| Do you plan on being in Gainesville anytime | | | | sinkhole that is over 100 feet deep and 500 |
| soon? Maybe you're a Florida Gators fan or a | | | | feet across that is located in Devil's |
| rival in town to watch a game? Maybe you're | | | | Millhopper Geological State Park about two |
| a new student or professor at the University | | | | miles northwest of Gainesville. You can walk |
| of Florida? Regardless of the reason for | | | | to the bottom of it on a winding staircase. |
| being in Gainesville, here's some activities | | | | Small streams fall down the steep slopes. |
| that won't hurt your wallet and let you stick | | | | This park is open from 9am-5pm |
| it to the man. Although I am not sure who | | | | Wednesday-Sunday. There is a small admission |
| this man is, we'll definitely help you stick | | | | fee of $2.00 per vehicle and $1.00 if on foot |
| it to him regardless.1. Check out the | | | | or bicycle. For info: call Devil Millhopper |
| alligators at Lake AliceLake Alice is a great | | | | Geological State Park at 352-955-2008.5. |
| place to relax in nature, and still be in the | | | | Check out the Florida Museum of Natural |
| middle of the City. Placed in the heart of | | | | HistoryThis is Florida's official natural |
| the University of Florida campus, you can | | | | history museum and features over 20 million |
| find a great spot to sit down and watch | | | | specimens. It is the largest museum of |
| alligators as they pop their heads out of the | | | | natural history in the southeastern United |
| water. It is located at the corner of Museum | | | | States. Admission to the museum is free |
| and North South Drive. There are benches to | | | | although it is suggested to leave a donation. |
| sit down at, open grass to have a picnic, and | | | | There is a separate fee if you want to check |
| a trail that wraps around the lake. The best | | | | out the popular Butterfly Rainforest, where |
| part is that it's completely free. Heck you | | | | you can view thousands (yes thousands) of |
| could even take a date there and pull the | | | | different types of butterflies. It is a |
| romantic card while in reality you just care | | | | remake of the Amazon Rainforest. The museum |
| about your own bank account but she'll never | | | | is located on the University of Florida |
| know.2. Take a tour at the Santa Fe ZooDidn't | | | | campus on SW 34th Street and Hull Road. For |
| think Gainesville has a zoo? Well at the | | | | further info, here is the link to their site: |
| community college it does! About a 15 minute | | | | Go walking, biking, or rollerblading on |
| drive from the heart of Gainesville, Santa Fe | | | | Gainesville-Hawthorne State TrailThis scenic |
| Community College has the only zoo around | | | | trail lasts for 16 miles from the Gainesville |
| north central Florida. With over 200 | | | | Boulware Springs Park through the Paynes |
| different animals and 75 species, you'll see | | | | Prairie State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife |
| numerous mammals, birds, reptiles and | | | | Management Area. The wooded trail features |
| amphibians being displayed in a naturally | | | | native plants and wildlife and upon arriving |
| wooded environment. Tours are free and are | | | | in Paynes Prairie you might see bison, wild |
| held at specific times on weekdays and | | | | horses or cranes. Use of the |
| weekends. Here's the website for the zoo: | | | | Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park is |
| Float down the warm crystal clear water of | | | | free according to the website. Here is the |
| Ginny SpringsThis could be coolest place in | | | | link for hours, contact info, directions and |
| the entire region. Within 45 minutes of | | | | more: Relax at Lake Wauberg (note: this is |
| Gainesville, Ginnie Springs offers crystal | | | | only open to UF students, faculty, staff and |
| clear water that is 72 degrees year round, | | | | up to four guests)Located only 8 miles from |
| perfect for floating down the river on a | | | | campus, this recreational site offers UF |
| tube, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. | | | | students, faculty, and guests free access to |
| You can rent equipment from one of the local | | | | boating, volleyball, a ropes course, a |
| shops or bring your own. Take a cooler with | | | | climbing wall, picnics, and more with their |
| some drinks down the river while enjoying the | | | | Gator 1 cards. As far as boating you can |
| scenery (yes, the cooler floats also). You | | | | take out kayaks, sailboats, paddleboats, and |
| can choose the long ride down the river | | | | rowboats. The site is open Tuesday through |
| (about 2 hours) or the short one (about 45 | | | | Friday from 12:00pm-7:00pm and Saturday and |
| minutes). There's an admission fee of $10 | | | | Sunday from 10:00am-7:00pm.Try out these |
| for adults and $3 for children ages 7-14. | | | | activities above and you can save |
| There could be additional rental fees if you | | | | significantly on your stay in Gainesville. |
| need equipment but this is all definitely | | | | Enjoy!Brought to you by |
| worth the money since you can spend the | | | | |
| entire day and/or night at the Springs. | | | | Talk Florida Gators football, basketball, |
| Here's their website: Go to Devil's | | | | and more! |
| MilhopperDevil's Milhopper is an amazing | | | | |