Situated in central Florida’s Citrus County, Inverness is a sunny city surrounded by vast groves of citrus trees, verdant forests, tranquil Florida lakes, and beautiful landscapes that provide a wealth of outdoor recreational activities. The pet-friendly Fort Cooper State Park offers fishing, canoeing, camping, hiking, and swimming, while the Liberty and Wallace Brooks Parks are located along the year-round Withlacoochee Trail.
Withlacoochee State Trail
The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile long paved multi-use trail with numerous access points and is suitable for all skill levels of hikers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists. The trail extends along US301 in Pasco County through several towns, including Trilby, Istachatta, Inverness, and Citrus Springs to the northern trailhead near Dunnellon. A dirt track runs parallel to the Withlacoochee State Trail for horseback riders, and facilities along the trail include restrooms with drinking water, picnic spots, ample parking, as well as parking for vehicles with horse trailers at the Citrus Springs, Ridge Manor, and Gulf Junction trailheads.
Withlacoochee State Trail, Brooksville, FL 34602
Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Inverness, the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum is dedicated to the art, culture, and heritage of Inverness with an array of award-winning exhibits that focus on the pioneering days of the city. Permanent exhibits in the museum include artifacts and displays devoted to the history of Citrus County and the impact of the citrus and film industries on Central Florida, highlighting Elvis Presley’s visit to Citrus County to film Follow That Dream. The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum also hosts special events and programs such as monthly concert series featuring acoustic, blues and jazz, and a Coffee and Conversations Series.
1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450, Phone: 352-341-6428
Cooter Pond Park
Cooter Pond Park is a lovely urban green park within walking distance of the downtown historic district and the Historic Courthouse. Named for the Cooter turtles which reside in the park’s pond, Cooter Pond Park features grassy lawns and a pavilion for picnicking, scenic overlooks with benches, and a boardwalk with interpretive signage along the way. There are several nature trails around the park, and the pond is home to a variety of fish species, turtles, alligators, and several bird species that nest around its edges.
181 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450
Fort Cooper State Park
Fort Cooper State Park is a 710-acre nature reserve that is home to Lake Holathlikaha and a diverse array of fauna and flora. The lake provides a wealth of recreational activities from canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, and fishing, and swimming is allowed when water levels are high enough. The surrounding terrain offers excellent hiking on numerous self-guided trails, and some of the best bird and wildlife watching in the county. Other facilities in the park include a recreation hall, a primitive group campground, several lovely picnic sites, and seasonal boat-borne nature tours.
3100 South Old Floral City Road, Inverness, Florida 34450, Phone: 352-726-0315
Holder Mine Recreation Area
Located southwest of Inverness, the Holder Mine Recreation Area is a vast nature reserve that forms part of the 50,000-acre Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The area offers a wealth of recreational activities, ranging from camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as seasonal hunting in the Citrus Wildlife Management area. The Holder Mine campground offers 27 campsites with electricity, water, and sewerage hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, as well as a covered pavilion, two bathhouses, and an RV dump station.
4399 Trail 10, Inverness, FL 34452, Phone: 352-797-4140
Olde Inverness Antiques
Olde Inverness Antiques a multi-dealer mall in historic downtown Inverness that offers a large variety of antiques and collectibles. Owners Steve Barnes and Cindy DeVries bring old things back to life in well-displayed stalls that showcase a wealth of interesting, eclectic, and vintage furnishings, objects, artworks, jewelry, glassworks, ceramics and china, clothing, and collectibles. Vintage-lovers, bargain hunters, and people wanting unique and one-of-a-kind gifts will love this treasure trove.
104 N Pine Ave, Inverness, FL 34450, Phone: 352-344-0333
Whispering Pines Park
Located just 5 minutes from downtown Inverness, the Whispering Pines Park covers 290 acres of green space, offering visitors and locals an enviable city recreational area. Ideal for the whole family (and the dog), the park is filled with fun activities for all ages. You can go walking/hiking along a 4 trails or bring your mountain bike and cycle the 2.5 mile mountain bike trail. Swimmers will enjoy the large swimming pool which is equally ideal for lessons or for fun. Other sporting facilities include tennis, racquet ball and basket ball courts, pickle ball and disc golf. Younger children will love the playground and the “Puddle in the Pines” splash pad.
Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive, Inverness, FL 34453, 352 726 1995
Potts Preserve Trail
Potts Preserve is located close to Hooty Point, where it has been established to preserve groundwater, surface water and a wetland. The preserve offers more than 20 miles of walking/hiking trails which are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers. The River Trail meanders alongside the river offering excellent wildlife sightings and wild flowers in spring. The lower part of the trail is subject to swamping after rains and you will need to come prepared with suitable footwear. You also need to bring your own drinking water and insect repellant. There are a number of primitive campsites along the way if you would like to set up camp.
Potts Preserve Trail, 2988 N. Hooty Point, Inverness, FL 34453
Wallace Brooks Park
The Wallace Brooks Park has been a popular meeting place for Inverness locals since it was dedicated in 1968. After a recent renovation, the park offers a wide variety of recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy. The water-side park has an attractive boardwalk for walking or cycling and a small fishing pier. The swimming pool is a great hit during the hot summer months and there are showers and restrooms. You can bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn or at one of the picnic shelters. A children’s playground, walking trail, bike trail, shuffleboard and tennis courts complete the picture.
Wallace Brooks Park, 328 E. Dampier Street, Inverness, FL 34450, 352 726 3913
Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary
Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary is a sanctuary for lost, discarded or unwanted parrots and other exotic birds. The sanctuary strives to educate the greater public and children in particular, about the joys as well as the responsibilities of owning and caring for exotic birds and other unusual pets that are often abandoned once the novelty of ownership wares off. The sanctuary is also very involved in fining new homes for birds in need and assisting owners to continue to take care of their pets. You can assist by visiting the sanctuary and taking a tour. In addition to birds, the sanctuary also takes care of an assortment of other animals in need.
Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary, 80 N. Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34453, 352 419 4086
