During this week-long event, you’ll help drive 1,000 head of Cracker-style cattle through scenic central Florida cattle country. Each day you’ll ride and drive the herd around 10 to 15 miles, so get ready for a week full of riding. You’ll be met with a trail’s end celebration frolic to celebrate another successful cattle drive.
Where
Kissimmee, Florida
What
The Great Florida Cattle Drive
When
December 4-10, 2022
The Facts: 7| The number of life-sized fiberglass Cracker bulls on display throughout Florida that represent the cattle that were originally brought over by Ponce de Leon to the newly discovered “La Florida” in 1521.
Participants will be divided into “circles” that are managed by a circle boss and assistants. You’ll ride with your circle and might even be able to help the cow hunters push the herd on specific days. Your meals will be provided, and your gear moved for you to each night’s camp. Grain, hay, and water will also be provided for your horse as well.
Each evening there will be family fun entertainment with Cracker storytellers, cowboy poetry, and a Seminole night, where members from the tribe introduce their culture to the riders. From horseback to the campsites, you’ll be sure to make lifelong friends and memories.
Don’t Miss This
explore.
You’ll pass through the
1. Deseret Ranch which is the largest ranch in Florida. This ranch focuses on raising high-quality calves, and preserves the natural resources and diverse species of wildlife that share the ranch with them.
eat.
Before you head out on the cattle drive, stop by 2. Sip n’ Dip Donuts for a sweet treat. Located just down the road from where the drive starts in St. Cloud, Florida, this shop is the perfect place to stop before heading out on horseback. Grab one of their house-made donuts that come in a variety of unique flavors, or get something more filling like a breakfast sandwich.
do.
If you want to see more of Florida’s wilderness, go for an airboat ride at 3. Wild Florida Airboat Tours. See Florida wildlife like alligators, wading birds, and eagles in their natural habitat as you glide across the water through Florida’s Everglades.
History of the Great Florida Cattle Drive
The Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee (FCCPC) formed in 1993. Under the leadership of Chairman Doyle Conner Jr., the committee planned and held The Great Florida Cattle Drive ’95 as part of Florida’s year-long celebration of the state’s 150th birthday. The next cattle drive took place in 2006, and the most recent cattle drive happened in 2016.
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