Gainesville , Florida
Home of the "Swamp" and the famous Florida Gators, this Florida city has a life and culture all its own. In Gainesville, as well as the surrounding areas, visitors can explore the beautiful rivers & lakes, cool natural springs and unspoiled wilderness parks of an exquisite sub-tropical region. Easy US Interstate-75 access allows exploration of many of the nearby natural attractions from cycling, canoeing, hiking, camping, bird-watching and fishing to tubing down the famous Suwannee River.
Long before the Spaniards arrived in Florida, Gainesville's combination of fertile soil, broad prairies, clear lakes and abundant game had attracted a complex Native American Civilization known as the Timucuan. Throughout the sixteenth century Spanish explorers, including Hernando DeSoto, ranged across the region seeking land and treasure. Next, Franciscan priests founded missions, and finally ranchers established a large cattle ranch on Payne's Prairie. During the early 1700s the English and their indigenous allies destroyed these missions and later the Seminole established settlements around Micanopy.
One of the most significant events in the more recent history of the County occurred in 1905 when Gainesville was chosen as the site for the University of Florida. The University opened a year later with 102 students, fifteen faculty and two unfinished buildings. Twenty years later the student body numbered 2000 who attended classes in thirteen Gothic-style buildings including a library, a gymnasium and an auditorium. By the 1930s, the University had become the focus of the County's economy, helping it weather both the land boom collapse of the mid-1920s and the long depression of the 1930s. At the turn of the 21 st century, the student population had grown to over 44,000, and the upward trend continues today.
In addition to the University, visitors can experience the thrill of drag racing at the Gainesville Raceway. With a quarter-mile drag strip 167 feet above sea level, it's a thrilling experience. For a little Florida history, take a trip along the Old Florida Heritage Highway. Located along U.S. 441 from Williston Rd. to the Marion County Line, there are 48 miles of U.S.441 just south of Gainesville providing a vista of rural landscape, cattle, state parks and historic towns.
Nearby are a host of once-in-a lifetime adventures. Visitors can canoe down the Santa Fe or Ichetucknee Rivers near High Springs, hike the trails at O'Leno State Park in High Springs, see the sink holes at Peacock Springs near Branford, even canoe down the Suwannee River made famous by composer Stephen Foster, or take a houseboat cruise along the Suwannee River near the west coast of Florida. In addition, just two hours south of Gainesville is Orlando, home of the Walt Disney World Resort and the most popular vacation destination in the world.
Due to its location in sunny central Florida, any time of year is fine for a visit to Gainesville. It is a busy time of year when the University of Florida is in full session (and anytime the Florida Gators are playing a home football game). Winter tends to be even busier as visitors from the north visit Gainesville while also stopping in at other areas in Florida. With the exception of a few summer days, temperatures are quite pleasant. Winter brings a midday high near 70 making it ideal for any of the many outdoor activities available. Spring and fall bring a rise in temperature during the day but evenings are just cool enough for a relaxing dinner at one of the city's many fine restaurants followed by a stroll through the area or on the University campus. The heat and humidity rise in summer, making it the perfect time of year for a dip in the pool and a cool drink. Whatever the season or whatever the reason for visiting, this true Florida City has something for everyone.
Things To Do and See in Gainesville
University of Florida Sports - The Gators
Gainesville, FL 32604
800-344-2867
Call for game schedule and additional information
The University offers a host of spectator sports throughout the year, including: Baseball, Basketball (men and women), Cross Country, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving (men and women), Tennis (men and women), Track, and Volleyball.
Florida Museum of History
S.W. 34th St. and Hull Rd
Gainesville, FL 32611
352-846-2000
Mon - Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun & state holidays 1 - 5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission Charged
In the Hall of Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land, guests learn about Florida's fossils and geologic and environmental changes over 65 million years. South Florida People & Environments explain the story of native people in South Florida and their environments. Northwest Florida: Waterways and Wildlife displays a full-sized replica of a North Florida limestone cave. The Butterfly Rainforest houses hundreds of living butterflies, waterfalls and tropical plants.
NHRA/Gainesville Raceway
11211 N. C.R. 225
Gainesville, FL 32609
352-377-0046
Open year round, closed most major holidays. Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Gainesville Raceway home of the Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals. The quarter-mile drag strip is 167 feet above sea level, runs west to east, VIP tower suites for catered meals, press briefings, or classroom instruction, numerous well-maintained permanent restroom facilities, significant lighted areas, outdoor seating for 32,000, complete perimeter security fencing, corporate hospitality village. In addition to the drag strip a road course/test track and off-road course are available for rental.
