The Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the most unique parks in the state of Florida. The park is well-known for being the home to alligators, wild horses, bison, and other creatures native to Florida. Be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center to learn about the history of the area, the animals that call it home, and the people that once resided here. The Visitor’s Center also has a massive window that offer impressive views of the park. The 50-foot high observation tower, just behind the Visitor’s Center, is another great vantage point.
When we visited Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, we hiked a handful of trails searching for alligators, wild horses, and bison. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck. We did, however, see several deer, armadillos, turkeys, and countless birds.
We spent a lot of time in the Visitor’s Center where they had a surprisingly large amount of interactive features in their interpretative museum. The kids really enjoyed looking through the telescopes at the basin, playing in the kinetic sand to mimic erosion, and learning about the animals and people that called this savanna home.
We’re eager to return to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park to check out the north rim where we hope to spot some more of the park’s famed wildlife!
We strongly suggest visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park during the winter or spring, when the weather is much cooler and the air is less humid. When you visit, be sure to pack plenty of water and bug spray.
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Hiking at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
The park consists of eight different trails that provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Leashed pets are allowed on all of the trails with the exception of Bolens Bluff, Cones Dike, and La Chua. These trails have a large alligator population.
The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.
At the park, you’ll see plenty of warning signs about snakes. I know what you’re thinking- this is Florida, of course there are snakes! This is, after all, one of the most wild places in the Sunshine State.
In 2000, a zoology professor counted 765 snakes in just one visit to the park! That being said, I’m scared to death of snakes and I didn’t let that deter me. We didn’t see a single snake on our visit- but that’s probably because we travel with 3 very talkative kids 🙂
The North Rim vs the South Rim
The bluff at the north rim of Paynes Prairie is more pronounced. The star of the north rim is the La Chua Trail, which is known as one of the best places to see alligators in the wild. You’ll also probably have a better chance of spotting wild horses and bison here.
The south rim is where you’ll find the visitor center, observation tower, and many of the trails. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the bison and wild horses from the observation tower just behind the Visitor’s Center.
Be sure to ask the rangers where they have spotted the bison and horses recently!
Visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Main Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy
Phone: 352-466-3397
The main entrance is open from 8am until sunset, daily. The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.
What is there to do nearby?
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located just outside of Gainesville in the town of Micanopy. Gainesville is a huge college town (Go Gators!) and has a ton of cool stuff to do. Some of our favorites include:
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
- Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
- Florida Museum of Natural History
- The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
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