Florida State Parks in Alachua County

The protected areas in Alachua County consist of five main sites that include a geological park with unusual rock formations, a historic homestead, a large prairie with native wildlife, a wooded wetland, and a former farm turned educational space. Each location preserves a different aspect of the region's natural and built environment.

The system began forming in the 1890s when Florida decided to set aside natural areas for protection and public use. Over the following decades, additional properties were added and restored, expanding the range of landscapes and historical sites available to visitors.

Dudley Farm shows how people worked and lived on a rural homestead over a century ago through its restored buildings and active demonstrations of old farming work. Visitors walk through spaces that still feel lived-in, with tools and objects placed where farmers once used them daily.

Each location has its own entrance and parking area, so visitors should plan ahead to decide which sites match their interests. Some areas work best for hiking while others are better for biking, horseback riding, or bird watching.

Paynes Prairie holds wild horses and bison that roam free across open grasslands, a sight few visitors expect to encounter in Florida. The geological park features an unusual sinkhole with a stream running through an underground canyon.

Location: Florida

Inception: 1890

GPS coordinates: 29.70690,-82.39500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01