Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Tours

500px Photo ID: 46907804 - Paynes Prairie, Alachua Sink @dusk. Gainesville, Florida
500px Photo ID: 46907804 - Paynes Prairie, Alachua Sink @dusk. Gainesville, Florida
This is a relatively new wetlands area just south of Gainesville, Fl. It attracts a large variety of birds and of course there are 
'gators to be seen.
I love finding a place to hike during a #roadtrip. It means getting to stretch your legs AND see something new, since you're not in your home region. Lauding a 900+ mile trip from Orlando to Richmond, we hiked the Bolen Bluff Trail to get this view in Payne's Prairie, just south of Gainesville, FL.
This was taken from the Observation Tower in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville. On a good day you can see deer, bison, and wild horses!


A day at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is the perfect remedy to busy city life. Slow things right down, lace up your hiking boots and discover this area of natural beauty.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park charges admission and is located in Gainesville. Wondering where to go afterward? It's hard to move in this area without stumbling on something fun to do! Micanopy Historical Society Museum also appeals to plenty of curious visitors.

Plan a trip to see Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

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Reviews of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
90
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
42
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing observation tour. The day we were there we saw wild horses, wild turkey, buffalo and deer. Well done nature/visitors center that offers great historical data on the park. Beautiful walking and biking trails too!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sweetwater Wetlands City Park in Williston. Very nice. Saw lots of nature, water birds and heard several alligator grunts and one visible alligator display and twerking in the water, totally awesome. Great City Park. $5 entry per car fee. about 3.5 miles of trials and boardwalks over marsh and ponds.

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Best Lodging Options Near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Micanopy Inn

Micanopy Inn

2 out of 5
17110 SE County Road 234 Micanopy FL
Micanopy Inn
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida

Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida

3 out of 5
1514 Southwest 14th Street Gainesville FL
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
Comfort Suites Gainesville near University

Comfort Suites Gainesville near University

2.5 out of 5
2603 SW 13TH STREET Gainesville FL
Comfort Suites Gainesville near University
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown

Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown

3 out of 5
212 SE 1ST STREET, Gainesville FL
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL

3 out of 5
4015 Sw 43rd St Gainesville FL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
Sleep Inn & Suites University/Shands

Sleep Inn & Suites University/Shands

2.5 out of 5
4110 SW 40th Boulevard Gainesville FL
Sleep Inn & Suites University/Shands
Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville

Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville

3 out of 5
4000 Southwest 40th Blvd Gainesville FL
Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville
Comfort Inn University

Comfort Inn University

2.5 out of 5
3440 SW 40th Blvd Gainesville FL
Comfort Inn University
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

4 out of 5
3726 Sw 40th Blvd Gainesville FL
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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