The Boathouse
The Boathouse has a special place in the hearts of many Ospreys, even though it has been through several incarnations. When it first opened in 1973, it was a food service facility meant to supplement the vending machines on campus. In its first decade, it was more like a student union — serving as a place for socialization, meetings, happy hours and a chance to just hang out with friends. The lakeside snack bar offered a menu of pizza, sandwiches and beverages. At first, students, faculty and staff sat at picnic tables outside the Boathouse but a growing student body forced the addition of a deck in 1974. Soon, concerts, poetry readings and drama productions were regular occurrences. In 1978, a fire claimed the original Boathouse and a new one was built on the same location. New and improved, the new Boathouse was larger, had a sloping roof, a deck over the lake and continued to serve UNF as a food and entertainment venue. In 1994, it was renovated again and in 2002, it was converted to Wackadoo’s Grub and Brew, a casual dining full-service restaurant with video games, pool table and a large projection screen. Booths were added for more comfortable seating. In 2007, it was upgraded again and given a new name — the UNF Boathouse Grille. That Boathouse closed its doors permanently in 2008 to make way for the current Boathouse, which is housed in the new Student Union. That Boathouse opened in 2009 and features a full-service restaurant and bar, ample seating for UNF’s alums, students, faculty and staff and provides gorgeous views of our beautiful, natural campus. It is so spacious and comfortable, that several professors hold their office hours there. If you have not been the Boathouse lately, you have not been to the Boathouse.
