Discover Lake Placid

Lake Placid is located along Route 27 and brings together nature-focused attractions with a distinctive local and artistic history. Its defining landscape features include 27 freshwater lakes and Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park, which is primarily scrubland. Large-scale murals, local societies and a community market are also part of the town’s character. Lake Placid therefore offers several specific themes for a trip: lakeshores and protected landscapes, trails for outdoor activity, or the history of local art and institutions.

Lakes, scrubland and trails

Lake Placid has 27 freshwater lakes. A different landscape can be found at Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park, located in Lake Placid, covering 845 acres and consisting primarily of scrubland. The park protects sand scrub, one of Florida’s most endangered natural communities. This brings two distinct landscape themes into focus: freshwater lakes and the protection of sand scrub. Visitors who want to experience the natural landscape on a hike can find white sandy trails through the scrubland in the park.

The opportunities for outdoor activity also vary by location. Devane Park has a loop trail for walking and jogging. Lake June Park has a boat ramp and a beach area on Lake June. The nearby Lake Placid Scrub Tract has hiking trails, and visitors can also fish from the lakeshore there. This makes it easy to distinguish between the specific activities: a loop trail at Devane Park, facilities at Lake June, or trails and lakeshore fishing at the Scrub Tract.

Archbold Biological Station is eight miles south of Lake Placid. The station is also open to the general public. Guided tours and presentations are available for groups. Unlike the trails through the scrubland, these tours and presentations are specifically offered to groups.

Murals and local history

The Lake Placid Mural Society was founded in 1992. Lake Placid’s historic outdoor art gallery features more than 47 larger-than-life murals. A mural tour book costs $4, including tax, and is available at the Visitor’s Center and many locations in Lake Placid. The large-scale murals give the town a distinctive cultural focus, and the tour book is another practical resource for exploring them.

Another cultural thread leads to Toby’s Clown Foundation and School. Its first clown course was completed in 1993. The organization also has a collection of more than 700 pieces of clown memorabilia. The focus here is on the history of clown instruction and a clearly defined themed collection, offering a different perspective from the murals.

The Lake Placid Historical Society was founded in 1982 and is dedicated to preserving the stories, artifacts and traditions of Lake Placid. Its mission focuses on the town’s broader history and complements the specific connections to art and clowns with the preservation of local heritage.

Community market in Lake Placid

The Lake Placid Farmers Market is a community market featuring local artisans, ranchers, farmers and specialty vendors. Alongside the natural and cultural attractions, a range of local people and businesses are also part of the town’s character.

Discover more destinations: Avon Park, Sebring.

For the broader travel overview: Highlands County.