Paynes Prairie
Paynes Prairie
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Nature area with woods and swamp as well as an information center describing the wildlife in the area.
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Restaurants
9 within 5 kms
Attractions
44 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
478 reviews
Excellent
331
Very good
119
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Jim
7 contributions
Aug 2022
North entry seems to be the best spot. Old Florida, gators on the banks, then go to Micanopy for lunch/ice cream.
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tricia A
6 contributions
Feb 2022
We have been here many times and enjoy the trails and wildlife viewing. Obviously, there are gators and more obviously, you should not feed them and give them plenty of space.
Written 28 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Starviagera
The Villages, FL1,909 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a very large place, and it is hard to visit. There is a visitor center but it was not well staffed when we were there. Will have to make another trip and figure out how to see it better.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jill H
Williamsville, United States91 contributions
Jun 2021
A fun walk among the trees and then onto the prairie. A small observation tower is on the prairie that you can climb and have a look, perhaps bison or horses may be close enough the day you visit. before you go down to the prairie there is another observation tower to climb as well. All in all a nice little hike that is not strenuous.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SueBee46530
GRANGER296 contributions
Mar 2021
This was a really long walk on a cold, windy day. There is a boardwalk over water off of Highway 441 that was nice on a warmer day with towers of American White Pelicans flying. We did not see any wild horses or bison here though.
Written 12 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
llong22
Winter Garden, FL66 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Gorgeous. Worth the trip. We were able to see wild horses from the observation tower. The ranger in the visitors center was very knowledgeable. I would definitely suggest bring a pair of binoculars and a camera with a long distance lens for better viewing of the prairie.
Written 7 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Margo
Gainesville, FL6 contributions
Apr 2020
Be sure to learn about the natural history of the place. The spring flowers were blooming and it was pretty hot with a light breeze
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe L
Fort Wayne, Indiana74 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Very nice walk on boardwalk. Saw numerous birds and a few alligators. Very informative and interesting.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dusty M
Gainesville, FL36 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
A nice beautiful park, Florida like it used to be, water levels are low so gators are stacked up thick.
Saw countless birds, a couple water snakes, and a baby rattler.
Not a lot of people out there during the week. Beautiful and peaceful
Saw countless birds, a couple water snakes, and a baby rattler.
Not a lot of people out there during the week. Beautiful and peaceful
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sylvia B
29 contributions
Feb 2020
Enjoyed a nice walk along the main path from visitors center and going up the main tower near dusk we saw deer and horses in the distance. Rangers say in the morning you have the chance to see them closer at the main entrance. I have seen turkeys and deer up close here as well in Feb
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff M.
Brooklawn, NJ19 contributions
I don't think we will have time to walk trails, can you see wildlife by driving through the park?
saracarver33
Saint Augustine Beach, FL2 contributions
Which trail is the best for seeing bison and horses? I did the La Chua trail? With the boardwalk that was blocked and only saw birds.
dboal
Gainesville, FL72 contributions
With all of the water now, I am not sure, it used to be the Bolen Bluff trail on the far end of the Prairie on 441, but the last time we saw the horses they were on the East side of 441, If you start at Bouleware Springs park you may see them.
Matt
Elmira, NY37 contributions
If an alligator is blocking your trail on the way back, how do you safely proceed?
Maha E
Gainesville, FL6 contributions
Best approach is to keep a safe distance and wait until he moves away. if the situation retains for more than 30-45 mins you may need to call park patrol
mommika1
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
On which trail is one most likely to see alligators?
corvus0486
Gainesville, FL35 contributions
The La Chua Trail, the main way to the observation tower, is your best choice. But it will depend on how much water is on the prairie. Sometimes you don’t get very far because the gators are blocking the trail.
Paynes Prairie (Gainesville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Paynes Prairie
- Paynes Prairie is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Paynes Prairie:
- (5.29 km) The Laurel Oak Inn
- (5.36 km) Camellia Rose Inn
- (5.20 km) The Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn
- (5.55 km) Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events
- (8.60 km) Staybridge Suites Gainesville I-75
- Restaurants near Paynes Prairie:
- (6.97 km) Embers Wood Grill
- (5.60 km) Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Co Incorporated
- (7.50 km) Blaze Pizza
- (5.87 km) The Top
- (7.85 km) Satchel's Pizza