The 30 Best Nature preserve with water feature in Gainesville, Florida

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Prairie Creek Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in Gainesville, Florida, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore diverse ecosystems, including prairies, wetlands, and forests. With miles of hiking trails, visitors can immerse themselves in nature and observe a variety of wildlife, from birds to deer. The preserve also features picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal surrounded by the peaceful surroundings. Prairie Creek Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, located at 11101 Millhopper Road in Gainesville, Florida, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of activities such as birding, off-road biking, and hiking, this park offers stunning scenery and a rich historic past for visitors to explore. The limestone outcrops and diverse natural communities provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bobcats, white-tailed deer, and songbirds. Visitors can enjoy the solitude and quiet of the park's hiking trails, while the northern section offers trails for horseback riding and off-road cycling. Equestrians must have proof of a negative Coggins test for horseback riding. The park also features champion trees and a range of outdoor adventure opportunities for all ages.

Springtree Park, located at 2700 Northwest 39th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, is a beautiful outdoor space that offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park features a small playground, picnic pavilion, fitness equipment, and nature trails that wind through the flatwoods with towering pines and fern-covered slopes near Three Lakes Creek. Visitors can relax on the deck overlooking the creek or take a leisurely stroll along the improved trails. The recent improvements to Springtree Park, completed in July 2020, have enhanced the overall experience for visitors. The addition of a new playground, adult fitness stations, a pavilion, and park signage have made the park even more welcoming and enjoyable. The project, which cost $197,609, has transformed Springtree Park into a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Squirrel Ridge Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 1603 Southwest Williston Road in Gainesville, Florida. This popular tourist attraction offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, winding paths, and a serene pond. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including playful squirrels that can be spotted darting across the grounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun outing with family and friends, Squirrel Ridge Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, located at 325 Southwest Williston Road in Gainesville, Florida, is a unique institution that serves as both a park and a tourist attraction. This 125-acre park was specifically created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer, making it a vital part of environmental conservation efforts in the area. Visitors to Sweetwater Wetlands Park can enjoy exploring the diverse habitat filled with plants and animals, including birds, butterflies, and alligators. The park features over 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks, viewing platforms, and educational signs and tours that provide insight into the surrounding ecosystem.

Sink Hole is a stunning natural wonder located at 4732 Millhopper Road in Gainesville, Florida. This unique park features a large depression in the ground formed by the collapse of underground limestone. Visitors can explore the sinkhole's depths and marvel at the lush vegetation and wildlife that call this geological marvel home. With walking trails, picnic areas, and educational exhibits, Sink Hole is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes.

Payne’s Prairie, located in Gainesville, Florida, is a unique and diverse preserve where visitors can witness wild roaming bison and horses, along with nearly 300 species of birds. This institution offers eight trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, including the popular 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. The park also features a 50-foot high observation tower for panoramic views, fishing and canoeing on Lake Wauburg, and a shaded campground for overnight stays. With over 20 distinct biological communities, Paynes Prairie provides a rich array of habitats for wildlife and livestock, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

La Chua Trailhead is a park and tourist attraction located at 4270 Southeast 15th Street in Gainesville, Florida, United States. This unique institution offers visitors the chance to see wild horses and bison roaming the prairie, along with nearly 300 species of birds, alligators, deer, and other wildlife. The park features eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, for exploring and observing wildlife. A 50-foot high observation tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.