Main Page - Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Large, open area with yellow flowers and tall grasses.

Manager's Message

Very pleasant temperatures, sunny days and large expanses of wheat colored grasses punctuated by areas of green palmettos characterize winter at Kissimmee Prairie. Winter is a perfect time to take a hike out on the prairie. Whereas there are very few flowers blooming, the birding enthusiast will find our resident Florida Grasshopper Sparrows and several over wintering species of sparrows flittering among the grasses on the dry prairie. At current count, there are 11 sparrow species, including the recently added Lincoln’s Sparrow. Some of these might be hard to see, but have been documented and added to our bird list. You can download the most recent bird list from this site. In the hammocks, Palm Warblers and Black-and-White Warblers are just a few of the long distant migrants that winter at the preserve.

For those who camp with us, winter is the best time for star gazing at Kissimmee Prairie. The nights are cool; the sky is clear and easy to recognize constellations fill the night's sky. When the moon is full, campers can enjoy pleasant walks along the park drive at night without the aid of a flashlight.

Our buggy tours are in full effect, offering visitors an opportunity to access portions of the Preserve they might not otherwise be able to enjoy. These 2 ½ hour rides will take you through the best and largest example of Florida Dry Prairie in the world. Park Rangers will reveal the subtle beauties of the Prairie, both on foot and atop the deck of the buggy. Visitors will often see alligators, white tail deer, wild turkey and a wide array of birds. These tours run twice a day on weekends, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am and 1:30 pm, and on state holidays. Seating is extremely limited so call ahead to reserve your seat and experience the wonders of the Kissimmee Prairie.

Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, birding, photography or camping, make sure you come by the park office to relax on the front porch in our rocking chairs. You'll be glad you did!

- Charles M. Brown, Park Manager

Welcome to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

This preserve protects one of the largest remaining stretches of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. While driving the five-mile-long road into the park, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of grasslands reminiscent of the Great Plains of the Midwest. The park offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities and is home to the endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow, as well as the crested caracara and sandhill crane. Over 100 miles of dirt roads allow hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians to explore prairies, wetlands, and shady hammocks. Ranger-led prairie buggy tours take visitors to remote areas of the park. For overnight stays, the park has full-facility and primitive equestrian campgrounds. Kissimmee Prairie's remote location makes it one of Florida's premier locations for stargazing. Located 25 miles northwest of Okeechobee via U.S. 441 and County Road 724.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, please call 863-462-5360.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is located approximately 25 miles north of the City of Okeechobee. The Preserve is located 5 miles north of the western terminus of Okeechobee County Road 724. US Hwy 441 and Okeechobee County Road 700A intersect County Road 724. The campground is located 5 miles inside the park entrance gate.