paynes creek historic state park

Hobomonty

There is a volksmarch set up in this park (6.2 mile hike) that takes you throughout this small park using every trail. It is a great way to explore the interior of the park. The start materials are in the visitor center. Make sure you see the suspension bridge and tombstone. There. Are also geocaches available.

mountainman13

This is a nice little park if you are in the area. Right on the Peace River and Paynes Creek. Nice visitors center and good trails. Definitely worth it if you are in the south Polk county area.

sunshinegirl34230

We stopped here on our way from MCO to RSW. The suspension bridge was cool and there are lots of trails. We plan on going back when it is a little cooler outside. The trail by the visitors center is not marked well. A very nice park with some interesting history.

489PaulS489

The Paynes Creek Historic State park near Bowling Green Fl is well off the beaten path, but well worth a visit. There's a nominal $3.00 per vehicle entry fee unless you have a Fl State Park pass. The small visitor's center has some nice exhibits, some with audio presentations. Near the visitor's center, there's supposed to be the site of the original fort, but we couldn't find it. Further into the park there are picnic areas and playgrounds. Beyond these, there's a suspension bridge across the Peace River that leads to a memorial dedicated to settlers who were killed in an indian raid. Another trail leads to the site of the original trading post, but we felt that, like the fort, there'd be nothing to see. The park is laced with marked hiking trails for the more adventurous.

bellman_8

Interesting to see and learn about this part of USA history. Nice walks and hikes including a suspension bridge over the Peaceriver.

43rdParallel

I pretty much had the park to myself on a gorgeous February morning. I pulled a ducky (inflatable kayak) from the trunk of my Honda Civic and spent 90 minutes or so on the Peace River. Saw a couple of gators, many turtles and a deer small enough to have been a fawn. The restrooms at the Visitors Center were clean and ideal as a changing room after leaving the river. The presentation on the Seminole wars is concise and well-done. I did not explore the trails, but hope to do so on a return trip.

Bondoon2

Spent a very pleasant couple hours here; checked out the small visitors center with historical information, and then took an hour or so hike to see the sites they spoke of. Most was out in the open, so bring a hat or sun lotion. Lower portion was down near the river, under cover.

scottbV6443HL

I loved the parl. it was very well kept, very clean, beautiful scenery. The museum on site is pretty interesting with facts about the American Indian Wars. Also I loved the suspension bridge that lead to a monument on the grounds. Very interesting place!

Ldymerlyn

We mainly use Paynes Creek to launch our canoes on the Peace River. Peace River is such a great river for canoeing, kayaking and fossil hunting. The historic site is a nice place to spend the day hiking and exploring and it has a nice park/pavilion area.

BobG357

This is a very nice park, a great place to ride a mountain bike , go canoeing or kayaking, hiking and for a picnic. There are some interesting historical details about the settlement that was once on the site. This is the real Florida that people don't seek out when they are here visiting the theme parks.