Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is more than just a place that protects the environment, it’s a great place to connect with nature in the great outdoors. Consisting of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds, this park was created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer.

Walk the winding 3.5 miles of gravel trails and boardwalks, and you’ll encounter a microcosm of Florida’s biodiversity. Great blue herons stalk the shallows. Butterflies dance above pickerelweed. Alligators bask in the golden light, symbols of resilience and balance. Viewing platforms offer front-row seats to sunrise reflections and the quiet drama of life unfolding in cattail thickets.

It’s not just a park—it’s a place to learn, to wonder, to reconnect. Educational signs along the path tell the story of the land’s transformation, while guided tours bring science and storytelling together. Each visit reminds you: conservation isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about crafting a sustainable future.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park acts like nature’s kidney, cleansing water before it flows into the aquifer—one of the most important freshwater sources in the region. And with this renewed flow came wildlife.

It’s a living, breathing space where restoration meets recreation—and every footstep echoes the promise that we can protect what matters.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a thriving habitat filled with vast numbers of plants and animals; including birds, butterflies, and alligators. A birdwatcher’s paradise, over 250 species of birds call this wetland park home. Walk more than 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks, experience the lush landscape from viewing platforms, and learn about the habitat through educational signs and tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Park Rules

Pedestrians and mobility devices are welcome at the park during operating hours.
No pets allowed due to potential conflicts with wildlife.
Bikes are not allowed in the park. Park all bikes at the bike rack at the restroom area.
Fishing is not allowed.
Photography is permitted. No drones.
Activities such as biking, riding a scooter, rollerblading, horseback riding, camping, driving cars, etc. are not allowed.

See our events on our Facebook page!

About Our Walking Tours

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 9:30am. Tours begin at the restroom area and last about 1 hour. Bring sunscreen, walking shoes, and water!

To book a private tour, call us at 352-554-5871 with at least 2 weeks notice.

About our Mobility Tours

Register Here for our publicly available mobility tours or schedule at least two weeks in advance by calling 352-554-5871.

About our Night Programs

Night programs run November - March

Walking Tour

Registration through Eventbrite is required. The cost for this program is $5/person and will be paid by credit card when you arrive for your hike. Follow directions on the Eventbrite page carefully to ensure you have all the necessary information for the hike.

More dates coming soon!

Tram Tour

This program is for those with mobility challenges only.

More dates coming soon!

Public Programs at Sweetwater

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.

125 acres

Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 280KB)

WSPP Featured Image.png Construction of a porous concrete trail at Sweetwater Wetlands Park began on November 29 and completed on December 28, 2021. Improvements included construction of a paved path from the park’s entrance to cell 1. American Construction Services, Inc. was the general contractor for the project.