The Detroit Tigers annual trip to Lakeland, Florida for Spring Training is a great reason to plan a weekend getaway to Lakeland. Their 2025 season begins on February 22nd and runs through March 22nd. Here’s the top 5 things to do while you’re in Lakeland.
Things To Do Before & After A Tigers Spring Training Game
1. Attend Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Our local makers and artisans can be found in downtown Lakeland every Saturday morning, and Farmers Curb Market is something you don’t want to miss. You’ll find art, jewelry, plants, kitchenware and décor, clothing, and accessories. Popular food and beverage vendors include DOU Bakehouse (French macaroons), Krazy Kombucha, Honeycomb Bread Bakers, Greenhouse Acai, and Orlando City Pasta.
2. Walk Around Bonnet Springs Park
Explore and enjoy nature at the ALL-NEW Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, FL. Enjoy the enriching surroundings of this blended urban/natural space at Bonnet Springs Park, situated next to Downtown Lakeland, easily accessible from Tampa, Orlando and Winter Haven.
The former site of the longest railyard in Florida has been carefully converted into a magnificent facility providing unapparelled experiences from nature, the arts, education and wellness. It’s all lovingly created in a way that pays homage to the heritage and natural setting of Lakeland and Polk County.
3. Feed the Swans at Lake Morton
As you tour around charming downtown Lakeland (Swan City), look out for Queen Elizabeth of England’s gift to the City of Lakeland in 1957: a pair of swans. This resulted in the graceful bird becoming a beloved symbol of the city. Drive a loop around Lake Morton, to see the Lakeland Swans – and the other birds and wildlife that make this lake home.
Insider tip: Take quarters if you’d like to feed the swans. Bird feeders (that look like gumball machines) with approved feeder pellets are located around the lake.
4. Take a Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
The largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture is right here in Lakeland, on the campus of Florida Southern College. Book a tour today to see all 13 spectacular buildings on campus. Florida Southern College is only a few miles away from TigerTown.
5. Take a Mural Tour
Nothing screams “vacation” more than a cute photo in front of a freshly painted wall-mural. Lakeland is full of unique and “Instagram-worthy” murals sure to add some color to your feed. Be sure to read our blog post about Instagram worthy murals in Lakeland. Most of the murals we highlight are in the downtown and Dixieland area.
Restaurants Near Lake Morton
Have Breakfast or Lunch in Dixieland
Eat and drink like a local in Dixieland, a Lakeland neighborhood known for cool vintage shops and great food. Grab coffee at Concord Coffee, breakfast or lunch at Good Thyme LKLD, and enjoy brunch or dinner at Cob & Pen. Both restaurants have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
We highly suggest you make time for Born & Bread Bakehouse! This bakery is open on Saturday and has been featured in Food & Wine, USA Today, and Bake Magazine.
Downtown Restaurants
You’ll find plenty of restaurants in the downtown area, including Nineteen61, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, Mitchell’s Coffee House. Revival, on Kentucky Ave., is a fabulous cocktail bar, and we also recommend Cob & Pen or LoveBird – Almost Famous Chicken.
Where to Stay During Spring Training
Looking for a place to stay during your Spring Training vacation? Use the links below to get more information about hotels within just a few miles from TigerTown.
