Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
About
22,000 Acres of Florida Savanna With Wild Horses and Bison
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is Florida's first state preserve - 22,000 acres of wet prairie, hammock, and pine flatwoods. Wild horses, bison, alligators, and 300+ bird species share the basin.
What Kids Can Do
La Chua Trail is the marquee experience for families - a 1.5-mile boardwalk and dike trail across the prairie wetland where alligators sun on banks within feet of the elevated boardwalk. Wild horses and bison sometimes visible from the observation tower at trail's end. Visitor Center at the main Micanopy entrance has hands-on prairie ecology exhibits, plus a 4-story observation tower for prairie panorama views. Junior Ranger packet at office [marked: La Chua dogs prohibited due to alligator risk - bring binoculars, sun protection].
What's Included
La Chua Trail entry $4 per vehicle (cash/exact change at iron ranger). Main park entrance $6 per vehicle. Junior Ranger packet free. Camping, group programs separate.
Experience
Plan 2-3 hours at La Chua, 4+ for full park exploration. La Chua trail flat boardwalk and dike - stroller-OK to the boardwalk's end, then unpaved. Bring water, sun protection. La Chua opens 8am, closes before sunset. About 6 miles south of downtown Gainesville.