Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park & Nature Center

From former pinelands and majestic upland mixed forest to shady fern-covered wetlands, this 82-acre park protects a variety of natural habitats. Water slowly seeps from these wetlands to form the beginnings of Hogtown Creek. The half-mile nature trail loop invites you to explore these woodlands at your own pace. For more exercise, check out the fitness loop. Kids will be entertained by the enchanting playground. Grills are available as families and friends will be dining alfresco at our covered picnic area. The park was purchased with funds from the Florida Communities Trust and with a generous donation from Home Depot.

 

Group Visit Information

For large groups of 30 or more, you must contact Beverly Perry at 352-393-8538 or perrybj@cityofgainesville.org to fill out a park request form. Please be advised that bounce houses are not allowed in nature parks.

Nature Center Information           

Be sure to make time to visit the Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center's Hartman House.Delve into the 180 square feet of engaging exhibit space. Walking through the door, visitors are immediately greeted by your hostess with the mostest; Hogtown Creek. Throughout the exhibit, learn about Gainesville’s creeks and watershed, local flora and fauna, and natural and cultural history. The Hartman House is a restored farmhouse believed to be over 100 years old and was home to the Hartman family for five (5) generations. The Hartmans were local dairy farmers. You can read more about their story in the exhibit.BB

Children under 12-years of age must be accompanied by an adult.  Groups larger than 15 will need to take turns viewing the exhibit due to space limitations. 

Fossil and shark teeth hunting is prohibited in City Parks per Ordinance Sec. 18-20 (23). Prohibited activities: Engage in the removal, alteration or destruction of archaeological or cultural resources from any park property and water body except as authorized by the city manager or designee. For purposes of this article "archaeological or cultural resources" means any associated physical artifacts and features below the ground service indicating the past use of a location by people which may yield information on the city's history or prehistory, including but not limited to artifacts, fossils, bones, shell mounds, or primitive culture facilities or items. 

 

Location

1500 NW 45th Avenue, Gainesville 32605  View Map