Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Discover Paynes Prairie, Florida´s first state recognized as a National Natural Landmark. You will experience an outdoor paradise that is made up of spectacular biological and geological resources with over 20 distinct natural communities.

This state park provides you with an abundance of activities to participate in such as bicycling, camping, canoeing & kayaking, fishing, hiking, horse back riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Hikers will enjoy the beautiful terrain of Florida from a selection from eight nature trails. The park is also part of The Great Florida Birding Trail and offers several observation platforms and wildlife viewing areas. With over 270 birds that inhabit Paynes Prairie, birdwatchers from all over the world flock to this conservation site. The preserve encompasses 16,000 acres of freshwater and 22,000 acres of surrounding uplands and is home to American Alligators, bison, Florida Cracker horses, Florida Cracker cattle and sandhill canes. The Park also offers a 50 ft high observation tower by the visitor center which provides a panoramic view of the preserve and exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area´s natural and cultural history.