Morningside Nature Center is Gainesville’s premier nature park. As one of the last remaining examples of fire-dependent longleaf pine woodlands in the area, it includes more than 7 miles of trails through flatwoods, sandhills, cypress domes, and areas where native vegetation is being restored. Morningside’s 278 acres feature a spectacular wildflower display and diverse wildlife including deer, wild turkey, box turtles, gopher tortoises, skinks, and numerous birds.
Days Open: Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday
Morningside’s Living History Farm re-creates a single-family rural holding in the year 1870. The Farm centers on an Irish immigrant family, the McCarrolls, who built the Hogan Cabin. The farm includes the cabin from the 1840’s, a board and batten kitchen from the 1900’s, a barn and one-room schoolhouse, and an heirloom garden and live heritage breed farm animals. Every Saturday from September through May the Farm offers live interpretive experiences.
Fall wildflower walks are held every Saturday in October, and Native Plants Sales are held in the fall and spring. Other special events include the Cane Boil in winter and the Farm and Forest Festival in spring. Adults can also register for hands-on classes on traditional crafts and Florida’s natural history. See website for details.
Hours: 9am-5pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission: free.
Located 3 miles east of downtown Gainesville on SR 26.
