Lakeland is the largest city in the Polk County Region, and was settled in the 1870s about a decade after the Polk County Region had been established. In the 1880s, a rail line was developed which saw Lakeland expand by an additional 80 acres, which is now known as the downtown portion of the city. Visitors can enjoy the historic promenade, amphitheater, museums, and the Hollis Garden which showcases over 10,000 indigenous Florida flowers and plants.
Circle B Bar Reserve
The Circle B Bar Reserve is a large portion of land southeast of Lakeland which has been restored to protect the floodplain portion of Lake Hancock. The Polk County Environmental Lands Program has used the property to restore the Banana Creek marsh system, and has completed numerous restoration projects on the land in order to reinstate the hydrologic function of the land.
Due to this environmental restoration, the land makes a great destination for those who enjoy hiking on unpaved trails, biking along roadways and trails, as well as fishing along Lake Hancock. There are picnic facilities that can be used, a Nature Discovery Center and an impressive bird population of bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, and wading birds.
4399 Winter Lake Road (SR 540), Lakeland, FL 33803, 863-534-7377
Hollis Garden
The Hollis Garden is a 1.2-acre botanical garden located in Lakeland that is accessible to all who wish to take in its beauty as admission is free. The garden has a neo-classical theme with several fountains surrounded by lush ferns and tropical flowers. The garden is home to a Koi pong, a limestone grotto as well as a promenade that allows you to walk all the way around the lake.
The garden has over 10,000 different species of plants and flowers and gorgeous views of the Lake Mirror. The garden is named after the Hollis family that donated the 1.2-acre land, and is tended to by the city.
702 E Orange St Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-834-6035
Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
The Florida Southern College is a national historic treasure in terms of architecture. It is one of the ten buildings that Frank Lloyd Wright designed when envisioning a “college of tomorrow,” during the Great Depression. Frank Lloyd Wright believed that traditional college architecture had been a failure and he wanted to use his knowledge of organic architecture to connect the individual structures of a campus together through their environment.
By the time he started his work at the Florida Southern College, Frank Lloyd Wright was world renowned and was considered by many to be the greatest living American architect. The Florida Southern College offers tours, but visitors may also walk through the grounds and admire the architecture at their own pace.
Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, 840 Johnson Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-680-4597
Lake Mirror Park
Lake Mirror Park is a multi-faceted entertainment complex that hosts theatre productions from its amphitheater, has a famous promenade, and caters to seniors with its senior adult activities. The park consists of 2,179-acres, and the lake is often glassy-smooth, hence its name. One of the major draws of the park is its 151 campsites, with 47 of them having electrical hookups for trailers and RVs.
There are also 20 campsites that can accommodate large groups, and a 200-foot swimming beach is adjacent to a picnic ground. The park also has hiking trails, skiing trails, and mountain biking trails, plus there are many amenities designed for those who need wheelchair accessibility.
121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-834-2280
Common Ground Park
Common Ground Park is an all-inclusive playground that is designed around encouraging children and adults of all levels and abilities to enjoy one another’s company through interaction. The playground offers an educational and interactive environment that goes above and beyond to provide social inclusion and cooperative play for all who decide to visit.
Common Ground serves the community by providing a facility for those who need accessible playgrounds that are non-traditional. By up keeping and improving the facilities from year to year, Common Ground consistently improves the quality of life experiences of those who have disabilities that prevent them from using traditional playgrounds. In addition to maintaining the park, scholarships are offered to children from low-income families so that they may take part in educational and recreational activities.
1000 E Edgewood Dr., Lakeland, FL 33803, 863-834-2233
Lake Hollingsworth
Lake Hollingsworth was named after John Henry Hollingsworth who lived in the area during the nineteenth century. This large urban lake is one of Lakeland’s center pieces and focal points. The lake is perfect for social gatherings and is home to the annual Orange Cup Regatta as well as many marathons throughout the year.
Along the perimeter of the lake there is a walking trail, where people can exercise, relax, or take photographs of the wildlife and gorgeous views.
