![Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass](/sites/default/files/media/image/Web-Button---Day-Pass_0.png)
![Paynes Creek Historic State Park](/sites/default/files/styles/callout/public/media/image/Paynes-Creek_contest_Priscilla-McDaniel_Reenactment-Camp-Store.jpg?itok=_kCha4Io)
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Hours
8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year
Fees
$3 per vehicle
Location
888 Lake Branch Road
Bowling Green FL 33834
Contact Info
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.
![Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass](/sites/default/files/media/image/Web-Button---Day-Pass_0.png)
Built in early 1849, the post was attacked and destroyed by Native Americans that summer. In late 1849, Fort Chokonikla was built nearby as the first outpost in a chain of forts established during tensions with Seminole Indians. 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 daily during park hours of operation.
Plan Your Visit
Paynes Creek Historic State Park Photo Gallery
![Blackwater](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Blackwater.jpg?itok=APSy98Ed)
![Unnamed Creek](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Unamed%20creek.jpg?itok=2k2tZSE2)
![Paynes Creek Historic Whiddon Monument](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Payne%20Whiddon%20Monument.jpg?itok=vsbU4RY1)
![Paynes Creek Historic](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Paynes-Creek_contest_Priscilla-McDaniel_Gopher-Tortoise.jpg?itok=YkB3vwpZ)
![Paynes Creek Historic Reenactment](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Paynes-Creek_contest_Priscilla-McDaniel_reenactment-between-indians-and-.jpg?itok=Vj1fhYoN)
![A view of yellow flowers in the grass.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/26355822.jpg?itok=l9obPUZN)
![A view of a bird by the water.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/31968338_Paynes%20Creek%20Historic%20State%20Park_Celebrate%20Nature_Hunting%20for%20Lunch_Ursula_Sharp.jpeg?itok=2uQ9QRdD)
![A view of a group of reenactors dressed in period clothing in front of a wooden building.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Paynes-Creek_contest_Priscilla-McDaniel_Reenactment-of-battle-between-in.jpg?itok=1orFURGx)
![A view of some deer in the woods](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/31022480_Paynes%20Creek%20Historic%20State%20Park_One%20with%20Nature_Nature%20Walk_Claudette_Gravel.jpg?itok=NTupue6s)
![A view of the playground.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Playground%20I.jpg?itok=sSyQH4vV)