Paynes Prairie State Park, Gainesville

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Description

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is more than just a plain prairie. When you arrive you drive through gorgeous jungle. Then you walk on a trail through jungle with tall amazing trees. It's a short, easy walk. Once you arrive at the observation tower, you climb the stairs and look out on the prairie. If you're lucky you can see wild horses and bison, though we didn't see any. It's nice to be high up, and a little scary to feel the way the observation tower sways back and forth. We saw a wild turkey along the road, which was fun.
For a misty walk full of atmosphere in Gainesville, check out Devil's Millhopper Sinkhole.
After your walk at Paynes Prairie, head over to the cute historic town of Micanopy for a coffee at Mosswood Farm Store and Bake House ,or Cream and Coffee, and a stroll around the art galleries such as Lotus and Buddha Art Collective. I haven't been yet but plan to go next time I'm in Gainesville! These cafes are a five minute drive from Paynes Prairie.

Photo Gallery

The observation tower.	Looking out on the prairie from the observation tower.	The observation tower is high!
Wild turkey by the road.	Giant thick spiderweb!	A man walks along the path.
A mix of wonderful tall trees.	Spiders!	Beautiful path to the observation tower.
Bench at the top of the observation tower.

Directions

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located at 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy FL 32667, just south of Gainesville.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Overall Visitor Rating:

Andy 11/20/2016 12:38

I enjoy Earth's beauty every winter at this prairie tower.