Gainesville, Florida: Queen Snake Lookout

Stopped at the Snake on an unusually cool summer day. Took a nice walk across the back of the constrictor. The view of Payne's Prairie from the head of the snake is now obstructed by tree growth. When I first came here in 1996, the trees were smaller and you could see across the plain below. I don't know what they are going to do about that, but it would be nice to see the great view again.

We have gotten into the habit of checking RoadsideAmerica.com before we set out on family travels and have been very happy with the sights we have selected. Queen Snake Lookout was no exception! The rest area was very clean and very well laid out. The covered eating areas were perfect for our picnic lunch. My boys were both excited about the snake! They pointed out details such as the colored brick work, curved arches over the snake eyes, etc. The view while standing on the head was very nice. My scout sons did, however, point out that Corn Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. The signs are incorrect! :)

Visited this cool winter morning -- a bit foggy in the prairie below. I didn't know that Desoto most likely visited the area when it was a giant lake; the lake disappeared in just four weeks when the stopper collapsed and all the water went into the underground aquifer.

This snake combines a bathroom break with a neat little roadside attraction. You can walk up his wriggly back to the lookout on top of his head. Make sure to look down over the edge to see the snake's cement tongue slithering out towards the highway.

At the southbound rest area there is a giant [queen] snake. You climb across its wriggling back and up on top of its head, which is an observation platform that overlooks Payne's Prairie, a giant depression in the ground. It is a beautiful site and quite a view. I-75 goes down into the "bowl" and back out again several miles away.