Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gainesville’s Outdoor Attractions: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Devil’s Millhopper

<p>Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Gainesville-Florida-May-2006/Devils-Millhopper/index.html" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Gainesville-Florida-May-2006/Devils-Millhopper/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1553168508107000&amp;usg=AFQjCNErtAMKPcSzDnFF9FCcl975sGe1CQ">www.paulstravelpictures.com/Gainesville-Florida-May-2006/Devils-Millhopper/index.html</a></p>

Gainesville is situated in an area known for its natural beauty. Some of the greatest attractions this city has to offer are outdoors. This is the first in a series about the various outdoor attractions in the area, starting with two of the most beautiful: the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Devil’s Millhopper. 

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Named after the nearby Lake Kanapaha, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens sits on the land once explored by naturalist William Bartram during the 18th century.

The natural meadows and sinkholes of the native landscape are joined seamlessly with plant life from around the world. The 25 gardens on the property range from an Azalea Camellia Garden to the state of Florida’s largest public Bamboo Garden.

The Gardens serve as a great place to have a nature walk and explore the property. While maps are available at the Summer House entrance, visitors may find themselves surprised by the gardens they may discover as they explore the grounds on their own.

Tours guided by a Master Gardener are offered on the first Saturday of every month, starting at 10 a.m.

Things to Do:

  • Bike
  • Dog Walking
  • Bird Watching
  • Study or read

The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ entrance is located off Archer Road west of Interstate 75 at 4700 SW 58th Dr.

The Gardens are closed on Thursdays, but open all other days at 9 a.m. The Gardens close at 5 p.m. on weekdays, and close at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children ages six to 13.

More information can be found at: http://www.kanapaha.org/

Local tip #1: On June 16 the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is offering a Father’s Day Special; fathers are offered free admission.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

 The Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is the park system’s only geological site in Florida. The geological site mentioned is the 117-foot-deep and 500-foot-wide sinkhole featured in the park.

One of the most unique features in Gainesville, the sinkhole displays one of the most unique geological phenomenon in Florida.

The sinkhole’s funnel shape led it to be named after a similarly shaped farm tool, the millhopper. The fossils found at the bottom of the sink led to the creation of the myth that the sink was where bodies were fed to the devil. 

The 63-acre park’s nature trails feature the many diverse native animal and plant life found within the area. The nature trail is prime for dog waking, bird-watching or afternoon hiking. The park has ample tables for picnicking.

Park ranger tours are offered every Saturday at 10 a.m.

The park is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. The park is located at 4732 Millhopper Road.

For more information visit: http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/

Local tip #2: Bring cash for the admissions fee, $4 per vehicle, and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist.

 

Photo courtesy of www.paulstravelpictures.com/Gainesville-Florida-May-2006/Devils-Millhopper/index.html

Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.

Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.