18 Attractions to Explore Near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Top Activities Near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
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Lake WauburgLake 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.
Micanopy Historical Society MuseumMicanopy Historical Society was founded in 1983 after the Micanopy Historic District was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by its nomination committee.
Paynes PrairiePaynes Prairie, is an incredibly unique and lush landscape. Spanning 18 sq miles, the prairie harbours a variety of plants and wildlife and has rare bird sightings. As it offers fantastic wildlife-spotting opportunities, Paynes Prairie boasts activities such as canoeing, boating, camping and much more. Indeed, avid hikers can take on the South Rim’s 22-mile long trail with its 10 overlooks. Home to gators and other reptilian lifeforms, exploring the area is truly a good experience.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State TrailThe Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a protected state park with a length of 16 miles (26 km) running from the Boulware Springs Water Works in Gainesville to Hawthorne.
Prairie Creek PreservePrairie Creek Preserve is a beautiful and diverse swath of land, which covers more than 8,000 acres and is home to a variety of habitats ranging from cypress swamps to wet prairies and mesic flats. Among the many wildlife that call this area home are alligators, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and threatened species like the gopher tortoise. It offers visitors plenty for exploration with trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Fishing is also allowed within certain parts.
Sweetwater Wetlands ParkSweetwater 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 WorksBoulware 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.
Boulware Springs ParkAs well as picnic facilities, there is an area to park and unload horses to ride along the state trail at Bolware Springs Park.
Sweetwater PreserveSweetwater 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.
Lochloosa Wildlife Management AreaThe 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.
Orange LakeOrange 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.
Marjorie-Kinnan Rawlings HouseThis 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.'
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State ParkThe Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park lies on the east shore of Orange Lake, just south of the village of Cross Creek.
Cade Museum for Creativity & InventionThe 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".
Depot ParkDepot 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.
Wilmot GardensWilmot 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.
Historic Matheson HouseJames 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.
Florida State Collection of ArthropodsThe 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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Paynes Prairie Preserve State ParkPaynes 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).