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PICTURED: Enjoying the day on beautiful Lake Wauberg

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History of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
  • Biking in Gainesville
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  • FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
    “So much to see!” - Indiana

  • SAMUAL P. HARN MUSEUM OF ART
    “Terrific university art museum.” - Pennsylvania

  • BUTTERFLY RAINFOREST
    “Beyond expectations.” - Florida

  • PAYNES PRAIRIE
    “A nature-lover's dream!” - North Carolina

Find more reviews and tips on TripAdvisor

Get Outdoors

  • Get Outdoors
  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Parks and Places
  • Canoeing & Kayaking
  • Golf
  • Fishing
Kayaking near High Springs
Kayaking near High Springs
Kanapaha Lilies
Kanapaha Lilies
Close up of a Caracal
Close up of a Caracal
Florida blue skies wildflower
Florida blue skies wildflower
Golfing in Alachua
Golfing in Alachua
Students meeting Albert and Alberta
Students meeting Albert and Alberta
Herbs at the Kanapaha Garden
Herbs at the Kanapaha Garden
Greathouse buttlerfly farm
Greathouse buttlerfly farm
Melrose Bay fisherman
Melrose Bay fisherman
High Springs kayaking boats
High Springs kayaking boats
Feeding porcupine at the zoo
Feeding porcupine at the zoo
Horses at the Retirement Home for horses
Horses at the Retirement Home for horses
Paynes Pairie Observation walk
Paynes Pairie Observation walk
Hawthorne bike trail
Hawthorne bike trail
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Just a Few Of Our Best Outdoor Locations

  • Natural North Florida

    2009 NW 67th Place Gainesville, FL 32653 877-955-2199

    Natural North Florida is home to the largest collection of natural springs in the world, amazing gulf coast sunsets, world-class fishing, pristine rivers for paddling excursions and peaceful trails to hike on.

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  • Paynes Prairie - La Chua Trail

    4801 Camp Ranch Rd. Gainesville, FL 32641 352-466-3397

    La Chua Trail leads to Alachua Sink and the center of the prairie marsh and wetlands. Abundant wildlife including alligators and migratory sandhill cranes. Platform at trail’s end provides panoramic views. 3 miles round-trip.

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  • Gum Root Park

    7298 NE 27th Ave Gainesville, FL 32641 352-334-2171

    Gum Root Park is a 741-acre park that is mostly floodplain swamp, with a canopy of cypress and gum trees. It is a great location for birding and wildlife viewing, and offers trails that wind through different natural communities.

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  • Mill Creek Farm

    20307 NW County Road 235A Alachua, FL 32616 386-462-1001

    The Retirement Home For Horses at Mill Creek Farm for horses provides lifetime care for more than 100 horses, including those used in police patrol, circus horses, and those rescued by the SPCA or Humane Societies.

    More Details
  • San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

    12720 NW 109 Lane Alachua, FL 32615 386-462-7905

    The San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is a rare example of mature Florida hammock woodland. Much of the 7000 acre park is designated for hiking, providing quiet solitude for a true wilderness experience. The remaining comprises one of Florida’s top mountain biking destinations.

    More Details
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Whatever floats your boat, among other things.

Gainesville, and really all of Alachua County, might just be an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination. With world-class fishing, snorkeling, canoeing, diving and kayaking, there's always plenty to do on the water. On land, those so inclined may enjoy birding, hiking, biking, fishing and pretty much everything else under the sun. It's all made possible by Mother Nature herself. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo allows for an up close look at the wildlife. Student led tours reveal what working with zoo animals is all about. Our area is blessed with parks like Paynes Prairie, the San Felasco Hammock Preserve and Devil's Millhopper three of many such places that not only offer incredible sanctuary to wildlife, but also generously provide people activities that simply don't exist anywhere else. With rolling hills, sinkholes, lakes, upland forests, hammock and prairie, the landscape surrounding Gainesville has always been a natural playground. Come explore our outdoors.

Additional Resources

  • Natural North Florida
  • Activities for Gator Children
  • Paddle Florida
  • Yulee Railroad Days
  • Old Florida Heritage Highway Tours
  • Oleno State Park Tour
  • Dudley Farm State Park Tour
  • Virtual Visitor Guide

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