Florida - North Central around Gainesville Attractions
A predominantly rural area that is characterized by rolling hills, citrus groves, numerous freshwater springs and forests. Europeans first settled the region in the 1840's, whereas Ticuman and Seminole Indians previously occupied it. Much of the development prior to the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800's stemmed from the Armed Occupation Act. After the Civil War, decommissioned soldiers and homesteaders were offered 160-acre plots of land for free. Although citrus fruit is still grown here, the industry has seen major setbacks over the years, especially during the landmark freezes of 1895 and more recently in the early 1980's. Popular activities in the area include fishing, cave diving and hiking in the 430,000 acre Ocala National Forest.
The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge conserves the habitat for fish and wildlife. Over 90 species of birds make nests throughout the 51,340 acres. A river trail offers a view of the Suwannee River, cypress trees and the hardwood swamps. Bird and wildlife observation, wildlife photography, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and interpretive walks are available throughout Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.
Boardwalk on the Suwannee River.
Address: Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, 16450 Northwest 31st Place, Chiefland, FL 32626, United States
Phone: 1 (352) 493-0238, Fax: 1 (352) 493-1935
The restored cracker style home and farm allow a glimpse of 1930s farm life for Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. The home, farm and nature trails are open to the public and are the place where she wrote " The Yearling", an American classic and winner of the Pulitzer Prize. This area was the setting for several of her books.
Hours:
9am-5pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Guided tours of the Rawlings' house are offered Thursday through Sunday, October through July (except for Christmas and Thanksgiving) at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a very popular destination for tubing on the Ichetucknee River. Visitors on tubes or floats can enjoy the hardwood hammocks, limestone outcrops, and wildlife. Snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, swimming, and hiking are additional opportunities. Tubes, snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented from private vendors outside the park.
Ginnie Springs is a resort found along the south bank of the Santa Fe River, in over 200 acres of forest and land. Snorkelling, scuba diving, camping and canoeing are some of the recreational activities available.
The gap in the limerock at Dogwood Spring, Ginnie Springs.
Address: Ginnie Springs, 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643, United States
Phone: 1 (386) 454-7188, Fax: 1 (386) 454-2085
Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site was the site of the largest Civil War battle on Florida soil. Every February the battle is re-enacted with a Civil War Expo each summer. The museum has many Civil War artifacts on display. An interpretive trail describes the events of the battle at Olustee.
Osceola National Forest is 187,000 acres of flat country with ponds and swamp found throughout. Fishing is available in many of the creeks and rivers. Other activities include camping, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
Over 30,000 gallons of sea water is contained in a large number of aquariums and special touch tanks at the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories. A wide array of sponges, anemones, starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, lobsters and tunicates, small sharks, skates, sting rays, electric ray, moray eels, and black sea bass are on display.
Visitors can see and handle life forms in the touch tanks.
Address: Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, Box 237, Panacea, FL 32346, United States
Phone: 1 (850) 984-5297, Fax: 1 (850) 984-5233
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-4pm; Sat:10am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Forest Capital State Museum is dedicated to long-leaf pines, which grow on the museum grounds, and the 5,000 products manufactured from them. The forestry industry dates back to the 1800s in Florida.
Hours:
9am-12pm, 1pm-5pm; Closed: Tue, Wed
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: No entrance fee is required to enter this park. Admission applies to the museum.
Quincy was established in 1828 as an agricultural town, it prospered due to the tobacco industry.
Soldiers from the Natural Bridge and Olustee battles were treated at a medical center in Quincy, during the Civil War. The town was also a supply commissary for the Confederate Army.
A 36 block historic district features Victorian-style buildings, period lighting and landscaping, most buildings were constructed in the late 1880's although some date as far back as the 1840s.
Camp Blanding Museum is housed in World War II barracks and features a collection of weapons, photos, artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Camp Blanding and the infantry men that trained there. There are several outdoor monuments and memorials that are tributes to those who served during WWII and other conflicts during the 20th century.
Hours:
12pm-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
The cottages at Steinhatchee are Victorian, Georgian and Cracker style design.
Wildlife such as deer, wild boar, fish, crab, scallops, and many species of birds including owl, eagle, duck, wading birds and turkey can be found in the surrounding area.
Address: Steinhatchee Landing Resort, Box 789, Steinhatchee, FL 32359, United States
Phone: 1 (352) 498-3513, Fax: 1 (352) 498-2346
The 6 acre site is a memorial to the Battle of Natural Bridge which was fought in 1865. It was to prevent Union troops from capturing the Capitol at Tallahassee. The battle is re-enacted each year in March.
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High Springs
St Marks
Cedar Key
High Springs
High Springs
St Marks
Cedar Key
