Chapter 1: Discovering the Florida Museum

For those unfamiliar, I have a deep passion for science, particularly biology, alongside my love for sci-fi and pop culture. Fortunately, the University of Florida offers complimentary admission to the Florida Museum of Natural History. While it may be smaller than renowned institutions like Fernbank or the Smithsonian, its exhibits more than compensate for its size.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a striking mammoth skeleton, a testament to the ancient giants that once roamed North Florida. The museum showcases an array of proboscideans (commonly known as elephants) along with ancient species of horses, sloths, felids, and numerous marine life, all meticulously displayed.

From this point, you have various paths to explore. I typically take a rightward loop, starting with the exhibits on the left side and making my way around. A notable attraction is the interactive children's exhibit, launched for the museum's centennial celebration, which features hands-on activities demonstrating the various roles of biologists both within the museum and the university.

One of my absolute favorite sections is the fossil gallery. It is marked by a stunning array of articulated shark jaws, with teeth sourced locally. The colorful teeth scattered across the floor are also genuine finds from the Gainesville area. Entering this gallery feels like stepping back in time; the fossils, including those of sharks and smaller dugongs, date back an astonishing 10 to 25 million years, marking the start of your exploration of Florida’s biological evolution.

Much of Florida was submerged under water for eons, creating a shallow sea where magnificent creatures like the fifty-foot Megalodon thrived. As the waters receded, Florida emerged as a coastal landscape and scrubland, attracting an array of land animals, including ungulates and elephants, who followed the availability of food, ultimately leading to the arrival of humans. Walking through the gallery, you can witness the evolutionary journey of these fascinating and unique species. Remarkably, many of the fossils displayed were unearthed right around the museum.

Upon exiting the fossil gallery, visitors can enter the paleohuman gallery. This section highlights artifacts from both ancient and contemporary native peoples. Recent discoveries from the Aucilla River have revealed artifacts belonging to the oldest known humans in North America, dating back over 14,000 years. The gallery also features a complete reconstruction of a midden (a refuse heap) and a ceremonial hut.

As you venture towards the back of the museum, you may catch glimpses of staff and scientists engaged in their projects—sometimes it’s the entomology team studying insects, while other times it’s the vertebrate paleontology department examining bones from Montbrook.

Another highlight is the expansive butterfly house. For a small additional fee (free for current UF students and employees), you can immerse yourself in a world filled with colorful butterfly species. This tranquil space is a photographer's paradise and an ideal spot for those looking to unwind. The exhibit also includes a hatchery where you can witness butterflies emerging from their chrysalis.

Chapter 2: Seasonal Exhibits and Additional Attractions

The museum frequently hosts seasonal exhibits, typically at an extra cost. However, for a limited time, they are showcasing some of their most esteemed collections in celebration of their 100th anniversary, which occurred in 2017.

If you find yourself with a few hours to spare, the Florida Museum of Natural History is definitely a worthwhile destination. If you're interested and have some time, consider volunteering at their Montbrook site to dig for fossils! Admission to the permanent exhibits is free, though seasonal exhibits and the butterfly garden require a fee.

While you're in the area, don't miss out on local attractions like the Harn Museum of Art, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Satchel’s Pizza (cash only), Santa Fe Teaching Zoo, and Swamp Head Brewery (for those over 21).

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Explore Florida's fossil history with insights from The Florida Museum.

Join Florida teachers on a unique fossil dig at Montbrook.