20 Attractions to Explore Near Santa Fe River Preserve

The Lubee Bat Conservancy is devoted to protecting bats and their habitats, both domestically and internationally. The conservancy has significantly grown over the decades, now containing more than 40 acres of lush tropical forest and meadows. The site serves as a research lab and educational center that educates visitors about the importance of bats to our ecosystem. Through rehabilitating injured and orphaned bats as well as breeding endangered species, they strive to protect these animals.

Retirement Home for Horses Inc Alachua Fla, works to provide a comfortable and safe lifespan for horses once they retire from their working lives. They rescue horses that are mistreated or unwanted, give them veterinary care, rehabilitate any behavioral issues and socialize them until they can find loving owners. Retirement Home for Horses Inc Alachua Fla provides horse owners with support such as seminars on horse ownership and an auction for those wishing to adopt these retired horses.

Alachua Splash Park is a wonderful way to beat the Florida heat while having some family-friendly fun. It features an extensive water play area, with slides, fountains, and interactive water games. There is also plenty of green space for picnicking, running around, and setting up sprinklers. There are even grills and picnic tables available for barbecuing. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or an evening under stars, Alachua Splash Park provides a unique and enjoyable water experience.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is a 6,500-acre expanse of conservation lands. This park offers visitors the opportunity to explore an array of ecosystems, from the rolling hills of sandhill to the shady hammocks and wet prairies. On hikes by way of 14 miles of trails, guests can see live oak trees draped in Spanish moss as well as diverse wildlife including foxes, wild turkeys and most notably, hundreds of species of birds. The park also provides canoe and kayak rentals.

This Museum provides a vibrant glimpse into the area's history. Located in a restored building that was once the city hall and fire station.It reveals the stories of local residents and the community through carefully crafted displays. Its permanent exhibit chronicles the history of High Springs from its earliest days to modern times with artifacts, photographs. Visitors can learn about the county's industry including lumbering, cattle raising, citrus production and turpentine harvesting.

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

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.

Gainesville Raceway, is one of the best drag racing tracks in the United States. With a 1/4 mile E.T. Drag Strip and a championship road course circuit, it offers a thrilling experience for passionate racers looking to put their driving skills to the test. The 3,000-foot all-concrete drag strip has seen some of the greatest drivers collect wins since its opening in 1969 and mesmerizing crowds along the way. It's also been home to countless NHRA national events.

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park is only 71 acres (29 ha), but three distinct ecological environments exist in the park, depending on the amount of sun, fire, and water it receives.

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.

Lake Sampson, located is an amazing natural retreat that offers a variety of activities for locals and visitors. Covering nearly 700 acres of protected green space, the lake is home to over seventy-five species of fish and many other aquatic wildlife. Visitors are able to enjoy activities such as fishing, water skiing and canoeing with its miles of picturesque shoreline. Moreover, the surrounding parklands make it easy to explore nature trails or spot local birds and wildlife.

Poe Springs Park is located about 3 miles west of High Springs, Florida. It is is 202 acres in size.

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.

Hampton Lake is an amazing destination for anyone looking to explore the outdoors. Located along the Santa Fe River, the lake is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts and a great spot for swimming and boating. The area is surrounded by lush forestlands and near countless natural destinations such as clear springs, wildlife preserves, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can also observe prominent species, including turtles, alligators, birds of prey, and bald eagles.

Crosby Lake is a stunning lake that over 1,500 acres wide with more than 45 miles of shoreline along two nature preserves and the Bradfords' rural countryside. Its crystal clear waters draw in avid anglers from across the state with its rich fishing grounds where large-mouth bass, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish and crappie can all be caught. Other outdoor recreation opportunities include bird watching at the nearby Orange Creek State Buffer Preserve or skating on one of its many sandbars.

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.

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.

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.

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.