Explore nature
Please note: the park will close at sunset until further notice. When you arrive at the park, please make sure to note the closing time each day; the main gate closes to new visitors a half-hour before closing time. Visitors in the park after closing may be fined. Please plan accordingly. The opening time will remain the same, at 7 a.m.
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, alligators and Florida cracker horses. 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.
Check out our Activities and Events, and follow us on Facebook to stay updated on what's going on in the park! Sweetwater is hosting ranger-led tours.
To learn more about this unique park, visit our About Us page and view our gallery of images.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park Bird Checklist
Download and print the form, and enter your data on ebird.org. When entering checklists on eBird please use the existing hotspot: Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
Park Rules
Activities such as horseback riding, biking, camping and driving cars on the trail are not allowed. Please park bikes at rack.
Fishing is not permitted.
Due to potential conflict with alligators, other wildlife, and livestock, pets are not allowed in the park.
Photography is permitted. Please, no drones.
Park Information
Location:
325 SW Williston Road
Gainesville, FL 32608
Park is open Monday–Sunday, including holidays. Please plan accordingly.
Park Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset daily until further notice. Check the sunset time for our area. Please note that daylight saving time starts November 7, 2021. When you arrive at the park, please make sure to note the closing time each day; the main gate closes to new visitors a half-hour before closing time. Visitors in the park after closing may be fined.
Park admission payment options:
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Insert cash into the payment box located at the entrance of the parking lot.
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Use Passport Parking app, select 32601 as the main lot zone number.
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Online payment at ppprk.com/park. The patron will need to verify information by either text message or phone call. Select 32601 as the main lot zone number. The fee will cover the entire day the payment is made.
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Purchase an annual pass by calling 352-334-5067 (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Fees:
$5 per car, $2 per person (bicyclists, pedestrians, buses)
Annual Passes are available for $82/year. Military discounts are also available for those who qualify.
Parking: More than 40 parking spaces and two bus bays are located at the entrance. Two bike racks, each can comfortably lock 2 bikes, possibly more depending on size.
Restroom: A restroom is available in the covered pavilion near the entrance.
Mobility tours available upon request. Please schedule at least 2 weeks in advance by calling 352-554-5871. For other special needs accommodations, please call 352-554-5871 48 hours in advance.