Main Page - Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Manager's Message

Spring has arrived in the prairie, bringing with it many unique wonders. The season in which you visit dictates, to a large extent, what there is to see and do at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve. The early spring’s mild weather has persisted thus far, but the typical Florida heat approaches quickly. Also, we have received frequent and consistent rain early this year. This means the trails will be hot, wet, buggy and some areas may be impassable. So, prepare accordingly. Bring plenty of water and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Boots are recommended for keeping feet dry. Carry sun block and bug repellent. Talk to a ranger about trail conditions or route suggestions.

Nature study is our most popular pastime and every season offers something different. Grab your binoculars and field guides and come see what the talk is all about. Spring wildflowers are blooming in earnest, bringing with them the diverse butterfly population for which we are renowned. Spring bird migration is in full swing, and many bird species are nesting and singing in the prairie. If you know what to look and listen for, you catch a glimpse of a Florida grasshopper sparrow singing in the wee hours of the morning. Park staff will gladly reveal the many aspects of this wonderful preserve to you.

As visitation begins to decrease in the late spring/summer months, resource management comes into the spotlight. Bug season ended in March, but will resume again in November.
Park staff and researchers will be conducting surveys aimed at increasing our understanding of the elusive Florida grasshopper sparrow. Smoke columns will become a common sight as prescribed fires take place, a practice essential to preserving the few remaining tracts of Florida dry prairie in public ownership. Come see how we are working to preserve this remnant of the REAL Florida.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is one of Florida’s largest and most pristine preserves. Our scenic vistas draw visitors from all over the world and our isolation makes the journey half the fun. You will find countless opportunities to explore the splendors of the Kissimmee Prairie. We invite you to visit or call the park office with any questions.

- 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.