Highlands County: Nature, Lakes and Motorsports

Highlands County brings together abundant wildlife, lakes, culture and motorsports. To plan your trip, you might start by considering which of these aspects interests you most: your visit could focus on nature trails and wildlife watching, the history of small towns, or events at Sebring International Raceway.

Nature, Lakes and Trails

Highlands Hammock State Park is home to more rare and endemic species than any other state park in Florida. The park’s Civilian Conservation Corps Museum also explores history, sharing information about the Great Depression and the young men who built Florida’s eight CCC parks. Nature and history are side by side here, so you don’t have to choose separate destinations to experience both.

Highlands County Parks & Recreation also maintains 45 sites. Another notable natural destination is Lake Istokpoga: the lake covers 27,692 acres, offers good largemouth bass fishing, and has one of the highest catch rates for largemouth bass in the state. Public boat ramps are located on the north, northeast and southwest shores. Since public access can change, check local conditions before you go. At the boat ramp area on Cow House Road, anglers can wade into the water to fish.

The Sebring area is characterized by gently rolling hills, orange groves and charming small towns. There are nearly 100 clear lakes, suitable for fishing, boating, water skiing and sailing. Sun ‘N Lake Preserve is a 1,350-acre wildlife sanctuary in Sebring. The Sun ‘N Lake Preserve Trail is suitable for hiking and biking. Trail directions and access points can change; check local information in advance.

A six-mile paved route runs north to south, connecting downtown Sebring with South Florida State College in Avon Park. For planning purposes, its length, direction and both endpoints are specified. The route description and its access points can change; check the information before you set out.

Learn About and Experience Nature

Archbold Biological Station offers scheduled tours and talks, as well as self-guided nature trails. Schedules may change, so check current plans before visiting. The station’s Frances Archbold Hufty Learning Center complements your visit with exhibits and educational resources on natural history.

School visits to Archbold Biological Station typically include a guided nature tour, wildlife watching or examining animal tracks, a live snake presentation and a visit to the weather station. Since school programs can change, plan around the activities being offered at the time.

Culture and Stories of the Towns

Nearly 50 murals can be explored by car or on foot in historic downtown Lake Placid. The Lake Placid Mural Gallery is located in the Chamber Building at 18 Oak Avenue and shows a nine-minute film about the Mural Society. Gallery visiting arrangements may change; check before your visit. The Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum uses the original railroad depot and exhibits to preserve the stories, artifacts and traditions of Lake Placid.

The Museum of Florida Art and Culture opened in 2001 as a showcase for Florida’s art, history and culture. The Children’s Museum of the Highlands offers children ages 1 to 12 hands-on learning through interactive exhibits and ongoing programs. Since programs can change, check what’s currently on offer before visiting.

Motorsports and Seasonal Experiences

Sebring International Raceway was developed from a former World War II military airfield and is North America’s oldest continuously operating road racing circuit. It hosts races, private track rentals and test drives; the Skip Barber Racing School is also offered there. These specific offerings can change. If motorsports are part of your travel plans, check current event dates and offerings in advance.

The Caladium Festival is a summer tradition in the Sebring area. It includes a guided bus tour through caladium fields led by a caladium grower. Tour arrangements may vary from year to year. Plan your visit with the festival program for that year in mind.

Discover more destinations: Lake Placid, Avon Park, Sebring, Hillsborough, Liberty, Alachua, Madison County, Manatee.

For the overall travel guide: Florida.