20 Attractions to Explore Near Gainesville
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Matheson History Museum
0.44km from Gainesville
Matheson History Museum building, formerly an American Legion hall, opened in 1994 as a museum
Historic Matheson House
0.52km from Gainesville
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.
Depot Park
0.84km from Gainesville
Depot park is a vibrant and colorful place to explore. Located in the heart of Gainesville, the park offers something for everyone – from scenic jogging trails and picnic areas to kayaking on a sparkling lake. It also features an amphitheater used for outdoor concerts and a “Sprayground” with interactive water features perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Depot Park encourages exploration, exercise, learning and connection while respecting nature preservation.
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
0.88km from Gainesville
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".
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
2.31km from Gainesville
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.
Sweetwater Preserve
2.54km from Gainesville
Sweetwater Preserve is a unique conservation area spanning over 6,800 acres of land, the preserve includes of multiple habitats including pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, sinkholes and sandhills. It is home to an abundance of wildlife species like wild turkeys, sandhill cranes, and owls that benefit from the diversity of habitats found here. Sweetwater Preserve also features trails for exploration and can be used for fishing, hiking, nature viewing and camping.
Wilmot Gardens
2.81km from Gainesville
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.
Alfred A. Ring Park
3.29km from Gainesville
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.
Lake Alice
3.65km from Gainesville
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.
UF Bat Houses
3.76km from Gainesville
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.
Boulware Springs Park
3.79km from Gainesville
As well as picnic facilities, there is an area to park and unload horses to ride along the state trail at Bolware Springs Park.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
3.82km from Gainesville
Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Alachua County provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of wetlands and observe wildlife in action. This park is renowned for its array of plants and animals, including rare species of birds, turtles, dragonflies, frogs, and other aquatic life. From the observation tower, you can take in panoramic views of the wetlands and spot various species from all over the world. It also offers plenty of activities for children and families.
Boulware Springs Water Works
3.82km from Gainesville
Boulware Springs Water Works is a renowned historic landmark. Constructed in 1895 and designed by Len A. Brackett, this waterworks facility was built to provide the city with clean and potable water. The rustic-style structure made of local limestone added grandeur to the city's landscape. After continued disuse and neglect, it was restored in 2014-15 with aid from the Alachua County government to its former beauty and serves as a reminder of bygone days.
Loblolly Woods Nature Park
4.52km from Gainesville
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.
Westside Park
4.57km from Gainesville
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.
Morningside Nature Center
4.61km from Gainesville
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.
Harn Museum of Art
4.67km from Gainesville
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.
Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits
4.69km from Gainesville
As the official natural history museum of Florida, the Florida Museum of Natural History was chartered in 1917 by the Florida Legislature.
Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History
4.72km from Gainesville
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.
Florida State Collection of Arthropods
4.89km from Gainesville
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.
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Gainesville
Gainesville, FL, USA
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.