Experience Bartow & Polk County, Florida!

Welcome to Polk County, Florida! Located in the heart of the state, this charming county is known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and family-friendly attractions. With its small-town charm and big-city amenities, Polk County has something to offer for everyone.

The county seat is the city of Bartow, known for its historic courthouse and downtown district. But Polk County is much more than just Bartow. The county encompasses a variety of unique communities, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City, each with its own distinct personality and attractions.

Our Top Ten Local Destinations:

1. Bok Tower Gardens: Located in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is a stunning nature preserve and bird sanctuary. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, listen to live carillon concerts, and enjoy panoramic views from the top of the tower. https://boktowergardens.org/

2. LEGOLAND Florida Resort: LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a theme park located in Winter Haven that's perfect for families with young children. The park features rides, shows, and attractions based on the popular LEGO toy brand. https://www.legoland.com/florida/

3. Circle B Bar Reserve: Circle B Bar Reserve is a 1,267-acre nature reserve located in Lakeland. Visitors can hike on nature trails, go birdwatching, or kayak on the lake. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators and bald eagles. https://polknature.com/circle-b-bar-reserve/

4. Fantasy of Flight: Fantasy of Flight is an aviation museum located in Polk City. Visitors can see vintage aircraft, take a biplane ride, and learn about the history of flight. https://fantasyofflight.com/

5. Frank Lloyd Wright's Florida Southern College: Florida Southern College in Lakeland is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the campus and learn about Wright's architectural legacy. https://www.flsouthern.edu/frank-lloyd-wright.aspx

6. Safari Wilderness Ranch: Safari Wilderness Ranch is a wildlife preserve located in Lakeland. Visitors can take a guided safari tour and see a variety of exotic animals, including antelopes, zebras, and water buffalo. https://safariwilderness.com/

7. Hollis Garden: Hollis Garden is a beautiful botanical garden located in downtown Lakeland. The garden has over 10,000 flowers and plants, as well as fountains and sculptures. https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/parks-recreation/hollis-garden/

8. Ridge Island Groves: Ridge Island Groves is a citrus farm and gift shop located in Haines City. Visitors can take a tour of the farm, sample fresh citrus fruit, and shop for local souvenirs. https://ridgeislandgroves.com/

9. Historic Bok Sanctuary: The Historic Bok Sanctuary is a National Historic Landmark located in Lake Wales. The sanctuary features a historic mansion, gardens, and a carillon tower. Visitors can take a guided tour and enjoy live carillon concerts. https://boktowergardens.org/visit/historic-bok-sanctuary/

10. Polk Museum of Art: The Polk Museum of Art is a museum located in Lakeland that features a collection of over 2,500 works of art. The museum has a variety of exhibitions and programs for visitors of all ages. https://polkmuseumofart.org/

We hope this list of our top ten local destinations inspires you to explore all that Polk County has to offer. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, there's something for everyone here.

In addition to the attractions listed above, Polk County is also home to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Florida Orange Festival, the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, and the Central Florida Highland Games.

If you're looking for a taste of local flavor, be sure to check out Polk County's thriving agriculture and culinary scene. Polk County is known for its citrus groves, cattle ranches, and farm-to-table restaurants serving up fresh, local ingredients.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, Polk County is a wonderful place to call home. We invite you to explore this vibrant and welcoming community and discover all that makes it such a special place to be.