Within a short drive, you move from shaded riverbanks to expansive prairie with wild horses, bison, and alligators. It’s a good introduction to how much the landscape can change in a relatively small area, and a reminder that Florida isn’t just beaches and springs.
Pick a stop to see its story and photos.
O'Leno gave the day its calm opening, with the Santa Fe River, a peaceful campground, and one last slow look around before we broke camp and headed south.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a wide-open landscape that feels completely different from what most people expect in Florida. Instead of dense forest or springs, it’s mostly grassland, with long views, big skies, and a chance to see wild horses and bison.
Cone’s Dike Trail runs eight miles straight into the prairie. Flat, exposed, and almost no shade, with a chance to see wild horses and bison along the way.
O'Leno gave the day its calm opening, with the Santa Fe River, a peaceful campground, and one last slow look around before we broke camp and headed south.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a wide-open landscape that feels completely different from what most people expect in Florida. Instead of dense forest or springs, it’s mostly grassland, with long views, big skies, and a chance to see wild horses and bison.
Cone’s Dike Trail runs eight miles straight into the prairie. Flat, exposed, and almost no shade, with a chance to see wild horses and bison along the way.
I woke up on our first morning at O'Leno State Park with a mix of anxious energy and an itch to explore.…
