Florida Museum of Natural History

If you want to take a break from the intense Florida sun while still enjoying the beauty of Florida’s ecosystem, consider stopping at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. This jaw-dropping 23,500 sq. foot museum has educational and immersive experiences for all ages. 

Founded in 1891, The Florida Museum of Natural History showcases some of the rich historical occurrences that have taken place within the boundaries of the state. It is the official Natural History Museum of Florida. 

Here are a few of the most popular exhibits on display year-round:

Butterfly Rainforest

The Butterfly Rainforest features over 100 breathtaking species of free-roaming birds, butterflies, and other animals, including an assortment of fish and turtles. You and your family can experience these majestic creatures firsthand and up close in a lush and natural setting.

Discovery Zone

The Discovery Zone is perfect for children who are curious about science and discovering the interesting world around them. Interact and uncover curious plants, animals, insects, fossils, and bones while learning about the basics of animal anatomy, physics, geography, biology, and natural science. 

Water Shapes

The Water Shapes exhibit is an immersive experience centered on Florida’s most abundant natural resource. This exhibit features immersive experiences including a boat tour simulation and information about Florida’s natural springs, diverse biomes, freshwater systems, cave formations, and the critters who inhabit them.

McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity

If you’re looking for more information and facts about butterflies after you visit the Butterfly Rainforest, check out The McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity. This Center represents the largest collections-based research and education center in the world focused on moths and butterflies. 

The collections of butterflies and moths housed at this Center contain more than 10 million specimens. These specimens are critical to the Lepidoptera and Biodiversity community of students and scientists who study these beautiful creatures.

Cade Museum

If you and your family want to experience a more STEM-focused attraction, head on over to the Cade Museum in Gainesville. This museum is centered on creativity and innovation and features unique exhibits on inventors, the water cycle, biology, animation, optical illusions, and even some quirky topics like the science behind Gatorade and sweat. Cade Museum also offers field trips, group visits, labs, galleries, a comprehensive gift shop and so much more for you and your family to experience.

Historical Buffs Welcome

Everyone has a different idea of fun and enjoyment when it comes to travel, and you’ll find plenty to love at these next destinations:

Cotton Club Museum

The Cotton Club is a museum and cultural center that educates and fosters a more in-depth understanding and appreciation for the African American experience and the social and cultural impact the culture has on the country and the regions of Florida. 

Matheson History Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, the Matheson History Museum features exhibits on Florida history and has an extensive library filled with historical archives suitable for the family researcher, historian, and curious-minded. Both historical museums are a wonderful way to foster appreciation for the past and the remarkable people who built it.

The Matheson House

The Matheson House, one of the three oldest residences in Gainesville, was completed in 1867 by James Douglas Matheson, an emigrant from South Carolina and a prominent merchant. The Matheson History Museum showcases the history of Gainesville as well as the surrounding areas of Alachua County. 

The museum complex includes the main exhibit gallery, Library & Archives, 1867 Matheson House, Tison Tool Barn, and Sweetwater Park. The Matheson History Museum library collection includes 20,000 historic Florida postcards, 1,500 stereograph cards, and myriad maps, photographs, documents, books, and artifacts.

Art Lovers Welcome

Harn Museum of Art

Located just west of downtown Gainesville lies the Harn Museum of Art. This museum houses beautiful art from around the world and inspires all to join in the creativity with classes, shows, and educational seminars. The Harn Museum of Art has a cafeteria and a terrace garden and is the perfect spot to embrace diverse art and culture.

The Magnolia Plantation Inn 

After spending a fulfilling day touring museums and interacting with butterflies, take a load off at the Magnolia Plantation Inn in Gainesville, Florida. This cozy Victorian-style B&B offers private rooms, cottages, and vacation rentals, perfect for every type of traveler.

The Inn has received many honors including: "Best Bed and Breakfast in Florida" by Florida Living Magazine. This cozy Florida B&B also features lush landscapes with imported trees like the Japanese Maple and orchids with local vegetation like gardenias, jasmine, magnolias, and crape myrtles. After breakfast, enjoy a stroll on brick cobblestone walkways under towering Spanish moss and fill your senses with the calming sound of bubbling fountains as you truly embrace the feeling of total relaxation. 

For more information on the Magnolia Plantation Inn or to book a room, click here. Some of the best vacations are off the beaten path and Gainesville, Florida is no exception, especially when you complete your trip with the perfect stay at the alluring Magnolia Plantation Inn.