Most people who visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park are surprised to discover that a place labeled a prairie, with herds of bison and horses roaming free, is at times completely submerged by water.

Celebrate Women's History Month with an itinerary that spans the state and multiple Florida State Parks. Next time you’re planning to hit the road, keep these parks and places in mind!

For thousands of years, Florida’s history was shaped by Native Americans. From rich political societies to hunter-gatherer tribes, the Native people of Florida were as diverse as the environments in which they thrived.

Invasive plants threaten the natural environment. Park rangers, biologists and volunteers work hard to ensure that the natural habitats at our state parks represent the best of Florida. There are four things you can do to help native plants.

The headwaters of the Hillsborough River are in the Green Swamp to the northeast of the park near Zephyrhills. Just three 3 miles upstream from the park is Crystal Springs, a magnitude two spring system that discharges 30 million gallons per day into the Hillsborough River.

March is Florida Biking Month, when many of us are looking for an opportunity for outdoors exercise. Research has shown that exercising outdoors has extra benefits. Besides enjoying Florida’s famous sunshine, cycling is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

As temperatures drop across the country, people flock to Florida to escape the cold and enjoy the beautiful weather. Just like humans, many animals migrate to and within the Sunshine State to better survive the colder months of winter. That makes January a great time to spot wildlife that would otherwise be out of state or out of sight, so here are a few animals to keep watch for while exploring our state parks!

Take a heart-healthy hike with your sweetheart to explore the trails found throughout the Sunshine State. Hikers are invited to share their fun photos of time spent on Florida trails by using #HikeForYourHealth on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit our state parks on Jan. 5 and celebrate National Bird Day creatively. Birding is a great way to observe our feathery friends in their natural habitats. Use your creativity and explore your talents at a park near you. Grab a friend, a pair of binoculars and a phone or field guide to identify the birds you may see.

Whether you’re a seasoned park veteran or visiting us for the first time, there’s no better way to kick off a new year than with a First Day Hike!

Florida’s state parks provide an excellent setting for audiences of all ages to practice STEAM in the outdoors. Some parks have robust environmental education programs that offer both facilitated and self-guided experiences.

From ornate caves to underwater coral reefs, Florida is home to astonishing natural beauty. These wonders showcase the best that Florida's state parks have to offer. If you want to be amazed, here are eight parks you definitely shouldn’t miss!

There's no better time to get out on the water and there's no better place than at a Florida State Park. With miles of pristine rivers, clear spring runs and calm lakes to choose from, our parks are a great place for both beginners and veterans to explore.

Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps created their Thanksgiving memories at Florida state parks in the 1930s.

As the newest addition to the system of Florida state parks, the St. Teresa Tract of Bald Point State Park offers a wilderness with trails winding through wooded habitats and wetlands with amazing views of Ochlockonee Bay from the bluffs.

Florida is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. Many of our native critters have gotten a tough reputation. Whether foreign or familiar, we’re here to debunk some of the misconceptions about Florida’s most misunderstood “spooky” species.