Lakeland Florida Area Attractions

Central Florida is one of the world's premier tourist attractions. Lakeland is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, which makes it the perfect location for residents and visitors. All of the thrilling attractions such as Walt Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, Sea World and Busch Gardens are easily accessible. Spaceport USA at the Kennedy Space Center and the Daytona Speedway are also nearby.

Polk County Florida is centrally located and has affordable lodging and vacation homes. Polk County is ranked No. 16 golfing community by Golf Digest Magazine. More information about golf in Polk County can be found at PolkCountyGolf.com Golf Digest also ranks Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club as the 6th Best Golf Course in Florida and it is located right here in Polk County.

Famous performers and Broadway-style shows can be seen at The Lakeland Center and the newly renovated Polk Theatre. A host of family attractions can be found right downtown, among them unique restaurants, shops, museums and theaters.

If you are fascinated with the world of aviation, Lakeland has a lot to offer. The Sun 'n Fun Museum 863/644-2431 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) houses a great variety of home-built and sports aircraft. Warplane jet engines and other aircraft memorabilia are featured, along with special selections from the Howard Hughes aircraft collection. The Sun 'n Fun Museum is located on property adjacent to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

Fantasy of Flight 863/984-3500 gives visitors the chance to operate the controls of World War II fighter flight simulators and try aerial dogfights, in addition to a host of other immersion-type experiences. Located in Polk City, about 30 minutes from Lakeland, this museum is the proud home of the world's largest private collection of 30 vintage aircraft.

In the heart of downtown Lakeland, Explorations V Children's Museum 863/687-3869 provides hands-on learning opportunities that let children and parents alike explore the senses. Children can act out the roles of doctors, bankers, pilots, reporters, firefighters and grocers or "Reach for the Stars" in a mock space shuttle that challenges dexterity skills. Additional activities include a fairy tale cottage, "People of the Seven Continents" series and a create-your-own puppet show.

The largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright's ingenious architectural accomplishments is found at Lakeland's Florida Southern College 863/680-4116. Tourists from around the world come to marvel at the 12-structure "Child of the Sun" collection of Wright's work. A permanent exhibition of photos, drawings and correspondence relating to Wright's association with FSC is available for viewing in the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Information Center. The college is located on the north shore of Lake Hollingsworth.

Cypress Gardens 863/324-2111 or 800-237-4826 is a 223-acre family entertainment park, which has beautiful, year-round botanical gardens and is famous for the world's longest running water ski shows. Other features of Cypress Gardens are its ice skating review with top figure skaters, an acrobatic/trained animal variety act, a butterfly conservatory and a 153-foot tower known as "Island in the Sky." Lake Eloise, which borders Cypress Gardens, creates a pleasant setting for the park in Winter Haven.

Visit Historic Bok Sanctuary 863/676-1408 to gaze up at an iron and marble "singing tower" -named for its 57 carillon bells. Also found in this 128-acre paradise are spectacular flowering plants and exotic birds and wildlife. Historic Bok Sanctuary is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes the Tower and Garden Gift Shop and the Carillon Café.

Finally, for a mysterious experience, travel to Spook Hill and sit back while your vehicle rolls backwards uphill from a neutral position! Local legends speak of Indian ghosts in the area as well. Spook Hill has free admission and is near the main access road that leads to Historic Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales.

Florida Attractions News