Gainesville Raceway - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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.

Newnans Lake State Forest is an outdoor recreation paradise. Known for its gorgeous scenery, excellent swimming and boating opportunities, and dense native forests, it provides a wide variety of experiences that can be enjoyed year round. The lake's varied wildlife attracts dedicated viewers and birdwatchers alike while its thick forests offer the perfect location to embark on a guided hike or find ample places to set up camp. Additionally, the park offers access to nearby springs.

Morningside Nature Center occupies a 416-acre park. Along with the farm and nature centre, Morningside Nature Center's hiking trails explore sandhill ecosystems, pine Flatwoods, bayhead swamps, and cypress domes.

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.

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.