Attractions and Places To See in Polk County - Top 20

Polk County offers a variety of outdoor activities, especially for nature lovers and hikers. You can explore the extensive trail system at Circle B Bar Reserve, known for hiking and birdwatching. Lake Kissimmee State Park provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. For longer excursions, the Van Fleet State Trail is a remote rail trail passing through diverse landscapes. You can also find blazed trails at Colt Creek State Park and enjoy the botanical beauty of Hollis Gardens in Lakeland.

Yes, Polk County is home to several family-friendly attractions. The most prominent is LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, a theme park designed for children aged 2 to 12. For outdoor family fun, Circle B Bar Reserve is great for wildlife spotting, and Lake Kissimmee State Park offers various activities. Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland features the Kiwanis Kid's Treehouse and Crenshaw Canopy Walk, perfect for kids.

For natural beauty and wildlife, visit Circle B Bar Reserve, a 1,267-acre preserve ideal for birdwatching and spotting alligators. The Bok Tower Gardens offers tranquil Olmsted-designed gardens and a peaceful retreat for birdwatching. You can also observe various bird species like herons and ibis from the Bird observation gazebo at Lake Hancock. The Lake Wales Ridge is another significant natural feature, home to unique ecosystems and species.

Polk County boasts significant historical and architectural sites. Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark featuring the majestic Singing Tower and historic Pinewood Estate. Florida Southern College in Lakeland houses the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings, offering guided tours. The Polk County History Center in Bartow, located in a historic 1908 courthouse, showcases the region's heritage. The Polk Theatre in Lakeland is also a historic landmark with Mediterranean-inspired architecture.

Beyond historical sites, Polk County offers unique cultural attractions. The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College features diverse collections of contemporary, modern, and pre-Columbian art. The Florida Air Museum at the Aerospace Center for Excellence displays unique aircraft designs and warbirds. You can also explore the Lake Wales History Museum for local history or visit the Central Florida Welcome Center, which houses the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

For scenic walks and bike rides, consider the Van Fleet State Trail, a long rail trail perfect for cycling. The Circle B Bar Reserve has an extensive trail system for hiking and enjoying nature. You can also walk around Lake Hollingsworth or Lake Morton in Lakeland. The Teco Auburndale Trail offers another pleasant route around a lake.

While popular spots are great, consider exploring the unique ecosystems of the Lake Wales Ridge for a less-trodden natural experience. Hollis Gardens in Lakeland offers a beautifully manicured botanical garden with free admission. For a unique animal encounter, Safari Wilderness Ranch provides guided tours to see exotic animals in a natural setting, including camel expeditions and lemur feeding.

Polk County offers a variety of cycling routes. For gravel biking, you can find routes like the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve loop or the Crooked Lake to Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area loop. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the Lake Marion loop or the Fort Fraser Trail and Lake Hollingsworth Loop. Mountain biking trails are also available, including North Creek and Hidden Rivers Loop. You can find more details on these routes in the Gravel biking in Polk County, Road Cycling Routes in Polk County, and MTB Trails in Polk County guides.

Yes, camping is an option. The Town of KICCO Campground is a large primitive campsite located along the Florida National Scenic Trail, by the Kissimmee River. A free permit is required from the South Florida Water Management District to camp there, which can be reserved online at sfwmd.gov/community-residents/recreation/sul.

Polk County is known for its diverse blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and family-friendly entertainment. It's recognized for its expansive wildlife preserves like Circle B Bar Reserve, architectural marvels such as the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings at Florida Southern College, and tranquil botanical gardens like Bok Tower Gardens. The county also hosts major family attractions like LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Yes, for a unique experience with exotic animals, visit Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland. They offer guided safari tours where you can see animals like zebras, water buffalo, and lemurs roaming freely. You can even participate in camel expeditions and lemur feeding.

Polk County is a fantastic destination for birdwatching. Circle B Bar Reserve is highly recommended, home to white ibis, roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles. The Bird observation gazebo at Lake Hancock is another excellent spot to see various species like herons and ibis. Bok Tower Gardens also provides a peaceful setting for observing local birdlife.