Florida Guide > State Parks
PAYNES PARK
Paynes Park State Park is situated in Bowling Green on the Tamiami Trail.
This is an important area in the history of the pioneer life of Florida. A trading past was built for the Seminole Indians to protect them from aggravation with the settlers. Sadly, inside a year this post had been invaded by renegades during which two of the staff were killed. As a result of this outrage the army stepped in to build a series of fortifications across the northern border of the Native Americans settlements. These were never needed and a lot of the soldiers perished as a result of bites from infected mosquitos.
You can visit a museum here that is situated in the ranger station. This takes you through the history of these long ago times and seeks to explain how life was lived by pioneer communities. The museum is open from 9. a. m. til 5. p. m.
When you have finished the museum go and visit the trading post which can be seen from a viewing point and also take in the monument.
This park is now a paradise for nature lovers who can walk one of the trails.
Try the History Trail which takes you through mesic flatwoods and scrubby flat woods. It is always nice to walk by water and the River Trail meanders round Payne Creek and Peace River. Try the Flatwood Trail to enjoy its flora and fauna.
The geology of this park means that various eco systems live side by side. From sandy uplands to the river beds hard lime stone out croppings this geology supports many different kinds of animal and plant life.
There is a pic nic area provided so take a packed lunch with you. Younger visitors will enjoy the playground.
The summer is very wet in this area; up to an amaxing 30 inches throughout the summer. This can mean thunder storms later in the day. Conversely, you can see frosts in the winter time.
Entrance is on the honour syastem and is $2 for a carfull of 4.
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
888 Lake Branch Road
Bowling Green, Florida 33834
Phone: 863-375-4717
Guided walks can be booked on any day of the week as long as you can rustle up 10 people. These must be booked 2 weeks in advance. At the weekend on saturday and sunday regular walks are held by a park ranger. These last 2 hours and start at 10. a. m. This will inform of frontier life up to the third Seminole War.
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