Sweetwater Wetlands Park is not only a place to connect with nature, it's a way to protect our environment. The park, which consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds, was created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer.
Now a thriving habitat, Sweetwater Wetlands Park is filled with vast numbers of plants and animals, including birds, butterflies, and alligators. At the park, you can walk more than 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks, experience the lush landscape from viewing platforms, and learn about the habitat through educational signs and tours.
See our events on our Facebook page!
Curious about what Sweetwater Wetlands Park does? Or maybe you're more interested in history? How about the plants and animals that call the park home? Join us on a walking tour of the park!
We have public walking tours of the park on the 1st Sunday (8:30 a.m.) and 2nd Saturday (2 p.m.) of the month from September - May. Tours begin at the restroom area and last about 1 hour. Bring sunscreen, walking shoes, and water!
To book a private tour, call us at 352-554-5871 with at least 2 weeks notice.
Register Here for our publicly available mobility tours or schedule at least two weeks in advance by calling 352-554-5871.
Registration through Eventbrite is required. The cost for this program is $5/person and will be paid by credit card when you arrive for your hike. Follow directions on the Eventbrite page carefully to ensure you have all the necessary information for the hike.
More dates coming soon!
This program is for those with mobility challenges only.
Registration through Eventbrite is required. The cost for this program is $5/person and will be paid by credit card when you arrive for your hike. Follow directions on the Eventbrite page carefully to ensure you have all the necessary information for the tram.
Join us every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. September - May for a bird walk led by the Alachua Audubon Society. Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
125 acres
Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 280KB)
Construction of a porous concrete trail at Sweetwater Wetlands Park began on November 29 and completed on December 28, 2021. Improvements included construction of a paved path from the park’s entrance to cell 1. American Construction Services, Inc. was the general contractor for the project.
View the project photos
325 SW Williston Road, Gainesville 32641 View Map
325 SW Williston Road , Gainesville 32641
7 a.m. to sunset daily
Park Entry Fee: $5 per car, $2 per person (bicyclists*, pedestrians, buses)
*Bikes are not allowed in the park itself and must be parked at the bike rack in the restroom area
Nighttime Program Fees: $5 per participant**
**Registration Required. Programs run November-March. See Registration Link for Details