Travel Guide, Gainesville, FL
Gainesville is famous for housing the University of Florida at the heart of the busy town. But aside from the university, there are other fascinating attractions you can explore in Gainesville. From several museums to a number of outdoor attractions, there is a lot to Gainesville than meets the eye.
Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History can be found on the campus of the University of Florida. It is a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Gainesville. It features ancient fossils including a full-sized mammoth and mastodon, giant shark jaws, and other prehistoric animals. Everything in the museum will spark your curiosity and imagination.
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
The museum is committed to encouraging creativity among visitors by letting them see mundane things in a different light. It is named after Dr. Robert Cade and aims to ignite discovery among visitors of all ages. There are weekly field trips that allow children and young adults to do hands-on experiments where they can create robots and other exciting objects.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
The football stadium of the University of Florida Gators is always crowded with excited fans during season games. It is open all year round so visitors can enjoy "The Swamp" even when there are no games. If you explore the building, you will see the Heavener Complex which features gator history and commemoration of the recipients of the UF Heisman Trophy.
Harn House Museum of Art
The Harn Museum of Art is the campus museum that exhibits collections of Asian and African photography and contemporary art. The 24-foot "Hammering Man" welcomes the visitors while a 6-foot tall horse "Rory" attracts them to go further to the building. The museum has printed guides which will direct you to interactive activities that will make your visit even more special.
Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History can be found on the campus of the University of Florida. It is a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Gainesville. It features ancient fossils including a full-sized mammoth and mastodon, giant shark jaws, and other prehistoric animals. Everything in the museum will spark your curiosity and imagination.
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
The museum is committed to encouraging creativity among visitors by letting them see mundane things in a different light. It is named after Dr. Robert Cade and aims to ignite discovery among visitors of all ages. There are weekly field trips that allow children and young adults to do hands-on experiments where they can create robots and other exciting objects.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
The football stadium of the University of Florida Gators is always crowded with excited fans during season games. It is open all year round so visitors can enjoy "The Swamp" even when there are no games. If you explore the building, you will see the Heavener Complex which features gator history and commemoration of the recipients of the UF Heisman Trophy.
Harn House Museum of Art
The Harn Museum of Art is the campus museum that exhibits collections of Asian and African photography and contemporary art. The 24-foot "Hammering Man" welcomes the visitors while a 6-foot tall horse "Rory" attracts them to go further to the building. The museum has printed guides which will direct you to interactive activities that will make your visit even more special.
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a student-run facility that welcomes everyone how is interested in exploring over 200 animals it houses. There is no rush when you are inside because there is no time limit so you can explore at your own pace. After getting to know several animals in the zoo, including otters, monkeys, gibbon family, and lemurs, you can head to the playground and enjoy your packed food in a picnic.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Gainesville. Some of the wonderful sights it features are seasonal flowers, palms, and ferns. In the Children's Garden, you can marvel at the different trees, plants, fish ponds, and waterfalls. They also have a Bamboo garden that looks very much like a cathedral where you can relax at the whistling sound of the wind.
Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park
Nature's very own design, Payne's Prairie Preserve is a breathtaking place for observing wildlife and having fun outdoors. The observation tower offers a view of wild horses and soaring eagles. If you get tired or want to be one with nature, you can stop by the moss-draped oak canopy and listen to the sweet songs of the birds chirping.
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a student-run facility that welcomes everyone how is interested in exploring over 200 animals it houses. There is no rush when you are inside because there is no time limit so you can explore at your own pace. After getting to know several animals in the zoo, including otters, monkeys, gibbon family, and lemurs, you can head to the playground and enjoy your packed food in a picnic.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Gainesville. Some of the wonderful sights it features are seasonal flowers, palms, and ferns. In the Children's Garden, you can marvel at the different trees, plants, fish ponds, and waterfalls. They also have a Bamboo garden that looks very much like a cathedral where you can relax at the whistling sound of the wind.
Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park
Nature's very own design, Payne's Prairie Preserve is a breathtaking place for observing wildlife and having fun outdoors. The observation tower offers a view of wild horses and soaring eagles. If you get tired or want to be one with nature, you can stop by the moss-draped oak canopy and listen to the sweet songs of the birds chirping.