The lake is well-known for its excellent bird sightings, and is home to some of the most prestigious historic landmarks such as the Lakeland Yacht Club and the Florida Southern College.
920 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801
The Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun
The Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun was first envisioned during the 1980’s, when the founding director wanted to provide a year-round educational, historic presence for aviation enthusiasts. The museum started off as a mini-museum that appeared in the corner of Hangar A, but soon grew to become a full fledged museum in 1991, when the City of Lakeland approved funding for the construction of the current museum.
The museum offers educational programs throughout the year for those who are interested in aviation and aerospace discovery. Moreover, the museum has dynamic displays set up to offer insight into different types of planes including war birds, ultra-lights, classics, and one-of-a-kind designs.
4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland, FL 33811, 863-644-2431
Polk Theatr
The Polk Theatr has a history-rich past, being built during the golden age prior to WWII and the stock market crash. The Polk Theatre was opened in 1928 and notable performances over the years including Elvis Presley, Glenn Miller, Tom Mix, and Gene Krupa, until it began to suffer during the Great Depression. The Polk survived the 1930s and stayed operational until the 1980s, when a group of citizens banded together and purchased the theatre.
The theatre now runs on donations and grants only, employs volunteers, and has multiple events per year including fundraisers and performing art events. The Polk can be rented for private parties, weddings, events, corporate functions, photography shoots, and film screenings.
121 South Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-682-7553
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille was originally founded by Greg and Louis Saig with a store featuring a limited raw bar menu and around twenty stools. The first items on the menu were influenced by a couple of guys from Louisiana by chance, and the unique ingredients and bold flavors made an impression on the menu development that can still be seen on the menu today. In addition to the “Bourbon Street Favorites,” the menu at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille includes a variety of starters, soups and salads, handhelds, signature dishes like the Crab Crusted Redfish Royale, seafood, steak, and chicken dishes.
101 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-686-2228
Florida Children's Museum
The Florida Children's Museum in Lakeland was founded in 1991 and is the only hands-on museum in the Polk County Region. The museum is dedicated to providing an educational and cultural experience for both children and families. The museum is home to three floors of kid-powered exhibits and programs that are interactive and are designed in helping children from Pre-K through 5th grade.
There are over twenty different exhibits across the three floor museum, plus there are in-house programs that aim at promoting skills needed for academic readiness and advancement in problem solving, self-control, creative expression, and fine and gross motor skills. The museum has won many awards throughout the last decade, and caters to more than 40,000 annually.
109 North Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801-5044, 863-687-3869, Video
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Safari Wilderness Ranch allows visitors to experience a natural habitat, where the exotic herds roam freely across 260-acres of pristine wilderness. All safari vehicles are fitted with shade canopies and stadium seating so that everyone can enjoy the adventure. Visitors can choose what adventure they would like to take part in, either by safari vehicle or by camelback.
From ring-tailed lemurs, to African Watusi to Irish Dexter cattle, the Safari Wilderness Ranch has some amazing wetland exotic species. In order to preserve the watershed, the ranch restricts how many visitors are allowed as the area is sensitive. Come take part in an educational journey that will allow you to learn about Florida’s natural history.
10850 Moore Rd., Lakeland, FL 33809, 813-382-2120
Holloway Park
Holloway Park sits on 250-acres of the total 330-acre land, which was primarily mined for phosphate prior to becoming a park that aims at preserving the lands. The park has endless opportunities for adventure for those who enjoy being out in nature. Jogging, hiking, photography, and bird watching are the most popular activities. Guided tours are offered on a regular basis.
You can take your own self-guided tours and use the facilities that are on the land. The park has room for 1,200-1,500 cars, and can attract large numbers of people for large outdoor events including cross-country meets.
2402 Holloway Park Dr., Lakeland, FL 33812, 863-899-6569
Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek State Park has over twelve miles of gorgeous multi-use trails that visitors can use for biking purposes, hiking adventures, and even horse-back riding. All of the trails will take you through cypress domes, past open pastures, and through the pine flat woods that make up the majority of the forest. The wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bobcats, otters, bald eagles, and Bluebirds.
