Get Off the Beaten Path. Dial and Discover the Old Florida Heritage Highway with a Self-Guided Cell Phone Audio Tour
Cruising nature, picturesque roads and historic points of interest with a scenic driving cell phone tour is perhaps the ideal socially-distanced activity to discover unique locations and learn something new — while staying cool in the air-conditioned comfort of your car. Plus, you just might find a great place to have lunch along the way too!
Get started here with a map and instructions to a cell phone guided tour that will take you south of Gainesville, driving through the historic communities of Micanopy, Rochelle, Evinston and Cross Creek.
Road Trip Pro Tips:
- Travel safely by using an approved cell phone holder in the car and using hands-free technology for the tour.
- Have a passenger assist with playing the audio for each stop.
- Plan your route and location
- Pack to protect and sanitize
- Avoid mechanical breakdowns by maintaining your vehicle. Know your emergency repair and health emergency options.
- Double check planned restaurant stops for the business’ current COVID19 hours and procedures
Audio Sample – Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (mp3)
(text transcript)
Alachua County roads (CR325 and CR346) traverse through the rural environment which offers refuge for the winter migration of sandhill cranes and viewing areas of bald eagles. Areas along the highway offer many recreational opportunities, including bicycling, camping, bird watching, canoeing, hiking and equestrian activities.
Audio Sample – Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek (mp3)
(text transcript)
The highway enjoys a rich historical legacy by including Bartram Trail and the Chiles Trail, two of the most famous walks in Florida’s history. Experience the history and beauty of country roads, historic towns, open spaces, stately mansions and colorful history of Florida when visiting the Old Florida Heritage Highway.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Spanning 20,000 acres, Paynes Prairie is home to hundreds of species of wildlife including birds, wild horses and bison. From US 441, explore the eco-passage boardwalk and overlook. At La Chua Trail, learn about Spanish Cattle Ranching, Gopher Tortoises, Alligators and the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail.
Cross Creek
Two large bodies of water, Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake, are connected by Cross Creek on Country Road 325. Pulitzer-prize winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote about the characters and way of life here. On the tour, learn about life in the 1930s at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, The Yearling Restaurant and Orange Lake.
Evinston
On the border of Alachua and Marion Counties, Evinston was established as part of the Spanish Arredondo Grant of 1817. Before freezes in the 1890s the area was known for its orange groves. The Wood and Swink Country Store is one of the few remaining country store-post offices in the United States, containing original post office boxes and equipment. Learn about historic homes, early railroad lines, Orange Lake and River Styx.
Micanopy
The blinking yellow light on US441 leads you to the historic district of Micanopy, the oldest inland town in Florida. Learn about the Thrasher Warehouse which is now home of the Micanopy Historical Museum, The Herlong Mansion, historic buildings and early life of pioneers.
Road Trip Pit Stops
Grab a bite and a cold drink at a restaurant or cafe along the way.
Blue Highway A Pizzeria
204 NE US Hwy. 441, Micanopy, FL 32667
352-466-0062
Coffee n’ Cream
201 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
352-466-1101
Mosswood Farm Store and Bakehouse
703 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
352-466-5002
Old Florida Cafe
203 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
352-466-3663
Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
106 NE US Hwy. 441 A, Micanopy, FL 32667
352-466-4025
Download – Cell phone tour map and list of tour stops (PDF)
Learn more about the Old Florida Heritage Highway and other Florida Scenic Highways at FloridaScenicHighways.com.
