Florida State Parks in Alachua County

The cutaway, limestone sides of the sinkhole provide an easily visible geological record of the area. Twelve springs, some more visible than others, feed the pond at the bottom of the sinkhole. In the summer, the bottom of sinkhole is dramatically cooler than the air at the surface, due to springs that trickle 70 °F (21 °C) water in small waterfalls.

Even though the park is only 67 acres (270,000 m²), three distinct ecological environments exist in the park, based on exposure to sun, fire, and water. In the sandhill environment, the sandy soil and regular fires result in pine trees being the predominant vegetation. The moist soils of the hammocks support broadleaf trees and more low vegetation, while the swamp areas only support flora and fauna adapted to year-around wet conditions.

The 117-foot (35.7 m), 500-foot (152.4 m) across sinkhole got its name from its similar appearance to the hopper of a mill, along with the bones found at the bottom, suggesting animals entered it on the way to meeting the devil. The site was purchased by the state in 1974, and a set of 232 wooden steps, along with boardwalks and an observation deck at the bottom were completed in 1976.

The park is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

The park is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday. The farmstead closes at 4:00 PM.

Activities include hiking, running, cycling, rollerblading, and horseback riding. A grassy equestrian pathway is available except east of the Lochloosa trailhead.

The Boulware Springs trailhead is open from 8 am to 6 pm November through April and from 8 am to 8 pm May through October. The Paynes Prairie portion of the trail is open from 8 am until sunset, 365 days a year.

The prairie became the stronghold of the Alachua band of the Seminole tribe under chief Ahaya the Cowkeeper in the 18th century. It is named for the Cowkeeper's eldest surviving son, Payne.

There have been times when the prairie's drainage become so blocked that it flooded, causing the formation of a lake. The most recent such occurrence was in 1871, and lasted until 1886. During this period, steamboats were a frequent sight on what was called Alachua Lake.

Over 270 species of birds can be seen in the park as well as American alligators and plains bison. The bison were reintroduced to the park from Oklahoma in the mid-1970s. As a part of the park service goal of restoring Florida's natural resources to pre-European settler conditions, the bison were reintroduced because they once roamed this area until the early 19th century. It is rare to see them, but the best place to look for them is along the Cone's Dike trail.

The park contains exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center that explains the area's natural and cultural history. A 50-foot (15 m)-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve. Eight different trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Ranger-led activities are offered on weekends, November through April. Fishing on Lake Wauburg is allowed and a boat ramp provides access for canoes and boats with electric motors. Full-facility campsites are available for overnight visitors.

The park is a 'gateway site' for the Great Florida Birding Trail.

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  Sunset from the observation deck
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  A wood stork at Paynes Prairie.

Among the wildlife of the park are bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, wild turkeys, and many species of songbirds.

Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature viewing.

Amenities include 20 miles (32 km) of single-track bike trails, horse trails, and nature trails.