Polk County’s Top Attractions – Must Sees

Top Attractions in Polk County, Central Florida

Must Sees & Top Attractions

in Central Florida's Polk County

Don't miss Polk County's top attractions. These memorable places are sure to impress, whether you're looking for authentic, Old Florida fun or modern adventures to delight the whole family. Spend a day at Florida's first theme park, let your imagination soar at our museums and aviation-based attractions, and explore some of our 554 lakes by motorboat, canoe, airboat or -- in true Central Florida style -- on water skis. Admire everything from perfectly manicured, blooming gardens to untamed stretches of wilderness. Polk County offers the best of Florida's man-made and natural attractions.

	Bok Tower Gardens Find an oasis of serenity and beauty atop the sanctuary's "Iron Mountain," the highest point in peninsular Florida. Explore 128 acres of colorful gardens surrounding the park's signature 205-foot marble and coquina carillon tower. Listen for the soothing chimes of the carillon as you tour the grounds, including the historic Pinewood Estate. more

	Fantasy of Flight Aviation Attraction This fascinating attraction brings you back to a time when flight was first a novelty and then a means to win a war. Marvel at a B-17 bomber and more than 40 other vintage aircraft, go flying in a flight simulator or take a real ride on a hot-air balloon or bi-plane (seasonal). Watch your imagination soar. more

	Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright came to Lakeland in 1938 to create a "great educational temple" in Florida. He designed 18 structures for Florida Southern College to resemble buildings rising "out of the ground…and into the sun." Twelve were built, and you can admire them on a self-guided tour or, on Thursdays, a docent-lead tour. more

	Old Florida Heritage: Cow Camps & More Venture back to a time when Central Florida was a wide-open wilderness. At Lake Kissimmee State Park's Cow Camp near Lake Wales, learn about 1800s cattle ranching and see the real descendents of Spanish explorers' livestock (camp open weekends and holidays). At the Polk County Historical Museum in Bartow, experience Native American life and Cracker culture. Kids can look for fossils in the museum's rock wall and play in a pioneer house. more

	Florida Air Museum at Sun n' Fun Aviation history reaches new heights with this collection of rare aircraft, artifacts and memorabilia. See one-of-a-kind designs, classics, experimental/homebuilts, antiques, warbirds, ultra-lights and displays on sport aviation. The Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, held each April, is one of the largest aviation conventions of its kind. more

	Arts & Culture Bridging the historic and modern, the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland features everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art as recent as six months old. Lakeland's historic Polk Theatre, built in the 1920s as a vaudeville/movie house, now shows films. The ornate, Mediterranean-style interior is crowned with a starry ceiling that creates a sunrise/sunset effect. Nearby, Theatre Winter Haven hosts over 100 performances each year. more

	Nature's Glory: Parks & Wildlife With 36 parks and more than 250 bird species, Polk County is a natural paradise. Explore the area's parklands and preserves, visit the nature centers and hike or bike the many miles of trails to enjoy authentic natural Florida. Along the way, look for native creatures such as bobcats, raccoons, deer and alligators, along with hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds. more

	Watersports Dive into the world of water-skiing at Polk City's American Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum. After visiting, you'll be ready to get out on the water - and you'll find plenty of ways to do just that. On the area's 554 lakes, you can water-ski, rent a boat, take a wild airboat ride or settle back for some sightseeing on a nature cruise. And don't miss fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill and more on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. more

	Culinary Delights in Central Florida If you're ready to indulge, historic Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales serves a six-course dinner including Soup Romaine®, which was served on Apollo space flights. For a casual, mouthwatering meal, try Peebles Bar-BQ in Auburndale, a local favorite for over 50 years. At Lang's Taste of Florida Restaurant in Lake Alfred, fall in love with the famous Grapefruit Pie. And take a jug of fresh-squeezed juice for the road. Before you go, be sure to eat at one of the many area restaurants where you can dine lakeside in true Central Florida style. more