Morningside Nature Center

Temporary Closure

The Living History Farm is closed for construction. Barnyard Buddies and Living History Saturdays are currently canceled until completed. Please call 352-393-8240 for farm updates.

The rest of the park including our hiking trails are open from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Gainesville’s premier nature park, Morningside Nature Center, is one of the last remaining examples of fire-dependent longleaf pine woodlands in the area. More than six miles of trails wind through sandhill, flatwoods, cypress domes, and areas where native vegetation is being restored. Morningside boasts a spectacular wildflower display and opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife. For a complete listing of programs and events please visit our ongoing Morningside Nature Programs page.

Acres: 416

Living History Farm

The Living History Farm at Morningside Nature Center brings a Florida family living in the mid to late 1800s to life again. On Living History days (First Saturday of the month, September through May) farm visitors can observe daily life in 1870 as staff interpret by gone days through chores and activities.

Acres: 10

Holiday Hours: Morningside Nature Center, Park and Living History Farm is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Please note: As part of our land management practices, when prescribed burns take place, the park will be closed. Please check this website or call 352-393-8240 for updates.

Dogs are not allowed at Morningside Nature Center, on the Living History Farm or on the hiking trails.

Programs and Events at Morningside

Great Invader Raider Rally

Join us as we celebrate nature, community, and the beauty of our native ecosystems! Stop by this free community event to learn and explore as you engage with games, guided hikes, and community organizations and vendors.

Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave, Gainesville 32641

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers, Kids & family, Major events, Youth events

Cane Boil & Fiddle Fest

Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Enjoy traditional games and crafts, food, live old-time and Americana music, and sugar cane syrup production as we transport you back to 1870!

Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Avenue, 32641

Tagged as: , Community events & fundraisers, Exhibitions & festivals, Kids & family, Music & arts, Youth events

Farm and Forest Friends

Friday, October 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

7 more dates

Venture through the woods and onto the farm as we learn and explore! Begin your journey meeting one of our friendly classroom animals, then follow your guide as we learn about the birds, bugs and plants on our way to help the farm animals with their morning feed!

Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave., 32641

Tagged as: , Kids & family

Barnyard Buddies

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM

32 more dates

Meet and learn about the farm animals at Morningside on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., September through May.

Morningside Nature Center Living History Farm, 3540 E. University Ave., 32641

Tagged as: , Kids & family, Talks & workshops

Living History Saturday

Saturday, November 01, 2025 | 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM

6 more dates

Morningside farm comes to life with costumed living history guides on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., September through May.

Morningside Nature Center Living History Farm, 3540 E. University Ave., 32641

Tagged as: , Kids & family, Talks & workshops

Fall Wildflower Walks

Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM

When the air becomes cool and crisp, find what blooms among the pines. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and join our nature interpreters for a guided walk among the purples, yellows and pinks at Morningside!

Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave., 32641

Tagged as: , Kids & family, Talks & workshops

Kids' Fall Wildflower Walks

Friday, October 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Join us for this new, kid-focused wildflower walk at Morningside Nature Park, Friday October 17th from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave., 32641

Tagged as: , Kids & family, Talks & workshops

SOAR: Science-Oriented Activities and Recreation

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 03:30 PM to 04:30 PM

6 more dates

SOAR to discover science through this interactive program on the second Thursday of the month during the school year at the Gainesville Housing Authority Maker Space (200 SE 26th Street).

Maker Space, 200 SE 26th Street, 32641

Tagged as: , Kids & family, Talks & workshops

Location

3540 E University Ave, Gainesville 32641 View Map

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Facility Snapshot

Features

Accessible
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Walking Trails/Paths
Wildlife/Bird Watching

Hours

Park Hours
7 a.m.—8 p.m. daily (March 15—September 30)
7 a.m.—6 p.m. daily (October 1—March 14)

Living History Farm Hours
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Closed Sundays