Heritage Highlights

 Before heading south to Gainesville, head 50 miles west to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, on U.S. 90. Florida's first state park, this site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was built to preserve the site of the state's largest Civil War battle. A small interpretive center, a one-mile interpretive trail, and monuments to the Union and Confederate armies are open to the public free of charge. The largest re-enactment in Florida, featuring full-scale artillery, military drills and living history demonstrations by more than 2,300 re-enactors, is held here every February to commemorate the battle. The park hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily; Interpretive Center hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily. Call (386) 758-0400.
For an in-depth study of the preserve, hike, bike or ride a horse on the extensive trails traversing the park - you're likely to happen upon the herd of bison or wild horses that roam free.

Ever wonder what Florida was like before it became one of America's most popular destinations? Visit Micanopy's (pronounced Mick-can-o-pee) Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park on U.S. 41, 10 miles south of Gainesville. This preserve is among the nation's most significant historical and natural areas with 20 different biological communities. For an in-depth study of the preserve, hike, bike or ride a horse on the extensive trails traversing the park - you're likely to happen upon the herd of bison or wild horses that roam free. Park hours: 8 a.m. - sundown; Visitor Center hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., daily. Call (352) 466-3397.


Nature Trek

 Looking to cool off? Go tubing, of course, and not just on any river, but the Ichetucknee River - one of Florida's most pristine waterways. Millions of gallons of water pour into the river daily from eight major springs, with water so crystal clear that snorkeling is also an outing option. In Ichetucknee Springs State Park, off State Road 47 and 238, there are two tubing runs, ranging from 45 minutes to three-and-a-half-hour excursions. Your best bet? Climb into a slippery tube and float away the day at a snail's pace. Tubing from the south entrance of the park, four miles west of Fort White on U.S. 27, is available year round. Canoeing is an optional way to enjoy the natural beauty of the river year round, as is swimming at either Ichetucknee Spring or Blue Hole Spring, both available at the north entrance. If you're a cave or cavern-certified scuba diver, you can explore Blue Hole Spring from October through March. And finally, if a day in the water isn't what you're looking for, you can still experience this beautiful park through the three unique hiking trails. Trail guides are available at the ranger station or information booth. Hours: 8 a.m. - sundown, daily . Call (386) 497-2511.


Culture Quest

 It's back to school for art lovers in Gainesville. In this football-frenzied town, the University of Florida is also home to the largest university art museum in the Southeast, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, S.W. 34th St. and Hull Rd. Established to consolidate and care for university collections, The Harn is notably strong in non-Western materials such as African, ancient American, Oceanic and Asian art, as well as American art. Call (352) 392-9826.

Right next door, don't miss the Florida Museum of Natural History, where you can explore the fascinating world of original Florida natives, diverse natural habitats and much more. Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Sat. and holidays; 1 - 5 p.m., Sun. Call (352) 846-2000.