Myakka Canopy Walkway and Observation Tower — Attraction in Venice

While visiting the west coast of FL this month, we made a quick stop to the state park. There is a nature center at the start of the journey, with restrooms. Some interactive displays, taxidermied wildlife displays, wall signs, etc. This was a good firat stop to give you insight on what you can see along the way, park background, & Florida geography. The scenic drive through the park was a great way to see old Florida habitats with sightings of several kinds of water birds and a very large gator, roadside basking in the sun. The lake is at the end of tour drive, where you will find a large gift shop with trinkets, soaps, t-shirts, artwork, windchimes, books, postcards, cold drinks and sweet treats, and more. They offer an hour long boat tour and trolley tours, neither were running, however, on our visit there. There is also a restroom there...but it is not AC'd and FL's insects are plentiful. ;) The observatory was a highlight and is 1/2 way from the entrance to the lake, roughly. There are two towers with a swinging bridge walk connecting the two. For those not able to climb or who may have height issues, there is a bench to sit on while you wait for those in your party to climb. The view is great! (Full sun though, so if you are fair skinned, protect yourself...hat, shades, sunscreen.) We spent an hour + doing the above activities...but, if you have 1/2 a day and a picnic lunch it is definitely worth it! There are several trails and ride riding can extend your time and...

The canopy walkway is near the end of the trail if you are hitting the trail clockwise....if you are hiking the trail counterclockwise, you'll be at this walkway and observation tower in less than 5 minutes. The trail is easy and flat (welcome to Florida).

If you are over 6 feet tall and can't bend down or squat significantly, you'll have a hard time crossing the hanging walkway because there is a huge tree branch (it was there in January 2024) on the hanging walkway. You will either have to practice limbo or scooch to make it by said tree branch.

The tower view is very cool. Again, you are in Florida. No mountain views nor breathtaking waterfalls. Nevertheless, it's cool to look around. You'll have an unobstructed 360 degree view to see the vastness of the park.

I am not a bird watcher. However, I suspect for those who are, you'll hear and see many different species. I think I saw wild turkeys and/or peacocks near the trail. There were certainly many other birds chirping and flying around, but I could not tell you what they...

It's beautiful at Myakka State Park. Every area of the park is a different experience. The observation tower and bird walk are very relaxing. As you walk over, the preserve. And observe the birds in their natural habitat. The deer are my favorite. Especially at dusk, in the summer. That's when they come out as the Sun is setting. Mama Doe takes the kids out for dinner. In May, at Myakka State Park, the coreopis bloom. The river and The Preserves light up with color. Every year, they come back a little different color . This year, the bloom wasn't as beautiful as usual . Because of the severe drought here in Florida. Myakka State Park is beautiful at any time of the year. Especially after the drought. As the foliage dries out, it creates so much color and contrast in the forest and along the waterways. Of the Myakka River It's worth a ride from any part of the state. I am fortunate to be centrally located and surrounded by so many beautiful places, such as the Myakka State Park. SafeTravels 🏞 And also great...