Location: Bartow
Top Things to do in Bartow
The 9 Best Things to do in Bartow, Florida (FL)
Bartow (/ˈbɑːrtoʊ/ BAR-toh) is the county seat of Polk County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1851 as Fort Blount, the city was renamed in honor of Francis S. Bartow, the first brigade commander of the Confederate Army to die in combat during the American Civil War. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census, the city had a population of 15,340 and an estimated population of 16,959 in 2009. It is part of the Lakeland−Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 584,383 in 2009. As of 2016, the mayor of Bartow is Trish Pfeiffer.
Restaurants in Bartow
1. L. B. Brown house
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By steveaD310JW
You must call ahead to arrange a visit. Our guide, Mr. Lewis was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He spent spent 90 minutes giving us a tour of the house and recounting Mr. L. B. Brown’s life history. The house was built in 1882 and contains many interesting items.
2. Wonder House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 227 reviews
Wonder House tours can only be booked online in advance by going to our website. Please note that the Wonder House is a private residence and we cannot sell tickets at the door.
Reviewed By terrypT7516FB - Cape Canaveral, United States
Absolutely amazing. To be honest, I didn't expect much, being a Florida native and never having heard of the place. I hate the theme parks and figured this is one of those "feed the lazy gator" deals. After a two-hour drive, my family & I (with a couple 20+ year olds) were stunned. Drew & Kris are involved in an absolutely fantastic journey renovating a fascinating piece of Florida history from the 1920's. And Drew's telling of the history of the house left us agape. Were I a younger man (& not two-hours away), I'd love to help Drew with the reconstruction. I'll not list out the inventor's devices & genius; that'd spoil the tour some. Instead I'll just say, "You MUST see this House". Drew and Kris will make you feel like family and take you on an amazing intellectual journey that you'll not soon forget. We're still talking about the House and the inventions days after the our tour. Thank you Drew & Kris. (fwiw, a keg and the townies could throw that shed roof up in one day. Piece of cake.)
3. Polk County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
The Polk County Historical Museum collection includes natural and cultural objects related to Polk County and the greater Central Florida area that represent our history from pre-Columbian to present day eras. The artifacts on display at the Museum represent individuals, cultural groups, and events significant to the region. Some artifacts include: Fossils Hand-made Personal Objects Clothing Art Tools Agricultural Equipment Military Objects Communication Objects Household and Science Objects Admission is Free.
Reviewed By Arielfl - Coconut Creek, United States
The Polk County History Center is located in the historic 1908 Courthouse located on Main Street in Bartow. I love this trend of turning these historic courthouses into history museums when their cities outgrow the space. These old courthouses are designed in an elegant Neoclassical design. They also made courthouses into museums in Orlando and West Palm Beach. The 1908 courthouse in Bartow served as the Polk County Courthouse from 1908 until 1987. In 1988 the building was turned into the Polk County History Center and Genealogical Research Library. In 1989 the courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission to the museum is free and there is free street parking. You start your self guided tour with a video exhibition guide. The museum has 11 permanent and four temporary galleries over two floors.On the first floor is a gift shop and 7 galleries that cover history from the pioneers to the industrialists. Displays include what school was like at the turn of the century, early 1900's women's fashion, World Series championships, area landmarks, fishing, lost attractions, historic Dixie Hwy, Publix, Coke a Cola, trains, the citrus industry, cattle ranching, pioneers, and African-Americans in early Polk County. On the second floor there are two restored courtrooms, one from 1908 and one from 1926, the genealogical library, displays about Polk County's military history and the paleo Indians including, a dugout canoe from 400-570 AD, an arts and culture gallery, and displays about women's suffrage, In the temporary gallery they were having a quilt exhibit. I love that the courthouse is rumored to be haunted. A lady in white has been reported on the second and third floors and screams have been heard in the basement. Some guests have reported cold spots. As you walk around the galleries it is not too difficult to imagine that this building is haunted. I had a very nice time exploring the museums collection of fossils, clothing, military relics, and household items. The Polk County History Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. This is a really great museum with a wide range of items s that will appeal to everyone and it's free. Come out and learn about the history of Polk County and Florida's heritage.
4. Mary Holland Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By PolkPeasent
This is such a lovely park in Bartow. You can walk around and feel like you have a ton of space. It is clean and a nice place to relax or have a picnic. There are alligators in the water...just like every other place in Florida.
5. Luster All African American Heritage Museum
6. Fort Fraser Trail
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 17 reviews
7. Front Page Brewing Company
We are a 10bbl microbrewery in the heart of Historic Downtown Bartow in Central Florida, conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando off Hwy 60. Come visit our spacious taproom with 20 taps always serving up something for everyone. Craft beer, craft cider, wine and non-alcoholic beverages always available!
8. Mosaic Peace River Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
9. Bartow Golf Course
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
