Starke / Gainesville N.E. KOA

Silver Springs

Silver Springs is a 350 acre nature theme park and zoo that surrounds the headwaters of the beautiful Silver River. It is also home to the world-famous glass bottom boats! The whole family will enjoy boat rides, watching bears, panthers and big gators, as well as live animal shows. Silver Springs is a short drive from the KOA, just 61 miles south of Starke. Open 365 days a year, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Gainesville

A Circle of Diversity. Gainesville Home of the Gatornationals, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Florida Museum of Natural History, Morningside Nature Center, and Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site.

Gainesville Raceway is located at 11211 N. County Road 225 and held its first Gatornationals event in 1970.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens includes 62 acres of woodlands and meadows which are home to butterflies, herbs, hummingbirds and sunken gardens. You'll also find the state's largest collection of bamboo, a water lily pond and a gift shop. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens for a change of pace. The Gardens are open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to sunset. A small admission fee is charged. You'll find the Gardens at 4625 SW 58th Drive in Gainesville.

The Florida Museum of Natural Historyhas recently expanded into its new 55,000 square foot education and exhibition center at Powell Hall. Experience the Butterfly Rainforest, view Florida fossils and American Indian Art and stroll through a fossil plant garden. The Museum is open all year, seven days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation are Mon.-Sat. 10 am to 5 pm and Sun. 1 pm to 5 pm. There are two separate fees for the Museum and the Butterfly Rainforest. The Museum is located on the corner of Hull Rd. & SW 34th Street in Gainesville.

Experience the lifestyle of a farmer in Central Florida 100 years ago at Morningside Nature Center. Visit this 278-acre living history museum and find a barnyard full of animals, an 1840 cabin, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, heirloom garden and barn. Trails and boardwalks meander through sandhill, long leaf pines and cypress trees; view more than 225 wildflower species, 130 bird species and mammals and reptiles. The Center is FREE and is open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is located at 3540 E. University Ave. in Gainesville.

Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site is a huge sinkhole that was formed when an underground cavern roof collapsed, creating the bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep. Scientists have found fossil shark teeth, marine shells, and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals. Explore from the boardwalks and stairways - you never know what you might see! Admission is $2 for adults. The Site is located off SR 232, two miles northwest of Gainesville at 4732 Millhopper Road.

St. Augustine

Step back in time in Florida and America's oldest city, St Augustine! Visit The Oldest House built in 1720, The Lightner Museum, the Spanish Quarter Museum (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except December 25), Government House (open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except December 25), Spanish Military Hospital, or just enjoy eclectic shopping and dining. There are also art galleries, a wax museum, and alligator farm to enjoy! Specialized tours tell the story of architecture, ghosts, and rich heritage. Don't miss Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Park and take a sip - it can't hurt! St. Augustine is 54 miles east of Starke KOA, a short trip that is worth the drive!

Golf and Other Area Attractions

Visit the Chamber website to see all the local activities.

Ocala National Forest

The Forest is riddled with rivers, wet prairies and hundreds of lakes and ponds, making it a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking. You can also enjoy other water activities including fishing, water skiing, swimming, and boating. Bring your bikes, a picnic, and the camera! The fun is endless and the weather is accommodating. The Forest is located in Ocala, just 55 miles south of Starke, right next to Silver Springs.

Jacksonville Landing

Walking to the Jacksonville Landing is a great experience for the whole family or group. Take a walk on the beautiful, newly-expanded Riverwalk and enjoy the sparkling St. Johns River. Taste the food. Shop for unique items. It's a whole world in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida! There are over 40 shops and as many restaurants, as well as plenty of live entertainment. Downtown Jacksonville is accessible from the west via I-10 E; from I-10 E exit onto I-95 and exit at Forsyth or Monroe Street.

Sporting Clays

The fastest growing shooting sport. Bradford Sportsmen's Farm is a shooting facility. Shooting hours are: Wednesday, 12 p.m. til dark; Saturday, 9 a.m. til dark and Sunday, 9 a.m. til dark.

Camp Blanding

Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park is dedicated to the nine Infantry Divisions, including the 30th Infantry Division and the 508th PIR, which trained here between 1940 and 1943. In 1943, Camp Blanding became an IRTC, training men for both the European and Pacific theaters. In 1945, the camp became a major Separation Center. 10 miles east. Open Tuesday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday thru Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays, Christmas and New Years.

Waldo Flea Market

Waldo Flea Market is North Central Florida's LARGEST Flea Market featuring more than 400 acres and 800 vendors! Enjoy food concessions, antiques, fresh produce and more. Whatever you may be looking for, you will find it here! The Market is open Saturday and Sunday only. You'll find the Market on U.S. Hwy 301 in Waldo, Florida, 11 miles south of Starke KOA.

Fishing

Great Fishing! Catch HUGE fish while wading, tubing, walking the bank or from a johnboat or raft! Lakes Crosby, Sampson, and Rowell are all next to each other and only a few miles west of Starke KOA. Cast a lure into the water and reel in the biggest largemouth bass you've ever seen! Bass tend to hang offshore in the short grass covering the lake bottoms. Public boat ramps are available, but a 4-wheel drive vehicle will work if you are launching a bigger boat. Other species include bluegill, speckled perch, and catfish.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

Walk back in time to 1930's farm life at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote her Pulitzer prize-winning novel, The Yearling, in the cracker style home and farm. The farmyard, grove, and nature trails are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, throughout the year. Tour the house with an interpretive ranger in period costume from October through July, Thursday through Sunday. Enjoy a picnic with the family or group after your tour! The site is located between Ocala and Gainesville in Cross Creek, at 18700 S. CR 325.

Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site

Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site is Florida's largest Civil War battle site. The battle lasted for five hours. Take an easy hike along the interpretive trail which describes the battle's events, or bring along a picnic. All facilities are free of charge. The site is located on U.S. 90, 15 miles east of Lake City. The Battlefield is located 5.5 miles from Exit 324.