Diverse Natural Communities
Polk County is larger than Rhode Island, which means we are large enough to have many different ecosystems and landscapes. Polk County is a place where in the span of only a few miles you can go from a freshwater marsh on the shores of a lake, to a desert-like scrub habitat complete with prickly pear cactus.
Some of the more distinct natural features to explore in Polk County include Lake Wales Ridge, Floodplain Swamps, Wet Prairie, and Scrubby Flatwoods.
State Parks in Central Florida
Follow blazed trails through our unique landscape at Colt Creek State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park, or Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. All together, these three state parks in Central Florida have over 31-miles of hiking and equestrian trails to explore. Arbuckle WMA and Walk-in-the-Water WMA in the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest has 12.2-miles of equestrian trails and more than 50-miles of hiking trails combined.
County Parks & Reserves
Whether you are interested in seeing ancient beach sand dunes, unique plants and animals, or looking to explore the Green Swamp with its majestic cypress domes, Polk County’s Environmental Lands Program offers visitors many ways to discover Florida’s true nature. The County’s nine parks and reserves include SUMICA, Lakeland Highlands Scrub and Crooked Lake Prairie.
One of our most popular outdoor areas is Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, named as one of “51 Great Places to See Wildlife” by USA Today. This 1,267-acre nature preserve is popular for birding and alligator watching.
Lakeland Highlands Scrub
Lakeland Highlands Scrub protects the largest remaining contiguous tract of the historic Lakeland Ridge and…
Address: 6998 Lakeland Highlands Rd.
Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: 863-534-7377
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park is located on the shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie,…
Address: 14248 Camp Mack Rd
Lake Wales, FL 33898
Phone: 407-624-5640
SUMICA
At SUMICA, a 4,031 acre wilderness preserve, visitors can expect to see Florida wild turkey,…
Address: 14020 Hwy. 60 E
Lake Wales, FL 33898
Phone: 863-534-7377
Walk-In-The-Water Tract at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
6,000 acre property in Frostproof offers opportunities for long hiking excursions, equestrian trails and camping.
Address: State Hwy. 630 E., 6 Miles east of U.S. Hwy 27
Frostproof, FL 33843
Phone: 863-635-8589
Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
The 120-acre Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area provides visitors with a beautiful woodland setting along…
Address: 1639 Frostproof Hwy.
Fort Meade, FL 33841
Phone: 863-285-1111
Ridge Audubon Center
Short hiking trail in Babson Park allows visitors to quickly see a sandhill ecosystem while…
Address: 200 N. Crooked Lake Dr
Babson Park, FL 33827
Phone: 863-638-1355
Crooked Lake Sandhill
Short hiking trail in Babson Park is home to sand skinks, gopher tortoises and eastern…
Address: 801 Hollister Rd.
Babson Park, FL 33827
Phone: 863-534-7377
Street Audubon Center
Street Audubon Center offers two trails running through the 42-acre sanctuary - one along the…
Address: 115 Lameraux Rd
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Phone: 863-324-7304
Holloway Park
Holloway Park is a multi-use park within the city limits of Lakeland. The park is…
Address: 2402 Holloway Park Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-899-6569
