Prairie viewed by three visitors

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

The show of a lifetime played out on the vast Florida prairie

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Fees

$4 per vehicle

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Location

33104 NW 192nd Ave.
Okeechobee FL 34972

Get directions

Contact Info

863-462-5360

Welcome to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is a breathtaking expanse of infinite grassland.

Kissimmee Prairie is a land dominated by the great blue sky. The preserve, part of the Everglades headwaters, protects the largest remaining tract of Florida dry prairie, an ecosystem shaped by cycles of flooding and fire. Many rare, threatened and endangered species call this place home, and the wide-open landscape means that birdwatchers and photographers have ample opportunity to catch sight of a grasshopper sparrow, crested caracara or burrowing owl.

Internationally recognized for its lack of light pollution, the night sky above the prairie is inky black—campers can spot the milky way without using telescopes or binoculars. 

Plan Your Visit

Alex Creager PM KPPSP
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Manager's Message

We are happy to welcome you to the largest remaining patch of Florida dry prairie, one of the most species rich ecosystems on the continent. This is a very special, important and beautiful place.
Dark Sky Designation
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Dark Sky Designation

It is difficult to find a location in Florida that is further removed from urban and suburban light pollution than Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. In 2016, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve was recognized as Florida's first Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association.
Buggy Tours
Service

Guided Prairie Buggy Tours

Have you ever experienced the vastness of the central Florida prairie? Would you like to be amid a sea of tall waving grasses and watch deer racing across the open plain? Come join us on a buggy tour at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park!

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Picnicking
Picnicking
Star Gazing
Star Gazing
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Photo Gallery

Kissimmee Prairie field with tall grass
Sunset at Kissimmee Prairie
Large Bird
A bight blue comet flying across the night sky with stars surrounding it.
Cabbage palm trees at Kissimmee Prairie
Camping under the stars
View of Kissimmee Prairie
Jeep under night sky
Astronomy Visitors

Kissimmee Prairie has been designated a Dark Sky location.

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Information
A view of the grasslands at sunset.
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History of Kissimmee Prairie

From Pioneers to the military, people have always been drawn to the expansive grasslands of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.
A view of Caroline the Carolina Parakeet statue at the park.
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The Extinct Carolina Parakeet

These lively birds once called Kissimmee Prairie Preserve home. Although their cries can no longer be heard, their memory lives on at the park.

People Make the Parks

Park staff Steve Kline with alligators behind him

Staff Spotlight

Steve wants to welcome you to the wilderness of the central Florida prairie. He wants visitors to discover the natural stillness of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and make a once in a lifetime connection.
Joan, standing in a field, smiling at the camera.

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Joan McSweeney loves telling campers where to find the wildlife at Kissimmee Prairie. She also loves being an unofficial recruiter for the Junior Rangers.
Friends of Kissimmee Prairie

Friends of Kissimmee Prairie

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Park Map

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