Manager's Message
Summer heat has arrived a little early this year and with it the occasional thunderstorm…the early beginnings of the upcoming rainy season. Rangers are again keeping a vigilant eye for smoke columns as clouds begin to daily tower on the horizon. Most of the prairie is very dry and one lightening bolt can ignite a wildfire, which is how fire naturally occurred on the prairie. During this transition period between the dry winter and spring and the rainy summer, those who venture out onto the prairie need to exercise caution and keep a watchful eye for developing thunderstorms. These thunderstorms, however, only add to the wildness and beauty of the prairie. A flock of luminous white ibis flying against the backdrop of an ominous blue-grey thunderhead layered above the vivid green prairie is truly a magnificent site to behold.
When the rains begin in earnest, the wetlands teem with life and color! During a walk on a moon lit night one will be treated to the Frog Symphony of the wetlands. As one walks long the park drive and approaches the out skirts of the wetlands the music will be light and soothing but will soon crescendo in the middle of the wetland, only to have the symphony finish just the way it started, trailing off in soft, sweet notes.
No matter when you visit Kissimmee Prairie, once you enter the gate, take a moment to take a deep breath. You have left the busyness of the city and are now truly in “The Real Florida”. Observing the 25 mph speed limit while inside the preserve not only protects the wildlife, but also rewards the visitor to the sight of a doe and her fawn grazing along the side of the road or a covey of quail darting in and out of the grasses and flowers.
- 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
-
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.
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
