Outdoor Activities
Blue Springs is a must see - family owned and operated since 1958 with 250 acres of the “Real Florida”. Stroll along a 1/4 mile boardwalk, as it follows the springs, then runs into the scenic Santa Fe River. Or, gaze into the crystal blue depths from the dock overlooking the springs boil. A dip into 72 degree water is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. 2100 West French Avenue, Orange City, (386) 775-3663.
Cedar Key Museum State Park , at 12231 SW 166th Ct., was established in 1962 and dedicated to St. Clair Whitman who operated the first museum in Cedar Key. Most of Mr. Whitman’s collections are displayed in the museum. These collections include exhibits on the Timucuan Indians, antique glassware, old bottles, a very complete collection of sea shells, items from the pencil manufacturing days, fiber broom and brush manufacturing, and photographs of old Cedar Key. Call (352) 543-5350
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve/Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is six miles east of Cedar Key on State Road 24. It is only a small remnant of the once vast Gulf Hammock that was known statewide. The 32,128 acre preserve borders Florida’s gulf coast between Cedar Key and Yankeetown. Most of the area consists of salt marsh dotted with picturesque wooded islands interlaced with numerous tidal creeks. Call (352) 543-5567.
Devils Millhopper State Geological Site , two miles northwest of Gainesville, off State Road 232, is a huge sinkhole formed when an underground cavern roof collapsed, creating a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep. Small streams tumble down the steep slopes of the sink, disappearing through crevices at the bottom. The lush growth of plants and many of the animals of the park are similar to those of the Appalachian Mountains region. The sinkhole may be explored from the boardwalks and stairways or from the four-foot wide nature trail that follows the rim. 4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, (352) 955-2008.
Dudley Farms , located four miles east of Newberry on State Road 26, was donated to the Florida Park Service in 1983. Eighteen historic structures make up an authentic (not recreated) farm complex. Today, Dudley Farm presents a living history working farm encompassing 325 of the Dudley’s original 640 acres. 18730 W Newberry Road, Gainesville, (352) 472-1142.
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park stretches 16 miles from the City of Gainesville’s Boulware Springs Park at SE 15th Street and extends to Hawthorne near U.S. 301 through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. The recreational trail is designed for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. 4801 S.E. 17th Street, Gainesville, (352) 466-3397.
Ginnie Springs is a mecca for serious scuba divers. Nine springs, including the incredible Devil`s Eye, well up in sparkling abundance. 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, (386) 454-7188.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches along the crystal-clear, spring-fed Ichetucknee River, about 15 miles north of High Springs. Dive the springs or drift along on an innertube through unspoiled natural wilderness. Fort White, 32038 (904) 497-2511.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park , four miles northwest of Fort White off State Road 47. The sevenmile long Ichetucknee Springs River reaches depths of 40 feet. Ichetucknee is a first magnitude spring discharging more than 240 million gallons of crystal clear water into the river daily at a constant 72 degrees. The river is a favorite for tubing enthusiasts with more than 200,000 visitors annually. Fort White, (386) 497-2511.
Manatee Springs State Park , located the end of State Road 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland, on the banks of the Suwannee River, is one of Florida’s premier parks. Manatee Spring is a first-magnitude spring pumping as much as 117 million gallons of crystal-clear water into the Suwannee River daily. Manatee Springs is a 2,444, acre park offering excellent swimming, diving, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. 11650 N.W. 115th St.,Chiefland, (352) 493-6072.
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is located six miles northeast of Keystone Heights on State Road 21 on rolling sand hills in an area known as the central ridge of Florida. A deep ravine with springs issuing from its side bisects the area and forms Gold Head Branch. Marshes, lakes and scrub provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The park was developed on a 2,000-acre site by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. 6239 S.R. 21, Keystone Heights, (352) 473-4701.
O’Leno State Park , offers canoe rentals, camping, cabins, swimming, fishing and hiking. The park is adjacent to the Santa Fe River and has in excess of 6,000 acres. The river, which covers a total distance of 60 miles, is an idyllic setting for a large variety of water activities. Located 12 miles south of Lake City and six miles north of High Springs at 410 SE Oleno Park Road, High Springs, (386) 454-1853.
Olustee Battlefield Historic Site is two miles east of Olustee on U.S. 90. Each February, re-enactors commemorate this historic battle attracting thousands of visitors. There is also an Olustee Civil War Expo with military drills and historic talks held in September. Additionally, the park is open year round. The battlefield is marked by a trail and signs along the battle lines. Olustee, (386) 758-0400.
Poe Springs Park is five miles west of High Springs on the Santa Fe River. Tubing and canoeing on the Santa Fe River, as well as camping in wooded sites, comple- ment the excellent diving. Recently renovated, it has been a popular attraction for decades. 28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs, 386-454-1992
San Felasco Hammock State Preserve , four miles northwest of Gainesville on State Road 232, is named for an old Spanish Mission, San Francisco de Potano, which ministered to the Indians living here centuries ago. Over time, the early settlers continually mispronounced San Francisco, until the area became known as San Felasco “Hammock” (an Indian word meaning shady). The lower two-thirds of San Felasco have been set aside for hiking only. The most northern 2,000 acres have been designated for multi-use purposes including horseback riding, off-road bicycling and hiking. Trails in this section were built by The Friends of San Felasco, Inc., and other volunteers. 4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, (352) 955-2008.
Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center is in White Springs, off U.S. 41 North. Located on the Suwannee River, the 247-acre Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center honors the memory of Foster, whose song “Old Folks at Home” memorialized the picturesque stream. It also is a gathering place for those who perpetuate the crafts, music and legends of early and contemporary Floridians. White Springs, (386) 397-2733.
Suwannee River State Park is 13 miles east of Live Oak on U.S. 90. Here, the scenic Withlacoochee River joins the Suwannee River. The park is also the site of earthworks built by Confederate troops during the Civil War. 20185 C.R. 132, Live Oak, (386) 362-2746.
The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park , located in Cross Creek off State Road 325, has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Sites since 1970. It is a microcosm of Florida farmland, marshland and hammock. It represents a history, culture and architecture that typifies rural Florida. Eight acres of the historic site have been managed by DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks since 1970. The remaining 60 acres of the original homestead are managed by Alachua County Parks and the University of Florida Foundation. Hawthorne, (352) 466-3672.
The Paynes Prairie State Preserve is 10 miles south of Gainesville on U.S. 441 at Micanopy. The 21,000- acre preserve is among the most significant natural and historic areas in Florida. In 1774, noted artist and naturalist, William Bartram wrote a detailed description of this area. He called it the “great Alachua Savannah.” Within this national natural landmark, 20 distinct biological communities such as wet prairie, pine flatwoods, hammocks and ponds provide a rich array of habitats for animal life. 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, (352) 466-3397. In addition, the city of Gainesville’s Parks Division is responsible for the 15 city parks and a host of recreational facilities. For more information on city parks, go online to recparks.cityofgainesville.org. Alachua County is home for an additional 25 county parks. To find out more about them, please go to www.publicworks.alachua.fl.us/Div-Operations/parks/parksList.htm. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors! G