Click to find out more about the program!

8/4/2026: Deer Prairie Creek North and South will be temporarily closed while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts aerial operations as part of an invasive feral hog management program. 

 The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Please respect all posted closures and do not enter the park until it has reopened.

 For the current status of this and all Sarasota County parks, please click here.

Interested in learning more about our Natural Areas? Nature programs can be found here. Select the category "Natural Area and Trails."

Download the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve Brochure and Map to your phone before your next visit!

This 7,335-acre preserve is named after Deer Prairie Creek, a tributary of the ‘Wild and Scenic’ Myakka River that flows through the property. In combination with other protected lands to the north, this preserve provides complete protection of the creek in Sarasota County and nearly six miles of the Myakka River’s east bank. The property is co-owned and co-managed by Sarasota County and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Visitors may also explore the south side of the SWFWMD Schewe Ranch which runs along the northern boundary of Deer Prairie Creek Preserve.  There is no fencing between the two areas. 

While exploring the preserve’s network of more than 60 miles of primitive, natural surface trails, visitors will see diverse natural communities such as mesic and scrubby flatwoods, Florida dry prairie, mesic and hydric hammock and wetlands. The preserve supports the threatened Florida scrub-jay and is home to many other wildlife including deer, river otter, bobcat, gopher tortoise and a variety of birds.

• Follow the unpaved drive that leads to two large parking areas.
• Two kayak launches, one that enters Deer Prairie Creek south of the dam and the other that is ADA accessible that enters the creek north of the dam.
• An ADA accessible fishing pier.
• Three 2-pole shelters protecting 3 picnic tables, one being ADA accessible and overlooking the water.
• Several benches overlooking the “lake” area.
• Trailhead to primitive trails.