Myakka River State Park

Sarasota, Florida: Along the banks of the Myakka River lies one of Florida’s oldest state parks. Myakka River State Park is home to many unique ecosystems which provide home to thousands of plant and wildlife species.

The land of the park was once the ranch of Bertha Palmer. Palmer was a pioneer settler of the region and one of the biggest landowners in Florida. Following her death, the land was awarded to the State of Florida and in 1934 became one of Florida’s first state parks.

The early development of the park was contributed to the Civilian Conservation Corps. They helped to construct many of the park’s building in cabins during the great depression.

Today Myakka River State Park has grown to over 58 square miles. It features plenty of outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. From hiking, biking, watching wildlife, kayaking, camping or just kicking back and enjoying the great outdoors, it’s all here for you to take advantage of.

The park features of 38 miles of hiking and biking trails. These trails vary in length from the easy nature trail to the longer Prairie trail. Many of these trails intersect via roadways allowing the ability to combine trails for a unique trip. Combine the trails with the eight mile park drive for even more options.

One of the popular features on the trails is the Canopy Walk. Here you can climb 25 feet above the ground and walk through the tree canopy. Once you reach the end of the bridge, you can climb the tower for a bird’s eye view of the park from 74 feet above the ground.

Another popular spot is the Birdwalk. Here you will find a boardwalk that extends into the Upper Myakka Lake to help you get a closer look at the wildlife at the water’s edge.

When you’re done exploring, you can head for the Concession Area. This is your gateway to many of the park’s attractions. Here you can hop aboard an airboat to take a ride on the lake, take a narrated tram ride through the back trails or rent a canoe or kayak and make your own way through the lake. You can also grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or browse through the gift shop or outpost.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the park and its inhabitants, visit the Visitor’s Center by the main entrance. Here you will find informative displays on the park as well as a brief historical video about the park.

Myakka River State Park is also a popular camping destination. The family camping section is split into two parts; Big Flats and Old Prairie. The Big Flats camping area features 52 campsites and is located closest to the Concession Area. The Old Prairie camping area is closest to the river and the park entrance. In addition to the family camping, the park also features five furnished cabins, group campsites and primitive campsites.

Since the park has been maintained as natural as possible, it is home to many different species of plants and animals. The park is home to alligators, deer, bobcats, wading birds, bald eagles, hawks and much more.

With Florida quickly developing, the Florida Parks System has done a great job in helping to maintain a little bit of wild Florida. Myakka River State Park is one of these last few remaining examples of what real Florida looks like.

Click on the photo above to view my Myakka River State Park photo gallery.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center

Sarasota, Florida: Part history museum, part nature preserve; the Crowley Museum and Nature Center have been transporting visitors back in time for over 30 years. Here you can take a glimpse into early pioneer life or take a hike deep into natural Florida.

Founded in 1974 by William Jasper Crowley, the Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a 190 acre preserve that combines a pioneer village and museum with trails and wildlife.

As you enter the property and head to the visitor’s center, you are right in the middle of the pioneer area. It is here you will find the museum which houses exhibits from the Crowley family and the area of Old Miakka. The are is also home to the Pioneer Cabin, Sugar Cane Mill, blacksmith shop and the Tatum House. All buildings have been relocated here and then restored to their original state and furnished with pioneer era furnishings to help tell the story of early pioneer life.

From the village you can embark on a hike out to the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh at the edge of the Myakka River. The journey begins on the Pine Level Trail, an old wagon trail that traversed between the county seat of Pine Level to Braidentown (present day Bradenton). From the Pine Level Trail, you then enter the Boardwalk Trail which takes you the remained ½ mile to the Observation Tower. During the hike on the Boardwalk Trail, you will pass though an oak hammock, Maple Branch Swamp and ending at the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. At the end of the boardwalk is a two story observation tower that gives you an elevated view of the marsh and the distant Myakka River

They also have an education center that serves local schools and youth groups, providing them with multiple educational opportunities throughout the year.

In addition to the daily touring and exploring, Crowley also hosts several special events. Two of the more popular are the Southwest Florida Heritage Festival and Starry Night.

Click on the photo above to view the Crowley Museum and Nature Center photo gallery.

Busch Gardens Tampa: Jungala

Tampa, Florida: Jungala is located within the jungles of the Congo. Here guests can come face to face with wild animals and wild rides. This four acre attraction opened in 2008 and is home to the tiger and orangutan exhibit

Jungala is themed as a play area for older kids, featuring a three story play structure with rope bridges and up close looks at animal exhibits located within the play structure. The area features two rides, the Jungle Fliers and Wild Surge. Jungle Fliers is a zip line ride that takes guests on a birds eye view of Jungala. Wild Surge is a launching tower that shoots riders out of a waterfall canyon.

Jungala is also home to the tigers and orangutans. The animal exhibits have are designed to make the guest feel like part of the attraction. There are air conditioned pavilions to sit and observe along with trails that pop up inside the attraction giving the feel that you are with the animals. You can even play tug of war with a tiger.

There are a few shops and restaurants located within Jungala. They include:
•Bengal Bistro; restaurant featuring turkey legs, sandwiches, wraps, salads and more.
•Orang Café; restaurant featuring chicken strips, wraps, subs and more.
•Tiger Treasures; shop featuring tiger and orangutan items.

For more pictures, click on the photo above or visit my Jungala photo page