Nature Spots
See some of the many natural wonders that Gainesville and surrounding areas have to offer. This page is intended for reference and/or entertainment purposes only.

Bivens Arm Natural Park

Enjoy 57 acres of oak hammock and marsh traversed by a 1-mile nature trail that includes a 1200-foot boardwalk.

3650 S. Main Street,
Gainesville
(352) 334-2056

Picnic tables and pavilion available. Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Free.




Kanapha Botanical Gardens

The 62 acres of the Kanapha Botanical Gardens can best be discovered from its mile-long walking trail that guides visitors through a variety of plant life including herb gardens, lily ponds, desert cactus and bamboo forests. Plenty of gazebos and benches grace the park for visitors to stop and enjoy the flowers. A gift shop is located at the entrance.

4625 S.W. 63rd Blvd.,
Gainesville
372-4981

Gardens open Monday, Tuesday & Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. - dusk. Admission: $2 adults, $1 children 6-13, (children under 6, free.)




Lake Alice

One look at Lake Alice on the Florida campus will tell you why the University of Florida athletic teams go by the name of the Gators. Numerous alligators reside in this large lake and wildlife sanctuary. Lovely botanical gardens grace its east side.

Off Museum Road
University of Florida
Gainesville

Open all day, every day. Free.




Lake Wauburg

Open only to UF students, faculty, staff and their guests, Lake Wauburg is a beautiful lake with a wide range of water activities including swimming, skiing, sailing, canoeing and fishing. Also available for visitors is a beachfront, pier area and picnic grounds.

U.S. 441 (8 miles south of Gainesville)
466-4112 or 466-9287

Open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 10a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Monday. Free.




Morningside Nature Center

This preserve contains 278 acres of longleaf pine and turkey oak, with seven miles of nature trails and a boardwalk through a cypress dome. There are excellent seasonal wildflower displays.

3540 E. University Avenue,
Gainesville
334-2170

Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Children and adults may take part in farm chores daily at 4 p.m. Free.




Rails to Trails

Seventeen miles of abandoned railways that stretch from Gainesville to Hawthorne have been converted to public trails ideal for walking, jogging, bicycling and horseback riding. The trail begins at Boulware Springs Park wildlife sanctuary and passes through Paynes Prairie. The historic waterworks facility is available for private rental.

Boulware Springs Park,
(off S.E. 15th Street), Gainesville
334-2170

Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Free.




San Felasco Hammock

Nine miles of nature trails weave through a dense hardwood forest on this 6,034-acre state preserve. Indian mounds are located in the park and deer, bobcats, foxes, turkeys and other wildlife are often sighted. Guided horseback riding tours and orientation classes are held on selected Saturdays each month.

Millhopper Road (3 1/2 miles west of Devil's Millhopper)
462-7905

Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Admission: $2/vehicle or $1/pedestrian.




Palm Point

One of the most scenic spots in Gainesville, Palm Point overlooks beautiful Newnan's Lake. The park boasts beautiful wildflowers in both spring and fall and great bird watching year-round. Picnic facilities and fishing are available.

Lake Shore Drive
Newnan's Lake
334-2170

Open 8 a.m. to sunset. Free.




Florida State Parks