18 Amazing Things to do in Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Where stars shine brighter and nature thrives: Prairie Awaits!

If you think Florida is all about sandy beaches, sports events, and theme parks, think again, because Florida is also home to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, a dream-come-true spot for nature lovers, stargazers, hikers, and explorers. Imagine vast grasslands where wildflowers flaunt their beauty (as they should be), wildlife struts like it's their runway, and the night sky is so clear that you can practically see the whole Milky Way. So, whether you like nature, birdwatching, bicycling, camping, or a National Geographic level adventure, this park has it all, and more, minus the bad views, crowds, and overpriced snacks. Here is a list of 18 amazing activities visitors can do in Kissimmee Prairie State Park.

Who needs to explore on foot when Prairie Buggy Tour offers guided 2 hrs rides along the park's vast land. Visitors can enjoy great views, views of alligators, birds, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. Apart from the tour, visitors also get to learn about US army bombing, which was done here during World War 2, history of cracker cow hunters of this region. The tour is given every Saturday at 10:00 AM, and reservations must be made 60 days in advance.

The park provides 100-mile-long trails and proper roads which are perfect for bicycling and can be shared with horse riders, hikers, and normal vehicles. Visitors can either bring their bicycle along or rent out from the park; the choice is theirs. Safety should be prioritized; that’s why the park encourages visitors to wear helmets.

Home to rare species and endangered species of birds, Kissimmee Prairie State Park is a heaven for birdwatchers. They can see unique birds like Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, Crested Caracara, Burrowing Owl, Wood Stork, and many others. This park is also home to many habitats such as wetlands, hardwood hammocks, and dry prairie, which makes birdwatching more fun and interactive.

Glamping is one of the activities done in Kissimmee Prairie State Park, offering modern comfort with beautiful nature, setting a perfect retreat for every visitor. Each accommodation here is spacious, clean, and has all the amenities suitable for group and family stay. Inside each Glampside, the staying guests can enjoy hotel-inspired beds, coffee maker, lamps, diffuser, air conditioning, and every luxury you can think of. Since the aim of the property is to provide a real camping experience, Glampside comes with a fire pit, hammocks, camp chairs, and all the camping essentials.

If you want to enjoy the raw experience of camping at Kissimmee Prairie State Park, then don’t worry, they also offer a proper campground called Kilpatrick Hammock Campground. It has running water and electricity for equestrian camping. Each campsite comes with a paddock, and each one of them has water access. Visitors can also access campgrounds’ clean bathhouses and composting toilets for an easy camping experience. To add a unique twist of horse riding while camping, check further information at Land Rentals to rent horses. For visitors who have pets, following the park's pet policy, pets are permitted.

With heavenly views and wildlife, hiking trails make one of the best tourist attractions in Kissimmee. As you walk along, get ready to see white tailed deer feeding on plants, indigo snakes, rabbits, bald eagles, Florida grasshoppers, and the cute (or not) animals you can think of. And let's not forget the beautiful wildflowers such as blazing star, pipewort, and yellow bachelor’s button, spread across the vast lands around the trails. If you are hiking with your pets, make sure they are well-behaved in public areas and on leash at all times.

Visitors who are eager to see the views on a hike but are too lazy to walk or have a medical problem can always have an option for horseback riding. These rides make it easy to cross moist wetlands, shady hammocks, and bumpy parts of the trail, which would have been difficult to cross on foot. The trail is shared with bicyclists, hikers, and vehicles, so make sure to respect their space.

Finding a spot in Florida to enjoy clear sky for stargazing is a challenge itself, and that’s where Kissimmee Prairie State Park enters the chat. Unaffected by the pollution and city lights, the park offers a great spot for stargazing, and that is one of the reasons this park was awarded Florida’s first Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association back in 2016. We would recommend booking a campsite to enjoy a much longer and memorable stargazing experience at night, which is soon welcomed by a beautiful sunrise.

Home to six threatened and endangered species, as well as six additional species of special attention, can be found in the Kissimmee Prairie State Park. Visitors can see Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Wood Stork, Crested Caracara, and the new addition of White-Tail Kite in the park, making this activity a potential highlight out of many things to do in this park. The park is also home to diverse habitats, such as hardwood hammocks, dry prairie, and beautiful wetlands that provide nature lovers a full day of exploration and adventure.

