Minnetrista Boulevard Historic District - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Orange Lake is a recreational paradise located in Alachua County, Florida. With its crystal clear waterfront access, Orange Lake is a great place for swimming, kayaking, fishing and more. The many nearby parks provide plentiful opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Orange Lake also features an extensive nature center with live exhibits of local fish and other wildlife. Altogether, Orange Lake provides a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Withlacoochee State Forest is named after the Withlacoochee River, which passes through some of the major tracts.

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park lies on the east shore of Orange Lake, just south of the village of Cross Creek.

This is a historic residence of Marjorie-Kinnan Rawlings, an award-winning author. Built in 1926, the home was featured prominently in Rawling's writings and continues to be open for public tours. It consists of five rooms—a living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and sun porch—that capture the style of northeast Florida during the early 20th century. It features original period furnishings that belonged to Rawlings, including artifacts from her Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'The Yearling.'

Lochloosa Lake is an oasis of natural beauty and endless recreation opportunities. Home to many types of wildlife, as well as multiple species of native fish, Lochloosa Lake covers a total area of approximately 140 square miles, located just north of Gainesville and east of Orange Lake. With its sprawling crystal clear waters, vast stretches of lily pads and lagoons, this glimmering gem is truly a paradise for not only those looking to explore the outdoors and partake in some waterfront fun.

The Withlacoochee State Trail - Gulf Junction Trailhead is a 46-mile trail encourages exploration as it meanders through marshlands, lakes and ancient Live Oak forests, providing remarkable scenery and countless opportunities for adventure. It is a multi-use recreational path, offering activities such as horseback riding, biking and hiking. Not only that, but the trail also takes visitors through quaint villages with cowboy-themed shops, delicious restaurants and rustic campsites.