Cowboys Once Roamed: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve

Last Updated on September 23, 2022

Long ago, Cracker Cowboys herded cattle across the state traveling through Florida’s Central Florida prairies. You can experience the land as it once was at the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, a stunningly beautiful frontier wilderness.

The team at Authentic Florida journey has visited many beautiful state parks. From the Florida Keys to the northern Panhandle, Florida has parks with remote beaches, down under caverns, historical farms, lighthouses, underwater reefs, swamps, and scenic bluffs overlooking rivers. Florida State Parks form an exquisite collage of natural Florida that inspires and re-energizes.

Central Florida’s Kissimmee Preserve is one that is especially moving and should be on your must-visit list. Situated in the middle of the Florida peninsula northwest of Okeechobee, east of Bartow, and west of Vero Beach, the park is home to the largest stretch of dry prairie remaining in Florida. Because only ten percent of this prairie ecosystem remains in state, this is a treasure you won’t want to miss.

Being fairly remote, you’re not likely to “happen” onto Kissimmee Prairie Park. But with a trusty map or GPS, you’ll locate the spacious 54,000 acres of central Florida wilderness just off State Road 60 -15 miles east of Lake Wales. Once found, you’ll begin your journey by driving onto the sandy entrance road, while being transformed by sweeping vistas of Sabal Palm hammocks standing amidst tall grasses, flowers, and saw palmettos. If you happen to be there during dawn or dusk, you’ll be dazzled by the colors and the subtle orange and pink hues of the Florida prairie.

Many people don’t realize that until the middle of the 20^th century, cattle roamed freely throughout these open Florida prairies as indigenous natives and cowboys worked the land. Believe it or not, Florida is the original birthplace of the American cowboy. Most think of the American West as home to the cowboy. However, Florida’s Seminoles, early Spanish colonists, and new settlers herded cattle across Florida, riding through this very area. More appropriately called cow hunters because of the challenge of herding cattle through stands of underbrush that dot the prairie, the cowboys were also known as Florida Crackers because they snapped or “cracked” their long, leather bullwhips while driving cattle through the rugged terrain.

Cowboy, or should we say Cracker, tradition continues in this park. More than 100 miles of trails is one of the most ideal parks for horse riding, hiking, or biking, and equestrian camping is welcome.

If you don’t want to ride a horse, hiking is also superb. The palmetto-lined trails are well shaded by oak trees but open fields are abundant. Wildflowers burst with color and deer leap through the grasses and between shrubs. The Prairie is a popular birding destination home to more than twelve endangered or threatened species flying above or between the palmettos. Butterflies float amongst the wildflowers. If you are there in the Spring or Fall, you are in for a showcase of Florida’s floral finest. A favorite hike is the Five Mile Prairie Trail but there are plenty more trails to choose from.

If you are a stargazer, this park is one of the best places for viewing the night sky. With little competition from the light of surrounding cities, gleaming rivers of stars course through the heavens. Or, on a full moon night, a visitor can even walk the trails without a flashlight.

No matter what you choose to do, this is a Central Florida park well worth an off-the-beaten-path visit. Do yourself a favor and take in a little “Old Florida” and experience it like the earliest cowboys once did.

Westgate River Ranch

For accommodations, the Westgate River Ranch, a family-style dude ranch, is one of the most convenient places to stay while visiting the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve. Once a stopping point for the Cracker Cowboys, while they drove their cattle across Florida, Westgate Ranch is located off Highway 60 and offers the weary travel a restful stay. More than 400,000 acres of state and federally protected wetlands surround the Ranch. There is also plenty to explore nearby or within the 1,700 acres of property. 

Guests can choose a lodging from a selection of rustic alternatives such as cottages, cabins, or even tent camping. A unique offering called “glamping” or glamour camping is also available, featuring well-furnished and comfortable outdoor canvas dwellings.

If you are looking for things to do at Westgate, you don’t have to look very far. Ideal for the family getaway, guests can choose from a wide range of amenities. This includes horseback riding to a kid’s petting zoo, trap and skeet shooting, swamp buggy rides, boating, and plenty in between. A favorite is the one-hour guided airboat ride on the Kissimmee River. It is a refreshing glide over the Kissimmee River while admiring spectacular birds and wildlife.

If you are there over the weekend, Saturday night’s Championship Rodeo is also a draw. Real Central Florida cowboys and cowgirls competing in trick riding, calf roping, bull riding, and barrel racing.

Other things to do while in the area. Another favorite is to head into the town of Lake Wales to visit the Bok Tower Gardens. For sheer garden beauty and delightful music and reflection, don’t miss this Florida classic. Also, check out Struther’s Honey, in business since 1935 on Highway 60, selling local honey with a self-serve honor system.

For a day trip, a weekend away, or even an extended stay, a visit to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park may also become one of your most treasured Authentic Florida memories.