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