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

See all Fees 
 

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
Learn

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
Learn

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.

Close
Information
Florida Grasshopper Sparrow singing while perched on a stick
Learn

Florida Grasshopper Sparrow

One of North America’s most endangered birds, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, is found at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. Our staff is trained to identify and locate sparrows and spends up to six months of the year searching for this unique bird
A view of the grasslands at sunset.
Learn

History of Kissimmee Prairie

From Pioneers to the military, people have always been drawn to the expansive grasslands of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

First Day Hike At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Wed, Jan 1, 2020 9:00 am - 11:00 am EST

Visit Kissimmee Prairie Preserve for a First Day hike with Park Manager Alex! Check in at the office and then meet up at the Hammock Loop Trail at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Kissimmee Prairie

Okeechobee, FL

People Make the Parks

Staff Spotlight Catie Welch KPPSP

Staff Spotlight

As the new preserve biologist, Catie wants to welcome you to the largest remaining tract of Florida Dry Prairie! The prairie is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and Catie is happy to call it home.
Volunteer Cheryl Bucholtz smiling for a picture

Volunteer Spotlight

Now a retired Florida State Park Ranger, Cheryl continues to give back to the Florida State Parks by serving as a volunteer.
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

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

The 150 acres of Bulow Plantation Ruins stand as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in East Florida. In 1836, the Second Seminole War swept away the prosperous Bulow Plantation.

3501 Old Kings Road
Flagler Beach FL 32136

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Central Florida nature exists in its purest form along four miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek. For thousands of years, Native Americans valued the abundance of wildlife in this area.

8300 W State Road 46
Sanford FL 32771

Faver-Dykes State Park

Faver-Dykes State Park

It's a great day to come out to the park and enjoy sitting along the Pellicer Creek, take a walk on the nature trail, have a picnic or stay in our campground. Faver-Dykes is conveniently located on the outskirts of America’s oldest city in St. Augustine and close to the highway.

1000 Faver-Dykes Road
St. Augustine FL 32086