Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and wildest of Florida State Parks. It is also one of the largest, consisting of 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, and hammocks, along with two large lakes. (No swimming in these shallow lakes, by the way, not even any wading, because they are filled with thousands of alligators.) The Myakka River, which feeds these lakes has been designated a wild and scenic lake, so its entire length, whether in or out of the park is protected.
Myakka River SP is located about 8 miles east of I-75, as it bypasses Sarasota, and is well worth a couple of hours detour if you are in this area.
Normally, Myakka River State Park offers two types of tours--a boat tour on the lake and a tram tour that takes you into the back country of this park. However, because the lake level is currently low, the boat tours have been suspended. It has been several years since I took the tram tour, so I decided to give it a try this visit. (After thoroughly spraying myself with mosquito spray!)
The tram tour leaves at the far end of the park entrance road, next to the bike rental place and across the road from the store.
To the west of the entrance road is a large area that is either dry prairie or wet swamp, depending on the time of year and rainfall.
About halfway to the entrance booth, the tram headed down a gated power road into the area that was owned by Bertha Palmer from 1910-1918, and used as a ranch for her and her husband, who owned the Palmer Hotel in Chicago.
Some turkeys along the road.
And a big alligator.
Great blue heron in breeding plumage.
Imagine this as a cattle and pig pasture.
The next couple of photos is where the old ranch home of Bertha Palmer was located. It is long gone, but I cannot imagine her living here even in winter without air conditioning and window screens!
Just a jumble of branches and swamp growth.
Done with the tour, and I only got one mosquito bite.
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