Attractions and Places To See around Lakeland Highlands - Top 6

Lakeland Highlands offers a blend of natural beauty. You can explore the 551-acre Lakeland Highlands Scrub, which features diverse habitats and trails like the Tortoise Trail and Shady Oak Trail. The region is also known for its rolling terrain, part of the Lakeland Ridge. Additionally, the broader Lakeland area boasts numerous lakes, including Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Mirror, which are popular for outdoor activities.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Circle B Bar Reserve offers 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) of unpaved hiking trails through natural areas. Within Lakeland Highlands itself, the Lakeland Highlands Scrub provides two main trails: the 2.2-mile Tortoise Trail and the 0.6-mile Shady Oak Trail. For more options, you can explore various easy hikes listed in the Easy hikes around Lakeland Highlands guide.

The Lakeland Highlands area is excellent for bird watching. The Circle B Bar Reserve is renowned for its diverse bird species, including white ibis, roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles. You can also visit the Bird observation gazebo along the shoreline of Lake Hancock to spot herons and ibis. Lake Morton is another great spot, often frequented by blue herons, black-necked swans, and wood storks.

For running and cycling, Lake Hollingsworth is a popular choice, featuring a roughly 3-mile paved loop trail. The Circle B Bar Reserve also offers unpaved trails suitable for both hiking and biking. You can find more detailed routes and guides for these activities in the Running Trails around Lakeland Highlands and Cycling around Lakeland Highlands guides.

Yes, many attractions in the Lakeland area are family-friendly. The Circle B Bar Reserve and Lake Hollingsworth are great for outdoor family excursions. Beyond the immediate Highlands, the Florida Children's Museum offers interactive galleries, and the Common Ground Playground is an inclusive play area. For a unique experience, consider the Safari Wilderness Ranch, home to over 50 species of animals.

The broader Lakeland area offers several cultural and historical sites. Florida Southern College is home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The Polk Museum of Art provides diverse art collections with free admission. You can also explore the historic Munn Park Historic District in downtown Lakeland or experience a nostalgic movie night at the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre.

The cooler, drier months from late fall through early spring (roughly November to April) are generally the best time to visit Lakeland Highlands for outdoor activities. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable for hiking, running, and cycling, and wildlife viewing is often excellent. Summer months can be hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Absolutely. The Lakeland Highlands area is rich in wildlife. The Circle B Bar Reserve is a prime location to spot alligators, bobcats, river otters, and various bird species. The Lakeland Highlands Scrub is known for gopher tortoises and wading birds. Many of the local lakes, including Lake Morton, also host a variety of birdlife.

While specific accessibility details for all trails vary, paved paths like the loop around Lake Hollingsworth are generally more accessible. The Florida Children's Museum in Lakeland also features a sensory-friendly space designed for inclusive play. It's always recommended to check specific venue websites for detailed accessibility information.

After exploring the natural beauty of Lakeland Highlands, you can head to downtown Lakeland for various dining and relaxation options. The Munn Park Historic District offers shops and restaurants. A modern option is The Joinery, a food hall in downtown Lakeland with local vendors, craft cocktails, and outdoor patio seating, perfect for unwinding.

For unique viewpoints, visit the Bird observation gazebo or the Gazebo along the trail, both located along the shoreline of Lake Hancock. These spots offer picturesque views over the water and opportunities for bird watching. The trails around Lake Hollingsworth also provide magnificent views of the water from all angles.