**The Butterfly Rainforest is open to the public. To ensure a safe environment for all visitors, the Museum has limited entry and masks are recommended.** The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot screened exhibit exposed to typical Florida weather conditions, resulting in a more natural environment for the butterflies and plants. This living exhibit features hundreds of free-flying butterflies, typically more than 50 species at any given time, birds from around the world and an assortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand. The lush landscape is planted in tropical trees and colorful flowering plants amid waterfalls and a walking path. Skilled interpretive staff are available to help answer questions and provide visitors with a personal and highly engaging experience. View the live butterfly spotlight Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., weather permitting.See more..
4.5University of Florida Bat House(433 reviews) - Very interesting! Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas
The University of Florida Bat Houses are the world's largest occupied bat houses with an estimated population of 500,000. The structures are located on the north side of Museum Road between Village Drive and Radio Road across from Lake Alice on the UF campus. Parking is available in a lot just west of the houses near Radio Road or across Museum Road near the Baughman Center. A UF parking decal is required Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Parking is free after 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and on weekends and state holidays. The bats normally emerge 10 to 15 minutes after sunset before total darkness when temperatures are 65 F or higher. High winds, heavy rain or cold temperatures will keep the bats inside for the evening. On warm winter evenings, the bats may come out for a drink of water at the lake and exercise; however they can eat only when bugs are flying.See more..
Not for profit exotic animal rescue and endangered species animal park and breeding center. Large beautiful nature park with 28 species, over 75 animals including big cat feeding demonstrations.See more..
4.5Sweetwater Wetlands Park(221 reviews) - Lovely relaxing walk with loads of birds Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
We came here a few years ago and really enjoyed it so decided to come back again. $5 per car for the day parking, and you can drop the cash in an envelope or pay via an app or website. There's a restroom and water fountains next to the car park. Once you go down the path you cross a small road and enter the park. There are a few miles of paved trails suitable for all abilities. And you don't have to walk all the paths as they intersect so you can make the walk shorter if you wish. We spent a while here just walking slowly and looking at all the lovely scenery. Saw loads of birds as well as two small alligators and a few deer. Would definitely recommend this place.See more..
4.5La Chua Trail(111 reviews) - What a site. Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
April 18 2021 Took people from out of town to hopefully see lots of alligators on the trail and we weren’t disappointed. The trail has been opened up after an extended closure and you are able to walk quite a ways next to lots of alligators sleeping on the banks. Quite a few huge to baby alligators were visible near the water. We enjoyed our visit to La Chief Trail.See more..
5.0Lubee Bat Conservancy(38 reviews) - Unique and Awesome Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to saving bats and their habitats through research, conservation, and education, with a focus on children and community engagement. We are open for Private Tours that are scheduled online If you plan to visit, we suggest scheduling ASAP. We are scheduling 6 months out!See more..
