Location: Lakeland
Top Things to do in Lakeland
5 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Lakeland That You Shouldn't Miss
Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, located along Interstate 4 east of Tampa. The westernmost city in Polk County, it is part of the Tampa Bay Area. According to the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city had a population of 100,710. Lakeland is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area (coterminous with Polk County), which had an estimated population of 623,009 in July 2013 based on data from the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. It is twinned with Richmond Hill, Ontario; Imabari, Ehime, Japan; Bălți, Moldova; Portmore, Jamaica; and Chongming County, Shanghai, China through the Lakeland chapter of Sister Cities International.
Restaurants in Lakeland
1. Circle B Bar Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 972 reviews
Reviewed By zippyincolumbus
We visited Circle B Bar Reserve on a Sunday right as the busy March tourist season is getting underway. We arrived at 9 am which was good timing- we got a great spot in lot by visitor center (which was closed- maybe because it was Sunday?). By 11:30 the parking lot and trails were very full. It was also a cold morning, so it was good timing for seeing gators, since they don’t like cold or wind much. It was getting warmer out by the time we arrived. We did miss the bobcats though- sounds like you may need to come early to see them. We had a great time and saw all kinds of wildlife- gators (close up and out in the water) bald eagles, osprey (one eating a fish in a tree), ducks, turtles, sand cranes, red shouldered hawks, and way more birds than I can name. The gators do sometimes lay by the path and cross or block the path, so you do want to be on your toes and don’t do anything dumb. Leave them alone and be kind and they will do the same. This was our first visit and we were lucky enough to run into a local who was more than willing to tell us and even show us most of the ropes. We did alligator alley and the marsh trail. Absolutely loved our time! If you love nature or are just looking for an interesting place to walk, don’t miss this FREE stop. We had two 40 somethings who walked 5 miles and two 60 somethings who walked 2.5 miles- we both saw a lot of wildlife!
2. Gator Creek Reserve
3. Holloway Park
4. Se7en Wetlands
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
The City of Lakeland owns and operates Se7en Wetlands, a constructed wetland treatment system, which provides final polishing for all of the City’s treated wastewater. Se7en Wetlands is comprised of over 1,600 acres of marshes, uplands, and lakes. It boasts an outstanding and diverse community of plant and animal species. Visit to learn more about this unique place.
Reviewed By 636jeff - Fredericktown, United States
The history of this place was that it used to be a phosphate mine. Today it is a natural filter for reclaimed water. The fowl and wildlife here are abundant. We saw alligators up close along with many birds and turtles. If you go, be sure to drive to the very end. It can be confusing because the park also has many athletic fields and bike trails.
5. Lakeland Highlands Scrub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By 789jhh - Lakeland, United States
This is a great natural area in Lakeland. With a mix of sandy scrub, marsh, and oak hammock habitats, it has something to interest everyone. We always see gopher tortoises and wading birds at this site, and lots of oak toads in the hammock area. Dogs are allowed, which is a plus!
