The Myakka was designated as the state's only "Florida Wild and Scenic River" by the Florida State Legislature in 1985. The act provides for preservation and management of the 34-mile portion of the river within Sarasota County. Most of the watershed lies to the north in Manatee County, but the Myakka does not become well-defined as a river until its numerous tributaries coalesce near the Sarasota County boundary where the river enters Myakka River State Park. Prominent among the picturesque features here are two lakes and the extensive marshes between them. These lakes and marshes form an elongated basin through which the Myakka River flows.

The park is famous for its diverse wildlife. You can see alligators and wading birds from the park drive year-round. In the winter, ducks and shorebirds feed in the shallows as bald eagles and ospreys fish from above. Sandhill cranes nest along the water's edge. Twelve miles of the Wild and Scenic River flow through the park.

Recently, great strides have been made in restoring the natural hydrology of the Myakka River within Myakka River State Park, including the removal of the weir on Upper Myakka Lake in 2022 and Down’s Dam south of Lower Myakka Lake in May 2025. These efforts mark significant progress toward reestablishing natural flow patterns, improving the river’s ecological health and reduce recreational hazards. To support this ongoing work, feasibility studies and historical reports for both restoration projects are provided in the links below. Please note that some of the linked files are large and may take a moment to load. 

• Upper Myakka Lake (Weir) Feasibility Study
• Down's Dam Feasibility Study
• Upper Myakka Lake (Weir) Historical Report
• Down's Dam Historical Report

Lower Myakka Lake lies in the 7,500-acre Wilderness Preserve south of SR 72. From the lake the river courses for several miles through a narrow, serpentine channel, bordered by spanish moss-laden branches of live oaks and graceful, arching trunks of sabal palm trees. These miles of solitude and undisturbed banks are ideal for paddling. Kayak/ canoe lanuches are avaiable at Venice Myakka River Park, Snook Haven, Deer Praire Creek, Senator Bob Johnson's Landing, Upper Myakka Lake and near the park bridge within Myakka Rver State Park. It may be necessary to portage through shallow areas during periods of low water.  

An  idle-speed, no wake zone is in effect for boaters to protect the manatees, prevent erosion and ensure safety of canoeists. Boat ramps are located at Snook Haven and at Myakka River State Park. Click here to discover more about the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

Vegetation along the shore of the lower river reflects the saline influence of tidal waters. Narrow, tree-lined banks give way to a vista of spreading marshes. Mangrove trees appear with increasing frequency and manatees may be seen.

A mangrove island south of U.S. 41 supports a nesting colony of endangered wood storks and is designated as a Critical Wildlife Area. View the birds from a distance as it is illegal to disturb them.