Top Rated Attractions in Gainesville

A place that will thrill any admirer of nature, or ardent lover of archeology or paleontology, the Florida Museum of Natural History is a treasure house of rare biological specimens, fossils, and rare artifacts, among other finds. Established in 1891, the museum saw its beginnings in the efforts of Professor Frank Pickel, who bought fossils, minerals, and other items to be used as educational or research aids. Over the centuries, the museum has grown to comprise an impressive collection, sought from the Florida region, as well as from far away regions like the Caribbean and Latin America. Among the permanent exhibits here, the Butterfly Rainforest is definitely a must-visit.

A part of Micanopy Historic District, the Micanopy Historical Society Museum is a delightful treat for history buffs visiting the town. Located in a historic building called the Thrasher Warehouse, the museum is home to a collection of exhibits that explore the history of Micanopy. The immersive exhibits include an interactive map of the town, Native American artifacts, old household items, books, and more. A gift shop at the museum offers quirky souvenirs, merchandise and other memorabilia.

Barr Hammock Preserve sprawls across 6,000 acres (2428.11 hectares) near Micanopy. Featuring a network of paved and unpaved trails, the preserve allows visitors to explore the untouched natural prairie lands in its vast expanses. Where wildlife roams free and birds chirp through the trees, the preserve is the perfect destination in town to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, biking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing. It is also a popular place to spot alligators in the state.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a spectacular treat in Micanopy for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Here, wild horses and bison roam the land, along with over 300 species of birds and animals like deer, alligators, water birds, and more. Featuring a network of multiple trails, the park allows visitors to witness these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat. The beautiful Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is popular among hikers as it leads the way to a 50-foot-high (15.24 meters) observation tower, which offers dramatic views of the surrounding landscape.

Featuring a mosaic of diverse landscapes, Price's Scrub State Park is a serene haven where visitors can unwind amid picturesque environs. Lush vegetation, wooded areas, flatwoods, and rolling scrublands are among the ecological features which comprise the park's terrain. Discover all that it has to offer on foot, or tread along scenic paths on horseback. Trails winding through the park offer the chance to study a variety of shrubs and towering trees up close.

The Micanopy Historic District, located in Florida's Alachua County, finds its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Encompassing an area of around 470 acres (190.20 hectares) and roughly bounded by Ocala Street, Smith Street and Cholokka Boulevard, the district comprises beautiful 19th-century commercial, residential and public buildings that are a treat for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs, along with local shops and eateries. Some notable buildings include the Herlong Mansion, the Old Baptist Church, and the Simonton House.