Many people head to Payne’s Prairie in Florida in order to catch a glimpse of the free-roaming bison or the sweeping landscape views. But what many don’t know, is that every year this 23,000-acre preserve becomes the ultimate place to see stunning wildflowers in bloom. As Florida’s very first state preserve, Paynes Prairie has become the go-to place to watch wildlife flourish. But this spring, you’ll want to trek one of their eight different trails in order to see the prairie in all of its full-bloom magic. Check it out…
Payne’s Prairie Preserve is easily one of the best places in Florida to grab a front-row seat to wildlife.
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Whether it’s the bison and horses wild-roaming the plains, or the almost 300 different species of birds soaring overhead, there is never a dull moment in this preserve.
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But one of the greatest pastimes of many preserve-goers involves visiting during high bloom season for the vast array of wildflowers.
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This 23,000-acre preserve has some impressive places to see wildflowers in bloom every year depending on when you visit!
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For instance, purple Pickerelweed is a beautiful year-round bloom, native to Florida and sprouting up in pockets throughout the wetlands.
Flickr DaseinDesign
You can find giant aquatic fields of purple with these pickerelweed, many of them reaching two to three feet in height!
Flickr Darryl Kenyon
Also, you’ll be able to see the sprawling yellows of the American Lotus in bloom across the prairie basin during late spring, early summer, especially along the La Chua Trail.
TripAdvisor Jayne
The magic of this preserve comes to life each spring when certain wildflowers begin to blossom into the most beautiful of colors.
Flickr Tristan Loper
Whether you’re hiking the trails or simply taking a drive through the preserve, you’re guaranteed to catch an eyeful of color with the wildflowers in bloom every year.
Flickr DaseinDesign
To find where Paynes Prairie Preserve is in Florida and how far it may be from you, click here to open the map.
Google Maps
Have you ever been to Payne’s Prairie in Florida before? Do you happen to have a favorite wildflower that blooms at this preserve every year? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if want more information about this preserve, including the cost to enter and current hours of operation, then check out the Florida Park’s website.
Google Dongjun Qian
Google Clayton Henry
Google Fallopian Itch
Google Orianna Snook
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Flickr Darryl Kenyon
TripAdvisor Jayne
Flickr Tristan Loper
Google Maps
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Address: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Savannah Boulevard, Micanopy, FL, USA
