The Best of Gainesville, Florida
Great Sights and Activities in One of Florida's Prettiest Cities
Dec 20, 2007
Located in North Central Florida, Gainesville is a charming southern city that is overflowing with natural beauty. Home to the University of Florida Gators, Gainesville’s appeal goes far beyond its national champion football and basketball teams. There are plenty of outdoor adventures and cultural exploits for visitors of all ages to experience and enjoy. Here are just a few ideas for spending some time in Hoggetowne.
The Great Outdoors of Gainesville
Gainesville, Florida is an outdoor lover’s haven. It features numerous hiking trails, clear and inviting springs, and serene campsites that are ripe with native plant and animal species. Whether visiting or passing through, some of Gainesville’s natural treasures shouldn’t be missed!
- Devil’s Milhopper: Basically a sinkhole in the middle of the city limits, Devil’s Milhopper is an unexpected oasis, especially during the brutal summer months. Climb down the winding staircase, and enter a whole other habitat that features babbling brooks, lush greenery, and a truly tranquil atmosphere. There are also short hiking trails around the perimeter of the sinkhole that might be easier for some visitors to traverse.
- Paynes Prairie: Featuring numerous hiking trails located at different quadrants, Paynes Prairie is a paradise for birders, hikers, campers, and animal lovers. See deer, wild horses, a herd of bison, seasonal flocks of sandhill cranes, and of course, plenty of gators!
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: Just outside the city limits, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens offers visitors the opportunity to stroll through several serene gardens, including a lush bamboo forest, an aromatic herb garden, a succulent garden, and much more. A beautiful visitor's center features a gift shop and plenty of space for a wedding, reception, or other large party.
- Other trails and springs: Also enjoy Gainesville’s other natural sights, including Morningside Nature Center, a living history farm, where the kids can feed the farm animals on Wednesday and Sundays, as well as see how a farm worked more than 100 years ago on Saturdays. Or drive about 30 minutes north to High Springs, and enjoy hiking, canoeing, camping, and more at O'Leno State Park. There are also numerous natural springs in the area where families can dive, enjoy tubing, camping, and picnicking. Check out Poe Springs or Ginnie Springs.
Gainesville’s Cultural Side
Gainesville is home to the Harn Museum, a small but impressive museum associated with the University of Florida. Featuring several traveling exhibits (past exhibits have included Toulouse-Lautrec, Ansel Adams, and Marsden Hartley), along with several permanent collections (African, Asian, Contemporary, and Photographic).
Adjacent to the Harn Museum is the Florida Museum of Natural History. This museum is largely dedicated to the natural history and topography of Florida, featuring beautiful interactive exhibits on Florida’s coasts and inlands, as well as a permanent exhibit on the Calusa Indians. There is always an interesting featured exhibition, too. Past exhibits have included Sue the T-Rex, Mammoths and Mastadons, and the Megalodon.
Downtown Gainesville is an historic district that features some of Gainesville's original city buildings. The Hippodrome State Theatre, originally Gainesville's post office is home to a number of theatrical and musical productions throughout the year. and don't miss the Thomas Center, once home to one of Gainesville's wealthiest families, then a hotel, and now an art gallery and municipal center.
The University of Florida
Most people travel to Gainesville to visit the University of Florida. Whether visiting the campus as a prospective student, as an alumnus, or just as a Gator fan, there is one autumn activity that must be experienced: a gator football game. There is nothing like the noise and fervor of a Gator football game in The Swamp, or Florida Field. Many lifelong Gator fans have been born in the stands of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium!
Tour the UF campus, and enjoy the lovely neo-gothic architecture, explore the libraries, stroll along Lake Alice and visit the Baughman Center nearby. If there’s time, take in a basketball, volleyball, or soccer game.
Gainesville is the quintessential college town: there’s plenty of fun and funky dining and shopping, and a very diverse and relaxed attitude. Gainesville is a place to enjoy the best of everything, from the great outdoors to intellectual and artistic pursuits to a fun-filled day of football.
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