Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Paynes Creek Historic State Park

The history of an 1840’s outpost in remote but beautiful Florida is preserved and shared

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year

Fees

$3 per vehicle

See all Fees

Location

888 Lake Branch Road
Bowling Green FL 33834

Get directions

Contact Info

863-375-4717

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 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday.

Plan Your Visit

Dustin Allen, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

One of the best times to visit Paynes Creek Historic State Park is winter. The air is drier, the river is usually a great level for paddling, the trails are dry and there are awesome opportunities for great photos!
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.
Florida State Parks Annual Pass
Learn

Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Experience a full year of access to Florida State Parks! Annual passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations, museums or online.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Paynes Creek Historic Whiddon Monument
Paynes Creek Historic
Paynes Creek Historic Reenactment
The Gregory House at Torreya State Park
Learn

History & Culture of Florida State Parks

Experience Florida as it was before interstates, high-rises and air conditioning. Florida State Parks preserve and share the story of the state and its people through many historic and cultural sites.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
Learn

Trails at Florida State Parks

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Fort Chokonikla Reenactment

Fri, Feb 1 - 3, 2019 9:00 am - 4:00 pm EST

The Fort Chokonikla Reenactment, which is recreated by staff and volunteers, reveals the sequence of events that occurred on July 17, 1849 and features black powder demonstrations, period-specific arts and crafts vendors and children's activities.
Paynes Creek

Bowling Green, FL

People Make the Parks

Park Staff

Join the Team

Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Paynes Creek

Paynes Creek Preservation Alliance

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:

Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Koreshan State Park

Koreshan State Park

A unique experience of how some opted to live, Koreshan State Park is a fascinating journey back in time. Through exhibits and tours, one can reflect on the many ways people can thrive amid our natural world.

3800 Corkscrew Rd.
Estero FL 33928

Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park lies within one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. A wide variety of wildlife, including several imperiled species, inhabits this unusual blend of temperate and tropical native plant communities. 

20200 Tamiami Trail E.
Naples FL 34114

Palm leaning over River

Myakka River State Park

The majestic Myakka River flows though 58 square miles of one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks. This diverse landscape includes prairies, hammocks, pinelands and wetlands, which beckon visitors to explore its natural beauty.

13208 State Road 72
Sarasota FL 34241