Park Summary for Print - Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Welcome to Paynes Creek Historic State Park

During the 1840s, tensions between the settlers and Seminole Indians prompted authorities to establish a trading post in Florida´s interior, away from settlements. Built in early 1849, the post was attacked and destroyed by renegade Indians that summer. In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built nearby as the first outpost in a chain of forts established to control the Seminoles. The Seminoles never attacked the fort, but the Army was nearly defeated by mosquitoes. Today, nature enthusiasts and hikers can enjoy walking along trails through the park´s natural areas. Paynes Creek and the adjoining Peace River provide opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. A museum at the visitor center depicts the lives of Florida´s Seminole Indians and pioneers during the 19th century. The visitor center is open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Located one-half mile southeast of Bowling Green on Lake Branch Road.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Paynes Creek Historic State Park, please call 863-375-4717.

Hours of Operation

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

Driving Directions

Take U.S. 17 to Bowling Green and follow the signs at Main Street east to Lake Branch Road and the park.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - Honor $2.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people

Pavilion Fee
Pavilions may be reserved for $30.00 per day plus $2.10 tax. The Visitor Center is available on a limited basis for $10.00 per hour, plus tax.

Activities at Paynes Creek Historic State Park

	Canoeing Canoeing is available
	Facilities ADA accessible restrooms & infant changing table for family accommodations at the Visitor Center.
	Fishing Fishing is allowed in designated areas Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails Hiking trails are available
	Pavilion 3 Pavilions that seat up to 40 people @ $30.00 plus tax for daily rental
	Pets We allow pets and require they remain on leash.
	Picnic Area Picnic tables are available
	Playground Playground located in picnic area
	Visitors Center Come to our Visitor Center for Information
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park
	Youth Camping Our youth camping area provides primitive camping opportunities. The youth camp area is booked by Boy Scouts several times a year with increasing use.

Special Events for Paynes Creek Historic State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Paynes Creek Historic State Park Ranger Programs

VIDEO PROGRAMS
Saturdays - Sundays, year-round 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 P Gain an insight into frontier life at Fort Chokonikla in 19th century Florida and the events that lead up to the Third Seminole War. Located in the visitor center.
Call (863) 375-4717 for more details.
GUIDED WALKS AND GROUP PROGRAMS
ongoing Minimum of 10 people in the family or group required. Contact the park a minimum of two weeks in advance, available year-round. Guided walks and other types of programs can be customized to the interests of your group.
Call (863) 375-4717 for more details.
CUSTOMIZED RANGER PROGRAM
Ongoing Customized ranger programs can be request for organized groups, schools or family and friends by contacting the park office. Please give us a minimum of two weeks advance notice (actually the sooner the better). There is no extra charge for this service.

A video is presented in the theater at the visitor center on weekends and holidays at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Call 863-375-4717 for more details.

Paynes Creek Historic State Park History

During the 1840’s, tensions between the settlers and Seminoles continued to create concern that conflicts would become serious. Federal authorities, trying to reduce or eliminate the problems, decided to establish a trading post in Florida’s interior. A location was chosen that was both easy for the Seminoles to reach and would reduce their contact with settlers. The store was constructed in the spring of 1849, but in July of that same year, was attacked and destroyed by five renegade Indians. Reports of the two store clerks being killed and the store being burned made the U.S. Army develop plans to control the Seminoles with a chain of fortifications across Florida.

This line of outposts across the northern boundary of the Seminole reservation was intended to protect the settlers to the north and provide bases for the Army to pursue and harass Seminoles until they would surrender. Work began on Fort Chokonikla on October 26, 1849. Located on high ground near the former trading post, it was first in the chain. The Seminoles did not want war and the fort never came under attack. Casualties, however, were high and the Army was nearly defeated by disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Paynes Creek Historic State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail. The Paynes Creek Preservation Alliance, Inc. invites you to join the team of volunteers and concerned citizens in helping preserve the cultural and natural resources of our park. Members are part of the Florida Park Service Team and help to raise funds for projects, provide staff for interpretive programs, assist with maintenance and administration, and perpetuating natural systems. Some of the Alliance goals are to replicate the fort and store sites, upgrade the museum, and establish an on going folk life program. For additional information you may contact the Alliance at pcpa4717@yahoo.com or the park.