Manager's Message
If you like an abundance of opportunities in one place, you’ll enjoy Paynes Prairie. I’m delighted to welcome you to our park’s website. Spend some time here and discover the many things we offer. Then, come see us.
Our Visitor Center will help get you oriented to this 21,000-acre preserve. Watch the colorful video, "The Level Green Plain." Talk to our Visitor Center staff and view our exhibits. If you have an hour or several days, you’ll find the Prairie abounds with plenty of options and activities to keep you happy.
Not only does Paynes Prairie give you the chance to experience magnificent vistas, abundant wildlife, and a stunning array of plants. Its proximity to restaurants, antique shops and the University of Florida gives you plenty to do when you’re not camping or out on one of our hiking or equestrian trails.
Some of Florida’s first people walked here over 10,000 years ago. Come see for yourself what drew them and mingle your footprints with theirs. We hope to see you soon.
- David Jowers, Park Manager
Welcome to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically, and historically unique. This park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Noted artist and naturalist William Bartram called it the great Alachua Savannah when he wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774.
Over 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses, and over 270 species of birds. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area´s natural and cultural history. A 50-foot-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve.
Eight trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Ranger-led activities are offered on weekends, November through April. Fishing on Lake Wauberg is allowed and a boat ramp provides access for canoes and boats with electric motors. Gasoline powered boats are not allowed. Full-facility campsites are available for overnight visitors. Located on U.S. 441, 10 miles south of Gainesville.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, please call 352-466-3397.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located 10 miles south of Gainesville, in Micanopy, on the east side of US 441.
Coming from the north on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right).
Coming from the south on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn right at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go about 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right).
Park Fees
Admission Fee:
$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
$10.00 per equestrian/rider.
Picnic Pavilion
$30 plus tax – Picnic pavilion seats 65 people.
Camping Fee:
$18.00 per night, plus tax – campground. Includes water and electricity.
Group Camping:
$4.00 per person, plus tax (minimum of $20.00 per night).
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy, Florida 32667
Phone: 352-466-3397
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends
of Paynes Prairie, Inc.
100 Savannah Boulevard
Micanopy, 32667
