In southeast Alachua County less than 20 miles from Gainesville, the tiny community of Cross Creek is best known as the historic home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Yearling.”
Visitors can explore the 1930s homestead, now Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, and tour the Cracker-style farmhouse where Rawlings lived for 25 years and penned “Cross Creek,” which chronicled her life there. Featuring a nature trail, vegetable garden, barn, tenant house, and citrus grove, the family-friendly park brings visitors back in time to Florida’s earlier days. Kate Barnes Park, adjacent to the state park, provides access to Orange Lake for bass fishing, boating, and paddling.
Situated less than a mile from the Rawlings house, The Yearling Restaurant has been a fixture for more than 70 years, specializing in the traditional cuisine of rural Florida. The Yearling also offers pet-friendly rental cabins, and overnight guests can launch a kayak or canoe on Cross Creek from the property.
A short drive down County Road 325 brings visitors to Island Grove Tasting House for wine tastings and fun events, and during blueberry season, guests can pick their own at Aunt Zelma’s Blueberries, located nearby. More dining options and antique shops can be found in Micanopy, only 10 miles west of Cross Creek. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, just north of Micanopy, offers hiking and biking trails, camping, and paddling, as well as the chance to spot wild horses and bison.
Plan your trip at Visit Gainesville.
WATERWAYS
Boat and fish on the lakes surrounding Cross Creek.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Explore the historic homestead and adjacent county park.
ACCESSIBILITY
Check out the area’s accessible state parks.
DINING
Sit down to a Southern-style meal at the community’s historic eatery or choose from a wide variety of restaurants in the Gainesville area.
PLACES TO STAY
Book a stay at a cabin in Cross Creek or choose from a wide variety of options in the surrounding areas.
