Exterior image of lakeside Lodge at Streamsong Resort in Central Florida

Fort Meade

Fort Meade is the oldest city in Polk County, dating back to 1849 and the residents are proud historians. Today there are over 150 buildings designated as landmarks and the historical society manages a two-story museum.

This charming community sits along the Peace River, which is part of the Florida Paddling Trail system. While in Fort Meade, you can also find a one-of-a-kind golfing experience, antique tractor pulls, and an annual reenactment of the Battle of Bowlegs Creek.

Our Top 10 Things To Do in Fort Meade

  1. Book a tee time at Streamsong Resort, voted #1 in USA Today’s Top 10 Best Top-Notch Warm Weather Golf Courses in 2015.
  2. Grab your hiking shoes and head to Peace River Hammock, a 42-acre conservation land that borders the meandering Peace River. The 1.5-mile round trip trail consists mostly of large oaks, hickories, and cabbage palms which form a peaceful, shady archway for your hike.
  3. Dine on the day’s fresh catch roasted whole in a stone oven and served with hazelnut pesto and eggplant caponata at SottoTerra, Streamsong Resort’s flagship restaurant. SottoTerra won Florida Trend’s 2014 Golden Spoon Award for Best New Restaurant.
  4. Visit the Historical Society of Fort Meade’s museum to see how life in “real Florida” really was. Stop by Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and Noon.
  5. Launch your kayak or canoe into the Peace River from the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area. The Peace River Blueway flows for 57 miles through south central Florida.
  6. Book a Spa Escape at AcquePietra, the European-style grotto spa at Streamsong Resort. Choose from Tranquility, Rejuvenation or Retreat.
  7. Attend one of Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club’s many events, including the Antique Engine & Tractor “Swap Meet,” the annual Tractor Drive Through the Groves, and Christmas in the Village.
  8. Take a self-guided tour of historic Fort Meade, beginning at the Fort Meade Historical Society.
  9. Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of fishing from the banks of the Peace River at the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area. See if you can find the Native American archaeological sites, registered with the State of Florida, along the river.
  10. Celebrate Polk County’s only Civil War action during Fort Meade’s annual Battle of Bowlegs Creek Heritage Festival. Witness the best accurate and genuine depiction of the “War between the States” and the circumstances and trials that were part of life during the demanding days of April 7th, 1864.

The Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce can provide additional information about the area.

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