public access. A temporary admissions building and portable restroom trailer is onsite for visitor use. 

Stay Nearby: Families or couples looking for a nostalgic stay can book a room right at the historic Warm Mineral Springs Motel.

Myakka State Forest

2000 S River Road, Englewood, FL 

Located in southern Sarasota County, Myakka State Forest is 13.4 square miles of protected land with several miles of frontage on the Myakka River. The forest is divided into two tracts: Big Slough (also called Myakkahatchee Creek) drains into the Myakka, while the western section holds the headwaters of Rock Creek, which becomes a part of the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system. Access to the forest is off River Road, about 9 miles south of I-75.

The forest, which lies along the southern end of the Great Florida Birding Trail, is home to hundreds of species including Florida scrub jays, burrowing owls, snail kites and wading birds. Expert birdwatchers might spot migratory birds including yellow-billed cuckoos, which raise their young here during spring and summer.

The forest’s natural canopy is a perfect habitat for gopher tortoises, bobcats, deer, the American alligator and other animals. Fishing enthusiasts drop a line in its cool, tranquil waters for snook, largemouth bass and snapper. 

Stay Nearby: Adventurous geocachers and backpacking campers can hike-in or paddle-in to Myakka State Forest for a primitive overnight stay along the Wild & Scenic River.