Manager's Message
Cooler days, less humidity and cooler nights await the visitor to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve as we move into our busy season of autumn and winter.
We will be operating our Prairie Buggy tours again this season. This offers visitors an opportunity to access portions of the Preserve they might not otherwise be able to enjoy. This 2 ½ hour tour will take you through the best and largest example of Florida Dry Prairie in the world. Staff 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. The Prairie Buggy Tours began on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 and will be conducted until the last weekend in March 2010. Buggy tours are only offered on weekends and only those holidays recognized by the State of Florida between the months of November and March. Two tours per day: one in the morning, 8:30am, and one in the afternoon, 2:00pm, (this is the time the buggy leaves, so please be here before the listed times). Be aware that the buggy holds 8 passengers. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance by calling the preserve at (863) 462-5360.
Fees for a Prairie Buggy tour are as follows: Children 5 yrs old and under, and sitting on parents’ lap: FREE Children 17 yrs old and younger: $8.00 Adults: $15.00
For those who camp with us, fall and winter are no doubt the best times for star gazing at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. On new moon nights when the air is cool and clear, it is easy to recognize the constellations that 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.
Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, birding, photography, painting, or camping, make sure you come by the park office and enjoy a visit while sitting in rocking chairs on our front porch. You’ll be glad you did!
The Equestrian Camp Loop is currently closed due to water and electricity upgrades in this section. If you have further questions please contact the preserve office @ 863 462-5360.
- 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.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
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From the North on the Turnpike:
- Exit #193 at SR 60/Yeehaw Junction
- Turn right (west) on SR 60
- At four-way Stop, turn left (south onto Hwy 441
- After approximately 18 miles, turn right (west) onto CR 724
- After 13 miles, turn right (north) onto Peavine Trail
- Stay on Peavine Trail 5 miles Preserve Entrance straight ahead
- Exit #131 at Orange Ave./CR68-Ft. Pierce
- Head west on CR 68 approximately 35 miles until the road ends at Hwy 441
- Turn right (north) on Hwy 441
- In less than 1 mile turn left on CR 724
- After 13 miles, turn right (north) onto Peavine Trail
- Stay on Peavine Trail 5 miles Preserve Entrance straight ahead
- Take Hwy 441 north approximately 15 miles
- Turn left (west) on CR 724
- After 13 miles, turn right (north) onto Peavine Trail
- Stay on Peavine Trail 5 miles Preserve Entrance straight ahead
From North or South on I-95:
From Okeechobee
Campground is 5 miles from the front entrance
Please remember--the speed limit is 25 mph.
Visitors using GPS or internet mapping programs from Hwy 441 or Hwy 98, please follow the brown state park signs.
Park Fees
Admission Fee:
$4.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Camping Fees: (does not include taxes):
$16.00 Standard Campsite per night
50% Senior/Disabled discount per night
$5.00 per Adult Primitive Campsite
$1.00 per Child Primitive Campsite
Equestrian Fees:
$7.00 per day per individual equestrian.
$15.00 per day per Family Equestrians, 8 people maximum.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
33104 NW 192 Ave.
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
Phone: 863-462-5360
Fax: Contact Park for Number
