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More to Do - Affordably
Parks and Nature Activities
The Gainesville area has an extensive park system, featuring over 2,600
acres of park land with over 40 active parks, playgrounds, recreation
centers, swimming pools, sports facilities, a golf course and more.
Many of these parks have no admission or vehicle admission fees
under $5.
The Gainesville area is also rich in natural settings within the heart of a growing city. Marshland, live oak hammock, turn-of-the-century farm, tumbling creeks, healthy populations of native animals and thousands of species of native trees and wildflowers all exist in our beautifully maintained nature areas.
Also make sure to visit the museums, zoo, planetarium and other attractions. |
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Devils Millhopper State Park
Millhopper Road
Gainesville, Fl 32653
352.955.2008
Devils Millhopper State Park Web site |
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is a National Natural Landmark. You'll find a miniature rain forest at the bottom of a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep. Lush vegetation thrives in this shady spot, even in hot dry summers, thanks to the 12 small streams that trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole and much cooler summer temperatures towards the bottom.
Devil’s Millhopper got its name from its resemblance to the hopper of a mill plus the bones found at the bottom which suggested that animals entered it on the way to meeting the devil.
The cutaway limestone sides of this sinkhole provide a visible geological record of the area. Visitors and researchers can examine fossil shark teeth, shells, and fossilized remains of extinct land animals found in the sink - though most of these have been removed for study and preservation. Visitors can learn about the sinkhole through its many interpretive displays. 232 steps lead to boardwalks and an observation deck at the bottom.
Admission:$2 per vehicle
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Dudley Farm State Park
18730 W. Newberry Rd.
Newberry, Florida 32669
352.472.1142
Dudley Farm Website
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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this park demonstrates the evolution of Florida farming from the 1850s to the mid-1940s-through three generations of the Dudley family. An authentic working farm, the homestead consists of eighteen buildings, including the family farmhouse with original furnishings, an 1880s kitchen outbuilding, a general store and post office, and a functional cane syrup complex. Park staff in period clothing perform daily chores, raising crops, and tending to livestock. The farm features seasonal cane grindings, corn shuckings, and heritage varieties of livestock and plants. Deer, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises, and bluebirds are still seen in the fields. The park has a visitor center, picnic area, and nature trail.
Admission: $4.00/vehicle |
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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Drive
Gainesville, Fl 32608
352.372.4981
www.kanapaha.org
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Fourteen major collections make up Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. They are all visually accessible from a 1.5 mile paved walkway. The collections include the largest herb garden in the Southeast and Florida’s largest display of bamboos. During warm months visitors can see giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums. June through September offer the most color.
Monday, Tuesday, Weds., & Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am-dusk. Closed Thursday.
Admission: Adults $6/ Children 6-13 $3 |
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Morningside Nature Center
3540 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, Fl
352.334.2171
Morningside Website
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Morningside Nature Center is Gainesville’s premier nature park. As one of the last remaining examples of fire-dependent longleaf pine woodlands in the area, it includes more than 7 miles of trails through flatwoods, sandhills, cypress domes, and areas where native vegetation is being restored. Morningside’s 278 acres feature a spectacular wildflower display and diverse wildlife including deer, wild turkey, box turtles, gopher tortoises, skinks, and numerous birds.
Morningside’s Living History Farm re-creates a single-family rural holding in the year 1870. The Farm centers on an Irish immigrant family, the McCarrolls, who built the Hogan Cabin. The farm includes the cabin from the 1840’s, a board and batten kitchen from the 1900’s, a barn and one-room schoolhouse, and an heirloom garden and live heritage breed farm animals. Every Saturday from September through May the Farm offers live interpretive experiences.
Admission: Free |
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Paynes Prairie State Park
100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy, Florida 32667
352.466.3397
Payne Prairie State Park Web site |
Our Visitor Center will help get you oriented to this 21,000-acre preserve. Watch the colorful video, "The Level Green Plain." Talk to our Visitor Center staff and view our exhibits. If you have an hour or several days, you’ll find the Prairie abounds with plenty of options and activities to keep you happy.
Over 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses, and over 270 species of birds. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area´s natural and cultural history. A 50-foot-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve.
Eight trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling.
Admission: $4.00/vehicle |
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Poe Springs Park
28800 NW 182nd Ave
High Springs, Fl 32643
352.454.1992
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Cool off at Poe Springs Park. Nestled along the Santa Fe River, the park features 202 acres of scenic rolling fields and woodland. With a daily flow of 45 million gallons of cold refreshing water, Poe Springs stands as the county's largest spring.
In addition to kid friendly shallow water the park features hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, picnic areas, a volleyball court and a children’s playground.
Hours: 9am - sunset
Admission: $6 per adult/ $3 kids and seniors/
under 5 free |
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The San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is a rare example of mature Florida hammock woodland. Sixty-five percent of the 7000 acre park is designated for hiking, providing quiet solitude for a true wilderness experience. The other 35% comprises one of Florida’s top mountain biking destinations. Trails include a 1-mile beginner's trail near the north entrance, a 4-mile intermediate trail through rolling terrain and across small log jumps, and an 8-mile advanced trail with strenuous hill climbing, steep switchbacks, log bridges, and breathtaking views.
Admission: $2 per vehicle
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Museums, Zoo, Planetarium and other Attractions
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