Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales

About Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park preserves the landscape and history of central Florida's cattle ranching heritage in Lake Wales. The park centers on reconstructed historic buildings where costumed interpreters demonstrate life in a nineteenth-century cattle camp, including activities at a working livestock area. Visitors explore the park's natural environment through hiking trails that wind through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks along the shoreline of Lake Kissimmee itself. The park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, with native species including alligators, wading birds, and deer visible throughout the grounds. Camping and cabin accommodations allow extended stays for families and groups interested in outdoor recreation. Educational programs connect visitors to the region's ranching past and its ecological significance. Lake Kissimmee State Park charges admission, with separate pricing for vehicle passes and pedestrian entry, making it accessible for day trips or longer visits to this historic Florida landscape.