TOP Must See Exhibits at Florida Museum of Natural History at University of Florida

Explore the amazing Florida Museum of Natural History and the beautiful campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. About an hour drive north of The Villages is the Florida Museum of Natural History located within the prestigious University of Florida in Gainesville. This museum is home to millions of specimens and cultural artifacts, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive natural history museums in the United States. With the majority of the exhibits being free to enter, it's a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
Fun fact: Did you know that over 90 percent of the exhibit's 500 fossils are real, with many being found within 100 miles of Gainesville? One such example is the American Mastodon fossil found in the Florida Panhandle.
Prepare to be amazed as you venture into the "Shark Jaw Row" exhibit, showcasing a stunning collection of shark jaws ranging from 2 to 9 feet in length. Keep an eye out for the jaw of the extinct giant, Megalodon, the largest shark that ever lived.
The museum also features an exhibit called "Florida Fossils," which proudly displays internationally acclaimed fossil collections encapsulating the last 65 million years of Earth's history.
Next, checkout the Butterfly Exhibit, where thousands of butterfly and moth specimens and photographs are showcased on a wall nearly three stories high. Make sure not to miss the "Rearing Lab," which provides an up-close look at the butterfly's life cycle.
Nature enthusiasts will also love the Butterfly Rainforest, a captivating living exhibit that houses hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds from around the world. Complete with a lush landscape, tropical trees, colorful flowering plants, and a scenic walking path, this enchanting experience is not to be missed.
Explore the fascinating life of the Calusa Indians and learn about their diet, customs, and environment through a small midden.
On our trip, we also had the chance to see one of the newer engineering buildings at the University of Florida and grab a delicious cup of coffee at one of the nearby Starbucks locations.
Another Fun fact: The campus itself covers an impressive 2,000 acres and boasts over 900 buildings, harmoniously blending old and new architectural wonders.
To conclude our adventure, we couldn't miss a visit to "The Swamp," the legendary home stadium of the UF Gators football team. Built-in 1930, this iconic venue has expanded over time and now has a staggering capacity of over 88,000 people. Known for its electric atmosphere and celebrated traditions, including the famous "Gator Chomp," Join the Gators and create unforgettable memories in this remarkable stadium that has been their home for over 90 years.
Whether you're a science enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about the world around you, the Florida Museum of Natural History and the incredible UF campus in Gainesville are must-visit destinations. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, unravel the mysteries of the past, and bask in the beauty of this vibrant city.
Let me know in the comments if you have visited UF or if you have any other recommendations for must-see attractions in Gainesville.
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