Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy

About Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park features wild herds of bison and horses roaming freely across the prairie, the only place in Florida where visitors encounter these animals in their natural habitat. The park's 50-foot observation tower provides panoramic views of the landscape, while eight trails ranging from short walks to the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail allow exploration of the preserve's interior. Nearly 300 bird species inhabit the park alongside alligators, deer and other wildlife. Visitors fish and canoe on Lake Wauburg or stay in the shaded campground. The newly renovated visitor center features hands-on exhibits. The park opens daily from 8 a.m. to sunset and charges admission per vehicle. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park sits in Micanopy south of Gainesville and preserves the vast savannah landscape where Seminole Indians once lived.