Shallow Poe Springs, which has steps leading all the way down to the bright blue water, is perfect for small children. It's one of the least crowded springs in the area – depending on the time of year, you could find yourself in blissful isolation. From High Springs, follow CR-340 west for 2 miles to reach the park.
Poe Springs
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.42 MILES
This park is worth a stop for a dip into the 72˚F crystalline waters of the beautiful eponymous spring. On dry land – a spongy combo of sand and limestone…
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Florida Museum of Natural History
21.28 MILES
The highlight of this excellent natural-history museum is the expansive Butterfly Rainforest (adult/child $13/6). Hundreds of butterflies from 55 to 65…
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Ichetucknee Springs State Park
11.57 MILES
Relax in a giant inner tube and float through gin-clear waters at this popular park, plopped on the lazy, spring-fed Ichetucknee River.
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21.27 MILES
Across from Gainesville's little Lake Alice, adjacent to a student garden, stands what appears to be two oversized birdhouses. However, these stilted gray…
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Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
29.87 MILES
Wild horses and bison roam the 20 biological communities that constitute 21,000-acre Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. This slightly eerie preserve's…
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Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site
17.67 MILES
As the name indicates, this is not your average park. The site centers on a 120ft-deep, 500ft-wide funnel-shaped rainforest which you enter by descending…
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20.13 MILES
Central Florida's lush native plants – azaleas, rare double-crowned cabbage palms, southern magnolias – are on proud display at this highly rated 62-acre…
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2.77 MILES
Of the two springs in High Springs, Ginnie Springs is a little older and more developed than Poe Springs, with a handful of campsites ($22) on hand and…
Nearby attractions
2.77 MILES
Of the two springs in High Springs, Ginnie Springs is a little older and more developed than Poe Springs, with a handful of campsites ($22) on hand and…
2. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
11.57 MILES
Relax in a giant inner tube and float through gin-clear waters at this popular park, plopped on the lazy, spring-fed Ichetucknee River.
3. Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site
17.67 MILES
As the name indicates, this is not your average park. The site centers on a 120ft-deep, 500ft-wide funnel-shaped rainforest which you enter by descending…
20.13 MILES
Central Florida's lush native plants – azaleas, rare double-crowned cabbage palms, southern magnolias – are on proud display at this highly rated 62-acre…
5. Samuel P Harn Museum of Art
21.26 MILES
Peer in at ancient Native American sculptures and contemporary paintings at this excellent art gallery on the University of Florida campus. Also open on…
21.27 MILES
Across from Gainesville's little Lake Alice, adjacent to a student garden, stands what appears to be two oversized birdhouses. However, these stilted gray…
7. Florida Museum of Natural History
21.28 MILES
The highlight of this excellent natural-history museum is the expansive Butterfly Rainforest (adult/child $13/6). Hundreds of butterflies from 55 to 65…
22.38 MILES
The city is dominated by the UF campus, the second largest in the country. Pop in to the Welcome Center for tips on where best to wander around to check…