I love this park. I always see interesting wildlife, its easy to stay apart from other people, theres no traffic noise. There are different loops to take depending on how adventurous youre feeling. Its flat and steady. The boardwalk is lovely. If youre planning on visiting, bring a hat or shades and sunscreen, as theres hardly any shade in the park. Restrooms and water fountain are by the entrance.

I have visited so many parks in Gainesville, and this one is definitely the gold mine. Beautiful doesnt even do it justice. Definitely a must see.

Beautiful wetlands park. Well maintained. Great trails; easily accessible for nature lovers of all ages. Awesome park for bird-lovers and naturalists. Dont forget to bring your binoculars and camera!

Beautiful scenery. A lot of wildlife! We were there only 10 min before it started to rain and saw so many types of birds, turtles, a deer and a gator.

If you are a fan of water birds like herons and egrets you cant miss this place. My last trip I saw 2 ospreys and 3 hawks. There are amazing photo opportunities here.

Boardwalks take you through the preserve. Simply beautiful.A rich variety of bird species including Limpkins, Ospreys with juveniles, Sandhill Cranes, a Grey-headed Swamphen, Gallinules (Common and Purple), various species of egrets (Great Egrets and Snowy), various Herons. .. we had a checklist of 47 bird species when we visited the park.Also noticeable is a good variety of butterflies.

Visited on a VERY hot day. Be prepared with water and a hat because there is very little tree coverage on the trails. Some concrete and some white gravel trails. No bikes allowed sadly. Didnt see any alligators either :(

A jewel for bird enthusiasts. Miles of wide gravel trails over wide-open wetlands teeming with birds, native flora and fauna and gators. Simply marvelous.

Wide open wetlands. Easy walking for a short way or a long way. Birds, waterways, marshes, gators etc. North Florida at is finest.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The walking paths were well manicured and groomed. There was a nice short boardwalk and a number of places to sit along the way. You could tell there was the potential for lots of alligators to be sunning themselves on the banks (not right on the path) down by the water. There were 3 or so miles of paths. All in all it was an easy walk.

Great on an overcast day, since there is little to no shade. Walking trails are great and the wildlife is fun to see.

The best place in North Florida to see birds. The number of uncommon to rare birds here is amazing. It can be hot, wear appropriate clothes and sunscreen, but the winter days here are gorgeous. This is my top place in Gainesville to bring out of town visitors for a nice walk. Natural Gainesville at its best.

Such a beautiful park. If you want to clear your head or just enjoy the peace and serenity of nature, I highly recommend this park!

Nice place to stretch your legs. There isnt much as far as activities, but the landscape is very beautiful and the walk is refreshing. The birds and occasional gator sighting really adds to the experience. Not much opportunity for shade so bring the sunblock.

Beautiful scenery!! The pathways where well taken care of and it was an easy walk. They had water stations set up on the paths and soo much wildlife to look at!!

Fascinating place to visit. They Wildlife Refuge filled with birds and alligators in their own habitat if you want you can do over three miles of walking. Or there are several smaller loops. Wish they had signs along the way to read on the variety of birds that you see in the area. You do have a map and we were able to follow some of the species. However, since were not professional bird watchers, it was difficult to find a match the exotic birds. Entry is $5 for the car. Halfway through the huge Loop there is water available. An absolute must-see if youre in the area. Good walking trail in the open so if its a hot day wear hat.

Peaceful walk lots of people here 9n weekends need to bring bike next time

Today was the first time here. Park is really nice

If you enjoy walking this is a good place to do it and enjoy nature. Birds, alligators, frogs, horses and more we saw here. Highly recommended to go as early as possible

Chris and I enjoying open space and alot of fresh air and exercise. Cool spot backs up the Paynes prairie if youre familiar with the area.

Great park and great facilities.My suggestion is that if you go that you go either early in the day or late in the afternoon as there is not much canopy and not much cover on the trails.I would also bring some water as there are no or rather is no water out on the trails once you get away from the parking area.It also cost five dollars per vehicle and two dollars per person to park in the area.

Its a beautiful place but annoying agist. The place wont take cash, requires you to use an app that is very difficult to figure out, has a help sign that says if you have any problem contact the ranger but gives no phone number. It saddens me to see natural resources put in the stewardship of people who are so uncaring as to the experience of visitors. The place is very worthwhile but let me suggest that you contact an app whiz before going to download and program called passport before you go

Absolutely gorgeous place. Saw so many different species of birds and so many alligators. We went on a beautiful clear sunny day. Had such a great time that I forgot to take more pictures. Would definitely go there again and bring family & friends.

This park jumped into my top 5 Fla parks the day it opened. There are breathtaking views and guaranteed wildlife spotting. Its a birders paradise during migratory seasons. There is little shade and shelter, so prepare accordingly.

Great trail to walk. Wish more of the park was accessible though. Would probably come here.

Beautiful wetlands. Friendly people on the trails. Parking is easier than ever now that it can be done via an app. Great date location or place to bring children for a walk in nature.

