Attractions and Places To See around Lakeland - Top 16

Lakeland offers several popular natural attractions. You can visit Willow Falls, a beautiful waterfall in Willow River State Park, known for its multiple drops and accessible hiking trails. The Saint Croix River Viewpoint provides elevated views of the river and surrounding forest. Additionally, the Frozen Lake at Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a popular spot for hikers, offering diverse trails through lakes, wetlands, and forests.

Yes, Lakeland is rich in historical and architectural landmarks. The Stillwater Lift Bridge, a historic vertical-lift bridge built in 1931, is now repurposed for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, offering scenic views of the St. Croix River. You can also explore the Florida Southern College, which boasts the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, including the iconic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and Water Dome. The Munn Park Historic District also showcases Lakeland's history with charming historic buildings.

Near Lakeland's attractions, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The area is excellent for hiking and running. For specific routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Lakeland or find an Easy hike around Lakeland. Many trails offer scenic views, such as those around Willow Falls or Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Absolutely! Many attractions in Lakeland are family-friendly. The Stillwater Lift Bridge and St. Croix Crossing Bridge are great for walks or bike rides with scenic views. Willow Falls in Willow River State Park is also accessible via well-maintained trails suitable for families. Beyond these, Bonnet Springs Park offers playgrounds and the Florida Children's Museum, providing interactive exhibits for kids of all ages.

Lakeland offers several excellent viewpoints. The Saint Croix River Viewpoint provides elevated views of the river and forest. Both the Stillwater Lift Bridge and the St. Croix Crossing Bridge offer sweeping views of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway from their pedestrian paths and scenic overlooks.

Lakeland has a vibrant cultural scene. You can visit the Polk Museum of Art, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum featuring diverse collections. The historic Polk Theatre, opened in 1928, showcases Mediterranean-inspired design and hosts various performances. For aviation enthusiasts, the Florida Air Museum at Lakeland Linder International Airport displays unique aircraft.

Yes, Lakeland provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially in its natural reserves and lakes. Circle B Bar Reserve is a prime destination known for abundant wildlife, including alligators and bald eagles, with miles of scenic trails. Lake Hollingsworth is a bird sanctuary where you can spot various aquatic birds, and Lake Morton is famous for its iconic swans.

Beyond the popular lakes and reserves, Lakeland features unique natural elements like the gorge at Willow Falls, which was restored after a dam removal. The city is also home to 38 named lakes, each offering distinct natural beauty and opportunities for bird watching and outdoor enjoyment.

Yes, hiking and walking are popular activities. The Stillwater Lift Bridge is part of a loop trail connecting to the new St. Croix Crossing Bridge, perfect for a scenic stroll. Willow Falls is easily accessed via well-maintained hiking trails in Willow River State Park. For more options, check out the Hiking around Lakeland guide.

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic views and the unique experience offered by Lakeland's bridges. The Stillwater Lift Bridge is appreciated for its historical significance and the opportunity to walk or cycle over a rare vertical-lift bridge. The St. Croix Crossing Bridge is loved for its exhilarating, sweeping views of the St. Croix River valley from its pedestrian and bicycle path.

Lakeland boasts beautiful urban parks and gardens. Hollis Garden, adjacent to Lake Mirror, is a meticulously landscaped botanical garden with over 10,000 flowers, shrubs, and themed sections. Bonnet Springs Park is a 168-acre urban-nature park offering scenic trails, gardens, and interactive exhibits, blending nature, science, and culture.

The Southgate Shopping Center Sign, built in 1957, is an iconic landmark that transformed the Polk County skyline. It gained significant fame from its appearance in the classic film 'Edward Scissorhands,' making it a recognizable piece of Lakeland's pop culture history.