Paynes Prairie

The 21,000-acre preserve contains diverse ecosystems including wet savannas, marshes, cypress swamps, and pine forests spread across multiple biological communities.

The Spanish established Rancho la Chua in 1637, which developed into the largest cattle operation in Spanish Florida during the late 17th century.

The land holds evidence of human habitation spanning 12,000 years, from Paleo Indians through Spanish explorers to Seminole settlements and modern preservation efforts.

Eight designated trails, including the 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow visitors to explore different sections of the preserve throughout the year.

The preserve maintains a free-roaming herd of Plains bison, reintroduced in 1975 from Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to restore natural ecosystems.

Location: Florida

Inception: 1971

Website: http://floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie/default.cfm

GPS coordinates: 29.58310,-82.33310

Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:31