Near the entrance of the park and next to the park’s main office, there are many small picnic tables available for visitors who want to spend time with family. Visitors are advised to bring their own food since the property does not have any dining options. The space is perfect for a quick breather or some energy recharging before continuing with the adventure.

With access to water supply and electricity, RVers can also enjoy a stay at Prairie State Park alongside the campers. They also have access to restrooms, laundry, and showers, and a dump station and water station are also close by. Only well-behaved pets can be accompanied according to the park's policy, and a minimum car length of 65 feet is allowed. RVers have to make a reservation 11 months in advance, and for more information, they can visit the official website.

With its vast nature and wildlife, the park frequently organizes educational programs on different topics such as habitat restoration, wildlife, conservation initiatives, and more. People of all ages can participate and enjoy interactive one-on-one learning sessions from professionals and get a closer look at nature and how it works. This activity is a great way to bond and appreciate the uniqueness of our Earth together.

With this much aesthetics, photographers are in for a treat at Kissimmee Prairie State Park. With stunning landscapes, blue skies, animals, birds, and wildflowers, the cameras can capture National Geographic-level pictures (might win an award or two). From sunsets, flowers, to endangered species, get ready to click stunning photos here!

During the season of summer and spring, a large number of butterfly species enter the parks, attracted by wildflowers. Although this activity can be done alone if you have basic knowledge of flowers and butterflies but if you find yourself confused, the park also hosts guided tours, where visitors can spot caterpillar eggs, host plants, and resting butterflies. Some of these guided tours cost around 29 to 39 dollars and 4 dollars extra for vehicle charges.

We did learned about Buggy tour, which was guided by a professional, but if you think you already know a lot, then go for a self-driving tour in your ride. Visitors are allowed to drive along Prairie Loop from sunrise to sunset and enjoy nature throughout the day. If views are getting a bit bumpy while riding, don’t worry, just park your car on the side, grab binoculars, and go on a small walk to view deer, eagles, and alligators.

The park's visitors center provides all the information you need about the park and more. With interactive displays, informative exhibitions, and ranger desks, visitors can learn about cultural history, diverse species, ecology, and more. The ranger available at the center provides all the necessary information, tips, and suggestions about the park and its preserved wildlife, which makes the center a perfect spot to start your journey.

If you are a solo traveler who needs a much-needed solitude away from touristy noises, then primitive backcountry camping is a great option for you. There are a total of three campsites for primitive camping, and each of these sites offers a fully isolated and disconnected experience. The campsites are deep into the prairie, away from all the hiking and family camping chaos. There are no extravagant facilities, just you, your solitude, a peaceful night sky, and company of some wild friends. Know that a permit is required for this campsite, so contact the visitors center in advance for any necessary information.

Have limited time and want to enjoy the beauty of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park? How about a quick look at the sunrise or sunset? This park offers some of the best horizons in the area, where sunrise colors the sky with golden hues and sunset floods the grasslands with crimson. Perfect for sky lovers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates good aesthetics, visitors can come to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Tips you Need to Know Before Visiting Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

• For camping sites, horses for horse riding, and buggies, make sure to book as early as possible because of high demand.
•  Bring your food, water bottle, and snacks, since the park does not have any onsite dining
•  Wear loads of sunscreen, good hiking shoes, and layered clothing for a comfortable hiking experience.
•  Carry a bug repellent with you at all costs, because the wildlife of Preserve State Park also includes tiny bugs and insects whose bites can be painful at times.

 If you plan to do the vehicle tour, make sure your tank is full because the park does not provide emergency fuel in case your car breaks down, and it can also disrupt other vehicles.

Wrapping up, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is not just any ordinary park; it’s a live display of our wildlife and nature offering breathtaking scenery and a sense of peace. And with that many activities to do, it’s a great place that caters to everyone, whether you are a child, teenager, adult, or senior citizen. Also, the park's commitment to education points out that they don’t just appreciate nature but also care about its protection and preservation. So, on that note, plan your adventure to Kissimmee Preserve State Park today!