Kissimmee Prairie Preserve

This 54,000 acre preserve protects one of the largest remaining stretches of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. While driving the five-mile-long road into the preserve, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of grasslands reminiscent of the Great Plains of the Midwest. The preserve offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities and is home to the endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, as well as the Crested Caracara and Burrowing Owl. More than 100 miles of dirt roads allow hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to explore prairies, wetlands and shady hammocks. November through March, ranger-led prairie buggy tours allow visitors to see remote areas of the preserve. Kissimmee Prairie’s remoteness makes it one of Florida’s premier locations for stargazing. For overnight stays, the preserve has two full facility campground loops: family and an equestrian campground with paddocks. Proof of current negative Coggins test is required. Located 33 miles northwest of Okeechobee via U.S. 441 and County Road 724.