SARASOTA AREA PARKS

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FAKAHATCHEE STRAND STATE PRESERVE

The Big Cypress Swamp of southwest Florida is basically a flat, gently sloping limestone plain. During the rainy season (June through September), water flows slowly southward over this plain into the mangrove swamps bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Water also flows below ground through the porous underlying limestone. In places, limestone has dissolved, forming elongated sloughs or channels which have accumulated deep organic soils. These channels or sloughs have been colonized by cypress and other trees, creating swamp forests that stand out on the horizon in contrast to the open prairies and pinelands that occupy the sterile veneer of marl soil which is on top of the remaining limestone. The local term for these linear swamps is "strand."
Copeland, FL 33926
239-695-4593

GASPARILLA ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA

Legend has it that Gasparilla Island was named for the infamous pirate, Jose Gaspar, who reportedly settled on the island in the 1700's with his band of men. According to legend, Gaspar and his men used the island as a hiding place between forays until the United States carried out a campaign to rid the waters of their presence. Whether true or not, the legend adds to the colorful history of the island.
Boca Grande, FL
964-0375

INDIAN MOUND PARK
Orange St.
Englewood, FL
474-3065

LAKE MANATEE STATE RECREATION AREA

Lake Manatee State Recreation Area is a perfect example of the quiet and relaxed atmosphere that some of Florida's natural areas have to offer. Extending along three miles of the south shore of Lake Manatee, these 556 acres were once used for farming, cattle grazing, making turpentine and timbering. Today, the 2,400 acre reservoir that makes up Lake Manatee supplies drinking water to Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
20007 S.R. 64
Bradenton, FL
741-3028

LITTLE MANATEE RIVER STATE PARK

Little Manatee River State Recreation Area is located four miles south of Sun City, off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Little Manatee River State Park including, camping, picnics, canoeing, freshwater fishing and hiking.

MYAKKA STATE PARK & WILDERNESS PRESERVE 

Over 45 square miles of woodlands, wetlands and prairie invite you to explore by foot, bicycle, canoe or auto. The park is famous for its abundant wildlife and quiet, scenic beauty. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to watch the Myakka Movies and discover how the park is restoring one of our country's rarest communities--Florida dry prairie. Spend a day or camp overnight in the campgrounds or in one of the log cabins built by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Myakka "Wild and Scenic River" flows through the western portion of the park and its two lakes and floodplain marshes are a haven for wading birds and waterfowl. The scenic drive winds through shady hammocks, verdant marshes and along the Upper Myakka Lakeshore. Airboat tours, tram rides, and ranger-led walks provide insight into one of Florida's last remaining wildernesses.
State Road 72
361-6511

OSCAR SCHERER STATE RECREATION AREA

In 1955, Elsa Scherer Burrows bequeathed 462 acres of land to the state of Florida for use as a park. The land was donated in memory of her father, Oscar Scherer, an inventor who developed a process for dyeing leather for shoes in 1872.
After a year of preparation, Oscar Scherer State Recreation Area was opened to the public in 1956. In 1991, an additional 922 acres were purchased as part of the P2000 initiative. This increased the parks total acreage to 1384 acres.
U S 41 South
483-5956