Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Payne’s Creek State Park is a historical center in Bowling Green Florida — Who knew this place even existed. The only reason I found out about it is because a Facebook friend of mine let me know they were offering Ghostwalks during the month of October due to the high spirit activity on the land.
Legend has it that some Renegade Seminole Indians once came to trade at the little grocery on the property, but trading wasn’t what they had in mind. Instead they ambushed the whites and killed them, taking their child with them to Tampa.
In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built, and though the Indian’s never attacked it, it was nearly destroyed by Mosquitoes. The restless spirits of soldiers who died of infected mosquito bites and boredom seem to wander about. No one knows for sure where their bodies are truly interred.
The walk sometimes takes you to the youth camp about a mile away, on Payne’s Creek itself where Mary Jane is said to have perished when she swung out over the creek on a rope swing and got caught in one of Florida’s many shallow limestone caves. Divers tried to rescue her lifeless form but they too, got caught — because in those days the tanks and suits were heavy and bulky — far from the stream lined things of today, and they drown as well. Their spririts are said to roam as well.
The information we were given, the tools we were allowed to use and the pictures we took were all interesting. I can’t say I saw anything paranormal or super natural. What I can tell you is that it was a good time with friends. It was a lovely evening under the blood moon and it was totally worth the $ 5 I paid for the tourguides time.