Old Florida Heritage Highway
Along U.S. 441 from Williston Rd. to the Marion County Line
Gainesville, FL 32667
850-410-5894
Open year round
Admission Free
48 miles of U.S.441 just south of Gainesville provide a vista of rural landscape, cattle, state parks and historic towns.
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
S.W. 34th St. and Hull Rd
Gainesville, FL 32611
352-392-9826
Tues. - Fri. 11 am - 5 pm; Sat. 10 am - 5 pm; Sun. 1 - 5 pm. Closed state holidays and Mondays
Admission Charged
Located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, the Harn Museum of Art is one of the largest university art museums in the southeastern United States. Along with important loans from other sources, the museum's permanent collections feature American, African, pre-Columbian, Asian, and contemporary works of art. The museum offers a broad range of programs from film and lecture series to workshops and performances.
Matheson Museum
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-378-2280
Open Sunday 1pm - 5pm
Admission Free
The Alachua County Historic Trust: Matheson Museum, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Alachua County, Florida. The Museum complex includes 4 sites: the Matheson Museum, housing the exhibit hall and research library, the Matheson House, the Tison Tool Museum, and Sweetwater Park.
The Matheson House
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-378-2280
The Matheson House is open the first Sunday of each month from 1pm - 4pm for tours.
Admission Charged
The house belonged to Douglas Matheson, an emigrant from South Carolina and a prominent merchant, who bequeathed it to his son Chris, the city's mayor from 1910 to 1917, a state legislator, and later, a minister. Chris' wife Sarah deeded the house to the Trust upon her death in 1996. A blend of South Carolina plantation and Classic Revival raised cottage architecture, the Matheson House incorporates Gothic decorative elements in roof finials and an interior stairway. The gambrel roof and ceiling to ground porch columns are uncommon in Florida. Inside, period furniture and personal possessions are a testament to a family's history, and that of Gainesville itself.
The Tison Tool Museum
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-378-2280
The Tison Tool Museum is open by appointment only
Admission Charged
The Tison Tool Museum houses the unique tool collection of Gainesville native John Mason Tison, Jr. Built by Tison in 1993 and reconstructed on the Matheson site in 1998, the structure-and the tools it preserves-honor the skill and artistry that created Alachua County's built environment.
Sweetwater Park
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-378-2280
Open daily, call for additional information
Admission Free
Located directly behind the Museum, the park is a joint effort of the Matheson Museum and the City of Gainesville. The Park is an outdoor museum in the heart of the city. A Walk Through History, a 12-panel local history exhibition, lines the walkways that meander through the park; the area's natural history is interpreted in native plant clusters and a formal Southern garden. As a neighborhood and community space, the park offers quiet benches along Sweetwater Branch Creek, the city's original eastern boundary, and a children's playground.
Nearby:
European Rally & Performance Driving School
7266 Airport Rd
Starke, FL 32091
352-473-2999
Open year round, Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm
Admission Charged
The ultimate motor sport experience. Drive real rally cars, on real roads, real fast, just like the professionals. Slide and drift, take jumps, use the E brake for hairpin turns, left foot brake and more. Use our two-wheel drive or powerful all wheel drive cars. One to five day courses available. One and two day Karting courses, also one and three day ATV courses.
Day Trips:
Canoe down the Santa Fe or Ichetucknee Rivers near High Springs.
386-454-2050
Hike the trails at O'Leno State Park in High Springs.
386-454-1857
Explore the sink holes at Peacock Springs near Branford.
904-497-2511
Just two hours south of Gainesville, the Walt Disney World Resort is the most popular vacation destination in the world.
407-WDisney
Visit the Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site near Lake City in the town of Olustee.
386-752-3866
Visit the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in Lake City which showcases world-class sports celebrities whose roots are in Florida.
386-758-1310
Visit the Columbia County Historical Museum in Lake City, located in a historical home styled in the unique Southern Rural Italianate architecture.
386-755-1517
Visit the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center in White Springs located on the banks of the Suwannee River. The center features a crafters' center, the Stephen Foster Museum, a gift shop, and the remains of a sulfur spring house.
904-397-2733
Canoe down the Suwannee River made famous by composer Stephen Foster.
904-428-4171
Take a houseboat cruise along the Suwannee River near the west coast of Florida.
800-458-BOAT