Things to Do at Forest Park Gainesville FL
You can find all sorts of fun things to do at Forest Park Gainesville FL. The leisure area is a popular spot for football games, while its restrooms and off-leash dog area make it a great spot for families. The Florida National Scenic Trail is also close by. For a great day out, check out this article and learn more about the area. It will also give you tips on things to do on your next visit to Gainesville. A great place to also visit is…
Morningside Nature Center
In addition to its many attractions, the Morningside Nature Center at Forest Park Gaineville, FL features a historic farm from the 1800s. This area is still operated with original products from that time, including sugarcane, corn, and cotton. The farm is also home to several heritage breeds of livestock, including Jersey cows, Gulf Coast sheep, and Dorking roosters and hens. The park is open 9am to 4pm daily and features restrooms.
Visitors to the park are welcome to take a tour of the museum, which includes a living history farm with structures representing an 1800s family farm. There are over six miles of trails in the park, including Newnans Lake State Forest, Florida’s largest. Be aware that these trails can be wet and bugy, however, because of their proximity to a lake. However, the nature center’s exhibits and educational programs help visitors learn about Florida wildlife and the ecosystems they live in.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
The manmade wetlands here provide a home to crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife. You can take a ranger-led nature tour or stroll along boardwalk nature trails to discover more about the area. You can also find a gift shop and a snack bar. There’s even a bird watching deck. Here, you can watch for crocodiles or watch birds while enjoying a picnic lunch.
If you love nature, Sweetwater Wetlands is the perfect place to explore. This park has boardwalk trails and is a popular place to view wildlife. You can see over 255 bird species and even find a Florida Cracker Horse. You can also check out the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History. The wetlands are home to numerous species of birds, and you can see them up close and personal. Refer to This Site!
Possum Creek Dog Park
If you are in the market for a dog park, Possum Creek is an excellent choice. This park is located on 76 acres of land and has a variety of facilities, including a skate park, nature trail, playground, and more. The park is open to both dogs and people. It is also safe for children and is a favorite of local dog owners. The facility features dog wash stations, and the park is fenced in.
This dog park features separate areas for large and small dogs. It also has a doggie drinking fountain and two trails for walking/skating. The park is well maintained, and it is also perfect for picnics. There is also a picnic pavilion, which is perfect for hanging out with your dog. You can bring a blanket, picnic basket, and a good book. There is no need to leave the park, either.
Florida National Scenic Trail
To see wild horses and bison, head to the 260-acre San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, less than a half-hour from Sweetwater Branch Inn. It is a popular hiking and off-road biking destination. The park has four well-marked trails for hiking, nature viewing, and biking. Visitors can rent bikes to ride the trails, and there is ample parking available.
Those interested in hiking can check out the ArcGIS Online map of the Florida National Scenic Trail, created by the USDA Forest Service. Although it is not intended for navigation, it is useful for planning and management along the trail. It includes the latest GIS data. ArcGIS Online has several stories maps on unique ecological topics. Natural communities found along the trail are highlighted in the “Natural Community Ecology Along the Florida Trail” collection. The map also includes interpretive information.
During your trip to the preserve, you can enjoy the hiking trails, which range from under a mile to more than five miles. There are also bike paths covering almost 20 miles. The trails include beginner-friendly trails as well as challenging ones with steep hills, jumps, and bridges. You can also enjoy the park’s equestrian trails, which offer tours of the varied landscape. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., from October to March. Up next is more about Gainesville!
Driving Direction from Clean Zone to Forest Park
Driving Direction from Forest Park to Squirrel Ridge Park
