Size
8,249 acres
Location
Central Sarasota County, east of Venice
About the Property
Myakka Prairie is managed as a part of the Myakka River State Park and is part of a large regional area, approximately 100 square miles, of contiguous and natural publicly protected lands. The Myakka River State Park borders the property on the north and west and Sarasota County’s Carlton Reserve borders the property on the south. Myakka Prairie, in combination with the surrounding public lands, is regionally important to present and future conservation and protection of water resources and natural systems of the Myakka River watershed.
The property has large expanses of excellent dry prairie that are considered a globally imperiled habitat. The remainder of the property contains depressional marshes interspersed with pine flatwoods and hammocks. Deer Prairie Slough runs through the eastern portion of the property
Access and Parking
- Primary access point at Martin’s Gate, which is located on south side of SR 72, just south of Myakka River State Park.
- Small public parking area provided.
- All recreational users required to register at main entrance at Myakka River State Park. No entry fees to enter Myakka Prairie.
- The Myakka Island Wilderness Trail, a shared-use trail that crosses the tract north to south, can be accessed at Martin’s Gate. Trail connects several tracts of public lands, including Carlton Reserve.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms and Water
No restrooms or water available at Myakka Prairie. Both available inside state park.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
- Several miles of trails available.
- Always wear helmet. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Equestrian Use
- Available on existing roads within property.
- Proof of current negative Coggins test must be carried by each rider.
- Interior roads may be wet following heavy rains.
Hiking
Several miles of trails on existing roads.
Nearby Recreation Lands
- T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
- Myakka River State Park
- Sarasota County’s Pineland Reserve and Rocky Ford Preserve
For More Information
Myakka River State Park, (941) 361-6511