Additionally, you may find that you see a lot of butterflies and birds as there are 150 bird species and 79 butterfly species. Fishing is available during the day at three different lakes. There are six different fish species including bluegill, shell-cracker, sunshine bass, bream, catfish, and largemouth bass. There are also primitive group camping areas for people to use but they require a reservation.
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399, 850-245-2157
Lake Morton Historic District
The Lake Morton Historic District offers residents a unique place to live. The districts are located primarily around the south and east portions of Lake Morton and just north of Lake Hollingsworth.
What makes living here a unique experience for residents is the historical elements and architectural integrity that was built into these houses. The development of these neighborhoods was done mostly during the 1920s, although the construction did begin around 1906. The neighborhoods have gorgeous views of rolling topography, pleasant shorelines, and beautiful vistas not seen regularly in Florida.
Post Office Box 1362, Lakeland, FL 33802-1362
Gator Creek Reserve
The Gator Creek Reserve is one of the most popular hiking areas in Polk County and allows visitors to explore the Green Swamp’s edge along a series of trail loops, including one paved loop trail. Landscapes within the reserve include marshes dotted with slightly elevated areas, hardwood forests, and cypress swamps. Encompassing approximately 2,700 acres, the Gator Creek Reserve offers both short and long walks through a number of different habitats. Biking through the trails is popular among local visitors as well. The reserve also has a covered large picnic area that’s available as first come, first serve.
9725 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809, 863-534-7377
Lake Tenoroc
Lake Tenoroc is located two miles northeast of Lakeland and is known as a gateway for the Great Florida Birding Trail. The lake has amazing bird watching opportunities, including the ability to see wading birds, waterfowl, raptors, as well as songbirds who stop by the lake during their migration periods. The lake is also a hot spot for bass fishing, which can be done via fly-fishing, bank fishing, and via fishing teams.
For visitors who are looking for recreational activities, fishing is the main attraction of the lake, but there are numerous wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking and horseback riding options, a shooting range as well as paddling via canoes and kayaks available.
Family Fun Center
Family Fun Center in Lakeland, Florida is a popular destination for family entertainment and fun and features the Funtasia Play Area, laser tag, miniature golf, arcade games, video games, and more. Adventure Golf, the center’s 18-hole mini-golf course, provides a challenging miniature golf experience with a natural pond featuring a waterfall, beautiful landscaping, and undulating terrain. Family Fun Center’s Vault Assault Laser Maze Challenge invites players to balance, jump, and crawl their way through “lasers” to get across the room. There’s also the Urban Attack Laser Tag experience boasting more than 2,220 square feet of laser tag space.
4825 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813, 863-644-1728
Lakeland Highlands Scrub
A conservation area of more than 550 acres at one time was surrounded by water, Lakeland Highlands Scrub is a unique park in Florida’s Polk County, found in south Lakeland. The area is home to one of the Lakeland Ridge’s largest undeveloped scrub properties, part of severa; elevated sandy ridges along “peninsular Florida’s” backbone. There are multiple longer multi-use trails in the Lakeland Highlands Scrub that loop and cross through basin swamp, marshlands, pine flatwoods, and open dry prairie, as well as the half-mile Shady Oak Trail. Other amenities for visitors include parking areas, restrooms, and two covered picnic shelters.
6998 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813, 863-534-7377
Lakeland Escape Room
Located in downtown Lakeland, Lakeland Escape Room offers live-action escape room experiences with several different challenges designed for small groups. Players in the escape room games are “locked” in a themed room featuring hidden clues that participants will need to use to figure out a way to escape within the allotted time, completing a blend of puzzle and scavenger hunt. Independently owned by self-proclaimed escape room enthusiasts Andrew and Ana Gillespie, Lakeland Escape Room was opened in 2016 after the couple visited escape rooms all over the country and around the world. Andrew and Ana created each room themselves.
308 E Pine St, Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-450-3232
