Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Located in Bowling Green, Florida off of U.S. 17 and Lake Branch Road, Paynes Creek Historic State Park is home to some interesting Florida history as well as some great hiking and kayaking trails. The boy scouts and other youth groups take full advantage of the 50 site youth campground that is located near Payne creek. Whether you hike, canoe, fish, you can still fill the day enjoy one of the picnic pavilions, letting the kids play on the playground or learning about the historical significance this area played during Florida's early pioneer history.

When you first visit Paynes Creek Historic State Park, you should familiarize yourself with the park by visiting the visitor's center and learning about this areas amazing historical past. The trading post Kennedy-Darling was built in 1849 to ease tensions between the Native American Seminoles and the encroaching unwelcome guests, white settlers from the north. It was immediately attacked and destroyed by the Indians.

The ensuing hostility by the Seminoles prompted the U.S. Army to take action by building a series of forts across the length of Florida. Fort Chokonikla was built on high ground near the old trading post. While nothing remains of the fort or trading post today, archeologists have excavated many artifacts and are on display in the visitor's center.

Once you've learned about the parks history, you may want to explore the interior of this 410 acre park. Its numerous trails lead park guest's through a series of amazing Florida wildlife habitat. The monument that marks the trading post site and honors the two clerks who lost their lives during the Seminole attack can be found along one of the many trails at Paynes Creek Historic State Park. One trail has a suspension bridge that crosses over the gorgeous Paynes Creek.

Access to the scenic Paynes Creek and Peace River are available at the park and offer visitors a glimpse into the aquatic wildlife of the park. A quick visit to the visitor center upon your arrival for a check-in will get you the gate key combination for access to the boat launch.

Once you've explored all there is to see at the park, stop by one of the picnic pavilions for a picnic lunch. Kids love this part of the journey as the fantastic tower and slide at the playground make for the perfect wind down to a long day of family fun.

For more information on directions to the park, fees or hours of operations, visit the official Florida state park website here.