20 Attractions to Explore Near Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

Possum Creek Park is a beloved outdoor escape for residents of Gainesville and beyond. With over 400 acres of wilderness and wetlands to explore, the park admirably serves those looking to take advantage of the great outdoors. There are two large lakes that allow boaters to enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. If simply walking or jogging is more your speed there are boardwalks and nature trails on offer as well.

San Felasco Park is a 1,169-acre paradise of winding trails, forests and canopies of trees for hikers and bikers. Throughout the park are sinkholes, creeks and springs that attract wildlife like bobcats, hawks and owls. For campers there are primitive campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms nearby. Whether you're into adventurous biking or picnicking and camping in one of twenty individual sites near level terrain while enjoying the spectacular scenery of nature at its finest.

The Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium is a domed theatre with a 34-foot diameter in Gainesville, Florida. It seats 60 people and features two projection systems.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Guided tours are available at the zoo if scheduled ahead of time, and visitors may also take self-guided tours.

Westside Park is a great outdoor escape for anyone looking to explore the beauty of nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy; whether it's kayaking or biking on one of the many trails, fishing off the dock, playing sports such as football and frisbee in dedicated fields, or simply relaxing under a shady tree amidst the park's lush greenery, also With its playgrounds, picnic areas, sand volleyball court and gazebo.

Alfred A. Ring Park is a 77-acre paradise of natural beauty featuring open fields, grassy meadows, large shade trees, and a 5-acre lake. Visitors to the park can partake in activities such as canoeing on the lake, walking/cycling along 1.7 miles of trails within the park, fishing for largemouth bass & bluegill, or birdwatching within the diverse environment. Other facilities include picnic areas, playgrounds with swings and slides, a public restroom and an outdoor theater stage area.

Loblolly Woods Nature Park covers 48 acres of lush nature preserve, providing a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Featuring a variety of walking trails and boardwalks, a scenic lake with observation deck, the park is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Visitors have the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat - or take part in educational programs such as bird-watching or native plant walks.

In the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park are feral pigs, bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, wild turkeys, and several species of songbirds.

UF Bat Houses, serves as a haven for over 400 bats from 13 different species. Established by the University of Florida in the summer of 1991 and supported by volunteers, the site is now a successful example of conservation. A nightly monitoring program is responsible for data collection such as birth rates, death rates and population size. UF Bat Houses work to protect and conserve these species for generations to come by providing shelter, food and resources along with professional research.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, is one of the most iconic stadiums in the University of Florida's athletic history. Affectionately known as “The Swamp” by locals and fans alike, this stadium has been home to countless thrilling football games over the years. The stadium has hosted several notable alumni from the University of Florida such as Steve Spurrier, Emmitt Smith, Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow. Not only is it a popular spot for Gators football games, it also hosts various special events.

On the University of Florida campus, there is a small lake called Lake Alice. Gainesville's lake is a wildlife area and one of the few places in the city where one can see live alligators.

The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art occupies 112,800 square feet of space, making it one of the largest university art museums in the South.

Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History is a stunning and immersive experience. This indoor rainforest habitat features hundreds of wild butterflies in free flight around lush vegetation grown to simulate their natural environment. A paved walkway allows visitors an up-close viewinng experience with the colorful and exotic butterflies. Along with a multitude of species of butterflies, visitors can also find vibrant birds and frogs within this lush ecosystem.

As the official natural history museum of Florida, the Florida Museum of Natural History was chartered in 1917 by the Florida Legislature.

The Florida State Collection of Arthropods, is an important asset for entomologists and other members of the scientific community. It contains specimens of arthropods from all over the state of Florida, making it a valuable resource to study their diversity, ecology and distributions. The entomology collection includes important information on species identification and taxonomy as well as a wide range of fully accessibly archived data.

Wilmot Gardens is a perfect place for visitors to relax and appreciate nature. Situated on the banks of the Santa Fe River, the lush grounds of Wilmot Gardens boast a variety of native trees and plants, including magnolias, camellias, azaleas, and dogwoods. This peaceful spot offers the opportunity to observe wild animals like whitetail deer, turkeys, and birds in their natural habitats. Stroll along walking trails or take a guided canoe tour along the river to appreciate its unique beauty.

Gainesville, is an amazing place to live or visit. Located near some of the nation's best beaches, It offers an array of activities and attractions. The University of Florida is located here, allowing students access to world-class education. Nature lovers can take advantage of the beautiful springs nearby while adventurers can take part in numerous outdoor activities like camping and kayaking. It also has a well-developed arts scene with venues ranging from small galleries to large theaters.

Matheson History Museum building, formerly an American Legion hall, opened in 1994 as a museum

James Douglas Matheson and Augusta Florida Steele Matheson, the daughter of Florida pioneer Augustus Steele, who founded Hillsborough County and Cedar Key, lived at Matheson House.

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention is named after Dr. Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade, and reflects his philosophy of combining science and art in a way that is "purposeful creativity".