Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

"Absolutely fantastic experience our first time here. The rangers/staff were very nice in explaining things. There is a little bit of a learning curve to figuring out the different trails, lengths, and what types of animals you will encounter, but overall it is such a clean and beautiful place to go for the day. Definitely will be back in the very near future!"

"This is an incredible state park with several great nature trails. The main park has a wonderful observation tower and visitors center with clean bathrooms and a small assortment of gift shop items. Not far from the visitor center is a three-story observation tower where you can look out over the planes and see bison or wild horses. Throughout the park are several different trails, some of which you will have to drive to. We were fortunate enough to encounter a young cold who gave us no mind as we walked by. The entire park is beautiful and almost otherworldly considering that it's in Florida, but looks like something out of the planes that you would expect in Kansas or Nebraska. For anyone looking for a day trip or anyone who likes to have a hike, I highly recommend this place"

"What a diverse, well maintained and beautiful place to visit! With several different distinct land and aquatic habitats in the preserve the abundance of wildlife is amazing. It's a perfect place for birding, hiking, camping, fishing and paddling. The nature center and lookout tower are perfect for quick day trips. Camping is also available."

"Wonderful place to roam around and be surrounded by nature and animals. While we didn't see Bison, others did. I have mobility challenges, so I couldn't make it to the observation tower at the end of one of the trails (where most people see Bison). We did see wild horses, gators, and a myriad of birds. The trees were old, majestic giants with moss hanging from many. The trails are fairly even and well maintained. Again, enough that even with my mobility issues, I was able to manage. A wheelchair wouldn't make it, though, however. I highly recommend it. The ranger station has interactive displays, and the bathrooms were well maintained. We took our 8 year old, and she loved it."

"Hundreds of Alligators! Thousands of birds. Very cool place with an easy access boardwalk/trail/ observation deck. Pretty busy. I feel like some people got too close to the gators but no one was eaten while I was there. Nice nature preserve. Wish there were more access and trails. Cool history too."