Camp Florida at Sunshine RV Resort in Lake Placid Florida

Recreation, Hobbies And Things To Do

There's a lot to do in Lake Placid and Highlands County. We've outlined some of the best below (for dining and shopping, click

Winter Fishing Reports »

Parks & Nature
Hiking and biking can be found all over Lake Placid and the rest of the county. They are creating new multi-use trails all the time. Some of the best places to hike, bike and view wildlife are listed below:
 

Highlands Hammock State Park is an incredible place to visit, and a must see! Wildlife abounds and there is a wide variety of trails - some short and some longer and it's a fabulous place to ride bikes or take a guided tram tour.

Even closer to Lake Placid is Lake June In Winter State Park - right on the shores of Lake June. This is a beautiful park for hiking. There is a family of American Bald Eagles right on the shore in a stand of dead trees, easily visible by boat when approaching the park on Lake June. There is approximately 3 miles of pristine park shoreline on Lake June - and this will prevent development and preserve this area!

Archbold Station is an interesting place to visit to learn about the region's geology and ecology.

Ridge Rangers - Experience the Lake Wales Ridge - explore natural areas, meet new people, gain valuable experience and save species from extinction.

Boating & Fishing
The lakes are the undisputed number one attraction in Highlands County. We've caught many largemouth bass in several of the lakes in Lake Placid. Melissa caught a 7-pounder not two weeks before I wrote this! We catch and release the bass because there is quite a bit of fishing, but many people eat them as well as the excellent and more plentiful pan fish (specks).

There are several public fishing areas in the parks around the lakes. Bishop park is on Lake June Rd. and has great picnic facilities, boat ramps and a good dock and fishing pier. Lake June Ball Fields is a huge park off Deen Blvd. "behind" downtown Lake Placid. There are boat ramps, a swimming beach and a fishing pier. These are just a couple of the many parks found around our lakes. Some, however, such as Placid Lakes Park, are only for residents.

Check out our Lake Chart, which provides more information on most lakes in Lake Placid.

Bait & Tackle (and boats!) can be purchased at:

There are several reputable boat dealers and repair shops on US 27 in Lake Placid.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Purchase Florida Fishing & Hunting Licenses Online

Golf
 

Lake Placid's BIG Events
The Caladium Festival attracts thousands of visitors. Next year, it's on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 27-29, 2004. There are games, crafts, car shows, entertainment, tours of the beautiful caladium fields and much more!

The Holiday Parade has over 100 floats and exhibits - it's really nice and goes right through downtown Lake Placid. Of course, Santa will be along for the ride too.

Fireworks Over Lake June (in July). Celebrate Independence Day by viewing the fireworks that are shot over Lake June from the Lake June Ball field park - we always go by boat and it's fantastic!

Ag-Venture. This September event introduces children young and old to the world of agriculture. For further information contact Danielle or Darlene Phypers at (863) 465-2313 or Judy Brown (863) 655-0123

The Lake Placid Country fair is a great 2-day event in February that attracts over 200 crafters, entertainers and clubs. It's located in DeVane Circle. 2004's event was a GREAT success! MANY people came out to view the craftwork and the weather was beautiful (but a bit nippy at times!).

Other Great Lake Placid Activities
Florida Gardening Resources A good site to find information on plant species, growing, etc.

Florida Native Gardening Provides good information and links for Florida Native Gardening.

Florida Plant information Online
 

Other Great Lake Placid Attractions
Lake Placid Memorial Library is located on the DeVane Circle, at 47 Park Drive. The Library has more than 35,000 items in its collection, including current bestselling books, fiction, nonfiction, videos, DVDs, children's books and magazines and newspapers.

Take the Lake Placid Mural Tour. Thirty-six murals adorn the walls of buildings throughout town, and a lot of these are HUGE! Visit the Mural Society Webpage for more information and a location map.

Lake Placid Aero modelers Club: Visitors are welcome to see radio control planes flying off the runway at our club field in Lake Placid, Fla. Meetings are second Friday of the month, 7:00 PM November to March at Placid Lake's town hall at 2010 Jefferson Ave. For further information call Don Strong at 863- 465- 3503.

Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum is a cute place to visit right downtown near the railroad tracks. It's at: 19 Park Avenue West, Lake Placid, FL 33852 (863) 465-1771

This is actually in Sebring, but the Highlands Little Theatre has Broadway-style plays and dramas on the shore or Lake Jackson. There is also dinner theatre - you should check this out!

Royal Palms Bowling Center has bowling (of course!), pool tables, video games, darts, a snack bar and a bar with big screen TV. It's at: 800 US 27 South, Lake Placid, FL 33852, (863) 699-0925

Placid Lakes Airport has a 4800-foot paved & lit runway (FAA identifier 8X6). There are homes directly off the runway and Key West style townhouses across the street.

Toby's Clown School is a free clown college. It was started by Keith (Toby) Stokes in 1993 who with his many graduates entertain patients at area hospitals. It's located on DeVane Circle. For more information call: (863) 465-4438

Movies
There are no cinemas in Lake Placid, but Sebring has two:

Nearby Attractions/Events