Very beautiful deff no shade go on cooler day bring water

WOW. Went on a Saturday and had to wait for parking. Well worth it. A gorgeous park - even though parking lot was filled, park wasnt overwhelmed. Did not feel crowded. Photographers abounded, shooting the flora and fauna. Well cared for, clean, lovely trails, and clean bathrooms. Had a great hike break, unexpected how very nice this park was!

Every birder should come here. This place is heaven for the casual birdwatcher who isnt into hard searching as the birds are right there and practically pose for you. It isnt uncommon for a Great Egret to fly right by you as you walk the wooden deck nor is it difficult to find one of the many massive gators that call this park home. It is an absolutely fantastic experience with public restrooms, water stations, and friendly well educated rangers. I WILL come back and spend more time here as the 3 hours I spent were not nearly enough. Fantastic experiences await any nature lover that travels here.

Good hiking in this park. It’s well preserved and full of life.

So beautiful - great opportunity to see critters and wonderful walking trails

Great walking trails...beautiful views with lots of wildlife

It was so beautiful there! It is totally worth it! We saw lots of animals at all areas of the park!

Fabulous spot for birdwatching, a picnic, go for a run or a relaxing walk with or without family/friends. On this visit, our party of four were treated to seeing FIVE alligators yesterday morning - three cruising the canal, one basking in the sun on the opposite shore, and one enjoying a coot brunch! Look closely, just left of center in the photo is the good - sized gator we saw basking near a team of ducks(on its right).

Nice long walk. Saw a lot of wildlife.

Fun and scenic walk. Saw multiple alligators and one was right off the trail. Awesome experience as a tourist.

Great natural park and water treatment centre.

Great place to see some very cool wildlife with a lot of birds. It’s all exposed to the sun so go early and dress accordingly for the Florida sun and heat. You can easily spend a couple hours here walking the whole place. You will see something different every time. $5 parking. Restrooms.

Beautiful, man-made park in the periphery of Paynes Prairie. Admission was a few dollars via an honor sytem before parking. Tons of bird species, alligators, and on occasion there are wild horse/bison/boar sightings.

Magical place with natural sceneries! Well organized and so clean

Gorgeous Preserve and really shows how we can turn our wastewater into something that helps our environmental

This park is a wonderful place to view the area wetlands. The paths are well maintained. I didnt see the wild horses or American Bison this time, but I have been told they are there. I look forward to returning to this park.

Beautiful and Large wildlife area. Very cool to see Florida like this. So peaceful and serene.

Must visit for people in Gainesville. Easy to reach and guaranteed alligator spotting. And beautiful, of course. Remember to get your round hats on during sunny day as the trails do not have any tree cover

Very calm and enjoyable area to walk around. Hidden gators everywhere!

Its a pretty made park. Okay for short hikes. Saw the wild horses. Warning: chiggers are bad. Wear insect repellent!

Its a nice park. Best time of year to visit is February

This is one of my favorite parks in Gainesville - so much wildlife! Its beautiful. And if you get here before its too hot out, you can even feel a bit of breeze because there arent trees to break the wind. Its the closest you are gonna to feeling coastal in Gainesville. Love it.

Nice walk seen alot of birds and gators no shade all open sun so bring sun screen and water

Best nature park in Gainesville. All kinds of wildlife; birds, gators, snakes. We didnt see horses or boar but there are signs for sure. Great paths and open areas. Shelters as well.

Breathtakingly beautiful, great walking trails, clean restrooms, ample parking and knowledgeable park staff.

Beautiful park with boardwalk and trails through wetlands. Lots of wildlife and flowers. Definitely will come back to see more.

A must see stop when in the Gainesville Florida area! Bring your camera. The birds and alligators are abundant!

Amazing birding opportunity. Nice for just a walk too. Might see wild bison, horses or gators. Avoid midday during the summer.

It is well maintained and well organized. It is a great place to go for a nature walk.

Absolutely amazing place - great spot to see birds, gators and horses.

Good place to go for a walk or a run in the evenings. There is a huge diversity in the flora and fauna of the place. The information boards are resourceful.

Great place for a relaxing stroll. Lots of birds to see and a few gators. Hoped to see some horses, but we didnt get that lucky!

This is a wonderful organic water treatment system AND a rich natural area that is very accessible to the public. Plenty of alligators, snakes, and birds. We saw a snail kite, 2 roseate spoonbills, and 2 banded water snakes.

Possibly the best gravel trail in Gainesville. There are two loops you can take, 1.0 and 1.3 miles long. Early mornings are the best for watching wildlife activities.

Decent sized parking lot, iron ranger at entrance to pay fee to enter park. Bathroom at entrance are very clean. Trails are extremely well maintained with cover pavilion along the trail with seat to relax and enjoy the senery. Turtles, alligator and birds are found throughout this property.

This is a beautiful place, especially in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.

BEAUTIFUL! Such a great place to spend some time. Very well done.

Great place to see a lot of wildlife. However there is no shade. Recommend early morning or late evening. Plenty of BIG alligators and wild horses as well. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Also, no biking. Hiking only.

