Historical Attractions in Gainesville, Florida

Make sure to get your fill of Gainesville's fascinating history while staying at the Best Western Gateway Grand. Whether it's literary, civic, social or cultural—our city is rich with all manner of historical sites and attractions. Treat yourself to a comfortable, affordable stay at our quality hotel while you discover a few more reasons why people far and wide consider the Gainesville area a gem among Florida cities.

Dudley Farm Historic State Park

From the 1850s to the 1940s, this authentic Florida "cracker" farm was run by three generations of Dudleys. Now a registered state park, the Dudley Farm welcomes guests interested in learning all about the evolution of Florida farming and is a great place for families.

Historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation

Completed by an enslaved black craftsman in 1856, this former plantation encompasses 6,200 square feet and rests upon 1,500 acres of land. One of the last antebellum homes remaining in North Central Florida, the Haile Homestead is especially interesting for its "talking walls"—actual walls inside the home upon which family members wrote more than 12,500 words documenting experiences both mundane and profound.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

Best known as the Pulitzer-prize winning author of the Yearling, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' documentation of Florida life made her beloved home of Cross Creek famous. Restored and preserved as it was when Rawlings lived there for more than 25 years, the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek is an especially beloved destination in the Gainesville area.

Our helpful hotel staff will be glad to suggest other things that might be of interest to you while visiting the Gainesville, FL area. For information or reservations, please call 877.464.2378.