You will never run out of things to do during your stay at Sweetwater Branch Inn. One of the most popular activities in Gainesville is to visit a museum; there are many options of which to frequent! One of the most popular is the Florida Museum of Natural History. This museum is one of the nation’s top five natural history museums, and when you visit you’ll see why!
Are you wondering about other museums in Gainesville? Our complimentary Vacation Guide can tell you that and so much more! We know that planning a trip can be challenging, so we created our free guide to save you from hours of research. In it, you’ll find other museums, family-friendly activities, date night ideas, and more. Enjoy!
About the Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History is a must-see attraction during your stay at Sweetwater Branch Inn. Here, you can learn all about the history of the state from actual fossils found in the area, informative exhibits, and more. Admission is free to the permanent exhibits and it’s less than 15 minutes away from our inn, so it’s the perfect place to go during your stay!
Florida Museum of Natural History Exhibits
Permanent Exhibits
The permanent exhibits are here to stay. These amazing learning opportunities remain the same, but you will get something new out of them every time you visit. The goal of each section is to teach museum guests about Florida while sparking creativity. Permanent exhibits include fossils, waterways, wildlife, the history of South Florida’s first inhabitants, a Discovery Zone for kids, and more. Plus, admission is free to all of them except the Butterfly Rainforest!
The Butterfly Rainforest
One of the most popular permanent exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History is the Butterfly Rainforest. A gorgeous, indoor garden has been created to house the butterflies. They flutter around in this habitat for you to enjoy!
Rotating Exhibits
There are usually around 3 exhibits that rotate in and out of the Florida Museum of Natural History. For a limited time, visitors can look through these sections to learn about whatever topics are chosen. It’s the perfect excuse to visit the museum time and time again! Past exhibits have included Bark Beetle Calligraphy and Mapping the Museum’s Collections.
Where to Stay in Gainesville
When you go on a trip, you’ll want to stay in the best accommodations possible. Choose to stay at Sweetwater Branch Inn! Located in the heart of Gainesville, our inn is just moments away from all the best attractions like the Florida Museum of Natural History, outdoor activities, and more.
Browse our rooms, suites, and cottages to start planning your stay! You’ll love swimming in our saltwater pool, practicing your swing on our putting green, and strolling through our gorgeous gardens.
It’s time to start planning your trip to Gainesville!