Jill McGuire Lake Santa Fe Park is home to Lake Santa Fe and Little Lake Santa Fe, which combine in a sparkling 5,850-acre expanse that lies in northeastern Alachua County, Florida. The lake is spring-fed and feeds into the Santa Fe River, which eventually empties into the Suwannee River. Designated as one of the State of Florida’s Outstanding Florida Waters, this watery playground is protected by restrictions that preserve its high water quality, making it one of the clearest Florida lakes.
Jill McGuire Lake Santa Fe Park is maintained by Alachua County and offers visitors a wide variety of activities. Nature lovers are invited to walk the park’s trails, taking in the scenes around them. If you’re quiet (and a bit lucky), animals native to the area will dart across your path, and deer will dash through the surrounding forest. If you keep your eyes to the sky, you may catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, soaring and circling as it hones in on its next meal.
Jill McGuire Lake Santa Fe Park is also equipped with a boat ramp, which is the ideal launching spot for your boat. The lake is the perfect size: at just over 5,800 acres, you’ll get to see almost every part of Lake Santa Fe if you dedicate an entire day to its exploration. Take your time, though, and stop to enjoy the lake’s tranquility. It’s amazing what a healthy dose of warm sun, blue sky, and a friendly breeze can do for your spirits.