Lovely setting for a walk.So many options to interact with wildlife. Good walking paths.Very helpful staff...Dabney is a font of knowledge about the long history of the area.Enjoy but bring a good supply of water..and come in, VERY comfortable clothes/shoes. Cant believe it is IN the city of Gainesville FL.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a constructed wetlands that filters the runoff from Gainesvilles creeks into the Paynes Prairie reserve. Here youll find trails, boardwalks, wild horses, alligators, turtles, snakes & a menagerie of birds. There is little shelter from the sun. Costs $5 per carload or $2 per person on foot (lock box honor system).

Beautiful, outstanding birding and monster alligators..great for photography but probobly not very safe for small children

Beautiful walk. So much wildlife!

Great place to walk around.

One of the many places in Gainesville that puts you in the midst of abundant nature amd wildlife. Be ready to experience nature trails and birds and reptiles, all at one place. Make sure to look out for aligators

This is a gorgeous place to spend time with nature or practice your photography skills. It is quiet and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for the wild horses! :)

We had a nice walk. Lots of great birds and a few alligators.

Awe-inspiring vistas of the flooded prairie. Look for a multitude of birds and gators, snakes, and insects. A favorite spot on any visit to Gainesville.

Excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of birds and other wildlife up close. Wednesday morning Audubon lead field trip is wonderful.

Gators, birds, turtles and deer, oh my. A sunny fall afternoon revealed all kinds of nature sightings. Flowers, jumping spiders, posing limpkins and crazy, rumbly gator bellows. A nice walk with plenty of nature viewing opportunities. Definitely worth a visit!

Absolutely beautiful park. You are guaranteed to see some amazing wildlife. Ive seen gators, wild horses, snakes, and hundreds of incredible bird species here. Just make sure you dont bring your dog here. Theres several trails but be aware that there is very limited shade.

What a wonderful piece of Florida! If you want to capture the true essence of the Land this is the park to go to! So much to see! Beautiful!

Beautiful park. Must go. Ive seen wild horses, deer, alligators, and different species of birds. The park is well maintained and hosts tours and events, even yoga and bird watching. Awesome place for running just watch for baby snakes that cross paths.

First time coming to the Wetlands and I gotta say I really loved it...it has plenty of trails with lots to see..we seen 2 baby gators and 2 medium size gators basking in the sun.the best time to go would be morning,afternoons can get a little hot..be careful if you ha e small kids!!!

This is a great get away for nature lovers. Bring a hat on sunny days

Great in town park. Gators, birds, horses, wild hogs and ?? A must see in Gainesville

This a great park with wild horses and great birding opportunities. The trails are improved with multiple places to sit and rest if needed. There was very little trash on the trails or in the water and the bugs were not an issue the day we went.

I saw 5 snakes, 3 gators and different species of birds there. I really enjoyed

Great place for birding and seeing the occasional gator. Wish I lived closer. I would come everyday.

Great walking trail. Enjoyed the sights amd sounds of nature.

One of the best places in Gainesville for bird watching and sunsets. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen etc are a must since theres no shade anywhere in the park. I would have visited more often if not for the $5 entrance fee.

Beautiful place for walking and seeing lots of birds and a few reptiles

Good place for morning walk

Tons of photo opportunities, very clean park with well maintained walking paths and decent bathrooms.

Love this place. Wide open refreshing area with wildlife of many sizes. If you want a chance to see a Gator or a wild horse, this the place to be and bring your family or a friend(s). And a camera!! Only gripe is that people can be somewhat disrespectful to the preserve and leave their trash around. Do wish there was more areas to drop your trash into on the trails to help prevent this.

Always a great time going out here. Plenty of wildlife to spot. Great place to take pictures. Never a dull moment for me, absolutely love it.

Very nice, well maintained wetland park. Good loops for running. Always lots of wildlife around in the morning!

Beautiful place to see gators and birds!

Worth the stop, stroller friendly paths, easy hike. $5 per car load. Plenty of wildlife. Road Trip stop to stretch legs and create memories. Look closely. Pic of the biggest gator we saw, but several leaving park said there was some big ones we must have just missed or were too loud to encounter. Clean bathrooms.

Pretty sceneries lots of photos

This is a fantastic bird park with great trails.

Nice hiking trails and excellent wildlife viewing. The trails are elevated, giving you a good view of the wildlife.

Perfect day to be outside! Highlights were the wild ponies, purple gallinule, wood stork, limpkin, killdeer, and a rare visitor, a ruff, or so I was told! All but one gator are hibernating. Did the 3 mile loop!!

Lots of gators to see, the kids love it

Its a constructed wetland designed to remove the nutrients from the city of Gainesville water and storm water but it was also designed to function as a great wildlife habitat and its succeeded in fulfilling both goals.Alligator, limpkins, snail kites, Moore hens, osprey and lots and lots of other species of wildlife are common. Coming to Gainesville you need to take a few moments to enjoy this park, its wildlife and great open skies.