Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Curious about what Sweetwater Wetlands Park does? Or maybe you're more interested in history? How about the plants and animals that call the park home? Join us on a walking tour of the park!

We have public walking tours of the park on the last Saturday of the month from September - May at 9:00am. Tours begin at the boardwalk pavilion on cell 1 and last about 1 hour. Bring sunscreen, walking shoes, and water!

To book a private tour, call the park supervisor at 352-262-6670 or email GuynDH@GainesvilleFL.gov with at least 2 weeks notice.

Tours are free with park admission fee. Waivers available for educational groups; inquire when you call or email. 

Schedule a private tour at least two weeks in advance by calling the park supervisor at 352-262-6670 or emailing GuynDH@GainesvilleFL.gov

Tours are free with park admission fee.  

Publicly available tours September 2026 - December 2026: Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30am. Registration is required. Register Here

Program Information

• Must have the ability to follow visual and/or verbal instruction independently or with the assistance of a companion.
• The tram is able to accommodate a wheelchair, however, the ramp has a combined 250 lbs weight limit.
• Must have the ability to board and disembark from a tram independently or with the assistance of a companion or with the use of adaptive equipment.
• Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors, offroad terrain, and sit for a period of 1 hour.
• We can accommodate a wide variety of needs. If additional accommodations are necessary or if you have any questions, please call 352-262-6670 or email GuynDH@GainesvilleFL.gov to inquire about options.
• All tours are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or mechanical failure. You will be contacted via email.

Book your tour Here. Registration is required. 

Night programs run November 4th, 2026 - March 10th, 2027

• Registration is required. Only registered participants may come on the night tours. You must book tickets for your entire group (tickets do not need to be booked individually, but your group size must match the number of tickets you book). One person may book up to 5 tickets. 
• We do not host private night tours. 
• Tours are $5/person and may be paid by card only (VISA, AMEX, Master card, Debit) when you arrive at the event. Cash and annual passes are not accepted.  
• Follow all instructions in your confirmation email to ensure you arrive on time for your tour. Tours leave on time and we do not have the ability to accommodate late arrivals. 

Walking Tour

Join a ranger on a night adventure at Sweetwater Wetlands Park!

Registration for each month's events opens on the 2nd Wednesday of the month before. Register Here

Participants will walk 2 miles, guided by a ranger, looking for wildlife and learning about what goes on in the park after dark. Registration for the event is done through Eventbrite but will be paid by credit card (VISA, AMEX, Master, Debit) only upon arrival at the event. We do not accept Cash for this event.

On November 11th, December 9th, and January 13th, we will be hosting special themed hikes with Alachua Astronomy Club. These will include star gazing and expert discussion about the night sky!

A flashlight, bug spray, and water bottle are highly recommended for our night events. We also recommend checking the weather prior to your event so you can dress comfortably, including appropriate shoes for the walking portion of the tour, which is roughly 2 miles. The night hike can be uncomfortable for children under 5 due to the infrequent use of the flashlights, the walking pace, and the quiet nature of the hike. Please check out the daytime tour opportunities which may be more comfortable for young children.

All participants:

1. Must have the ability to follow visual and/or verbal instruction independently or with the assistance of a companion or device.
2. Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors, offroad terrain, and walk for up to 2 miles.
3. All hikes are subject to cancellation due to weather or unexpected circumstances.
4. If you have questions about accommodations and this tour, please call the park supervisor at 352-262-6670 or email at GuynDH@GainesvilleFL.gov

Tram Tour 

Join us for a 1 1/2 hour adventure after dark with our Night Tram Tour! Our rangers will take you on an adventure looking for wildlife and learning about what goes on in the park after dark.

Registration for each month's event opens on the 1st Wednesday of the month before. Register Here

Registration for the event is done through Eventbrite but will be paid by credit card (Master Card, AMEX, VISA, or debit) upon arrival at the event. The event fee is $5.00 per person.

Preference for night time tram tours is given to those with mobility challenges, however, there may be seats available on a standby basis. Please call the park at 352-554-5871 on the day of the event to find out.

A flashlight, bug spray, lap blanket, and water bottle are highly recommended for our night tram. We also recommend checking the weather prior to your event so you can dress comfortably.

All participants:

1. Must have the ability to follow visual and/or verbal instruction independently or with the assistance of a companion.
2. Must have the ability to board and disembark from a tram independently or with the assistance of a companion or with the use of adaptive equipment.
3. Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors, offroad terrain, and sit for a period of 1 hour.
4. The tram is able to accommodate a wheelchair, however, the ramp has a combined 250 lbs weight limit.
5. We can accommodate a wide variety of needs. If additional accommodations are necessary or if you have any questions, please call 352-262-6670 or email GuynDH@GainesvilleFL.gov to inquire about options.
6. All tours are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, unexpected circumstances, or mechanical failure.

Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands

Join us every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. September - May for a bird walk led by the Alachua Audubon Society. Birders of all experience levels are welcome. 

Walk is free with park admission fee.