20 Attractions to Explore Near Minnetrista Boulevard Historic District

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.

The Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area is a remarkable example of wildlife conservation and preservation. Spanning over 4436 acres, It is home to a variety of habitats that support various species of animals including alligators, deer, turkeys, quail. Within the area are two nature trails, with interpretive kiosks along each trail that provide information on native plants and how they serve as habitat for the creatures that live there. Hunting is also allowed in specific parts of the area.

Micanopy Historical Society was founded in 1983 after the Micanopy Historic District was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by its nomination committee.

The Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway, is a scenic attraction that takes riders on a journey through the Keweenaw Peninsula. The experienced engineer guides guests through historic sites of the region on a one hour ride with views of natural forests, lakes, shorelines and more. It's been in operation since 1874 and is the oldest functioning railway business in the United States.

Illiana Motor Speedway, located in Lake County, Indiana, was a popular auto racing facility known for its thrilling races and entertainment for motorsports enthusiasts. This speedway hosted a variety of racing events, including stock car races, sprint car competitions, and other motorsport tournaments.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a Florida State Park. The area is crossed by both I-75 and U.S. 441 (which has a scenic outlook ramp).

Lake Wauburg provides an enjoyable outdoor recreational area for the University of Florida community and other visitors. The crystal clear waters are great for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are five miles of trails along shoreline with ample wildlife like raccoons and turtles. Visitors can enjoy canoe rentals, beach volleyball courts, disc golf, picnic shelters, a playground, as well as basketball and tennis courts. It also offers musical events throughout the year.

Flying Eagle Preserve in Citrus County, Florida, is a nature lover's paradise. The preserve offers over 10 miles of trails for hikers and cyclists, as well as over 30 bird species and more than 20 amphibian varieties to observe. Visitors who'd like to fish can do so at Flying Eagle Lake or the adjacent Withlacoochee River. For animal lovers, there are various scatters of interesting wildlife, with deer and wild turkeys making frequent appearances in all seasons.

It is home to one of the largest live oak trees in the state. A unique feature of the park is its connection to Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River, and the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Henderson Lake is a beautiful and serene place to visit. The lake provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding area - lush forests, rolling hills and winding roads full of wildlife. There are plenty of recreational activities available such as canoeing, fishing and swimming. For those wanting to take in the outdoors without too much physical exertion there is the opportunity to go bird watching or enjoy a nature walk. There are also picnic areas, bathrooms and even a playground.

This 4,518 acre marsh system is teeming with lush wildlife and stunning landscapes. This park is perfect for exploring nature’s diversity with its range of cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, ponds and creeks. Here you can take an afternoon stroll around the looping miles of trails and enjoy cute sights like seven native species of turtles and more than 200 species of birds. You can also go on a canoe or kayak tour which allows you to explore the area in its entirety.

Citrus County Historical Society operates the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, which opened in the building in 2000. The museum displays local county history.

Cooter Pond Park is an ideal spot for outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions ranging from hiking and picnicking to wildlife watching and fishing. There is plenty of shoreline along the ponds where birds, turtles, frogs and many other species abound. The park also has horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts and a playground. For those who like more challenging activities there are boat ramps that provide access to the Withlacoochee River.

There is an annual re-enactment of the Second Seminole War at Fort Cooper State Park. Activities at the park include fishing, swimming, sunbathing, youth camping, canoeing, hiking, boat tours, and nature viewing.

Hawthorne Historical Museum & Cultural Center features exhibits illustrating the history of Hawthorne, particularly those relating to the military.