Florida Guide > State Parks
KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK.
Kissimme Prairie Preserve State Park is located 25 miles north west of Okeechobee.
The introduction of the railway in 1915 meant that cattle were driven through Okeechobee en route to the rail road station.
By 1940 a company called Latt Maxcy bought up the land that the park now occupies for ranching. Later, the land was used for training B17 crews in bombing practice. This operation finally came to an end in 1963 when Latt Maxby took back control of their land. They then dug drainage ditches and started to cultivate the land.
Now it is a State Park, you will still see cattle grazing in the 6000 acres and this operation is an important source of revenue for the Parks department.
The absolute best way to see this State Park is to take one of their buggy tours. These tours last between two and a half to three hours long and it is best to book (call 863 462 5360)
They only happen at the weekends and run twice a day. The cost is a very reasonable $15 per adult and $8 per child.
Here you will experience the dry prairie and spot wild turkey, alligator and white tail deer. They will access areas that you cannot reach by any other means. It is important to pack LOTS of water, sun screen, sun hat and insect repellant in the summer.
There are 100 miles of road in this park; indeed it is a 5 mile drive to get to the entrance. This is one of Floridas largest dry prairies and you will also see wet lands and shady hammocks.
Birding is excellent here and they are proud to be hosts to no fewer than 6 endangered species and many other threatened varieties. You may see a burrowing owl, a white tail kite or a florida grass hopper sparrow. You can pick up a complete list of the birds seen at this park when you entrance.
They use controlled burning here to harness the environment; they do this from helicopters. Indeed, they have held training sessions here. They can burn an astonishing 5000 acres a day. During these times, some of the park will be out of bounds.
Driving Directions
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is located approximately 25 miles north of the City of Okeechobee. The Preserve is located 5 miles north of the western terminus of Okeechobee County Road 724. US Hwy 441 and Okeechobee County Road 700A intersect County Road 724. The campground is located 5 miles inside the park entrance gate.
Park fees
* Per Vehicle, max 8 people - $2. 00
* Pedestrians, Bicycles - $1. 00
* Individual Equestrians - $4. 00
* Family Equestrians, 8 people max - $12. 00
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
33104 NW 192 Ave.
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
Phone: 863-462-5360
Viewed 55661 times.
We aim to provide accurate and useful information, but if you feel anything provided here is not accurate or out of date, please email us with the address of the page concerned and any comments so we can amend as necessary.
Villa Owners: Upload A Photo To This Article
To upload a photo for consideration, click here. Please only submit photos relevant to this article.
Other Articles Viewed
The following articles were also viewed by people who looked at this one: