Discover Haines City

Haines City brings together several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: trails in Lake Eva Community Park, a paved trail, golf, water activities, crafts and blueberries. There is also a city history connected to an earlier name and a possible explanation for its later naming. This can help you decide whether to focus your stay more on outdoor activities, a seasonal theme or local history.

Park trails and a paved trail

Lake Eva Community Park covers 28.8 acres and is located at 555 Ledwith Avenue. The park has two miles of concrete trails and sidewalks, with three fitness stations along the way. The park’s area and the trail length provide different points of reference, while the stations add an opportunity for exercise.

The paved Haines City Trail runs from the intersection of Lily Avenue and 7th Street to Grace Avenue. For the park, the focus is on its size, trail length and fitness stations; for the trail, its route is defined by its two endpoints. This lets you assess the trail options based on the specific details: in the park, trails and stations are part of a larger site, while the trail is oriented around its start and end points.

Golf, water and crafts

Southern Dunes Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Steve Smyers. The TopTracer bays are for practicing your swing and playing a variety of golf games. So, in addition to the type of course, consider whether these practice and game options are relevant to your plans. Facilities and offerings may change; if you’re planning a specific visit, check the latest information in advance.

Port 27 offers arts and crafts experiences, classes and workshops. It also offers jet ski rentals on Lake Hamilton. This gives you a choice between creative activities and an activity on the water. Individual offerings may change, so check in advance for the services that matter to your plans.

Blueberries, BBQ and city history

Haines Family Farm covers 20 acres of rolling hills and is home to 40,000 blueberry bushes in Florida. Its size, landscape and number of plants make the farm a different focus from the sports offerings. Seasonal availability may vary. If blueberries are an important reason for planning your trip, check availability in advance.

Lake Eva Park is also the venue for Ribs on the Ridge, an annual BBQ competition. This adds a culinary event to the park’s other attractions. If you’re planning your trip around the competition, check the event dates in advance.

Haines City was platted in 1885 and was initially known as Clay Cut. The later name, Haines City, is said to have honored Colonel Henry Stevens Haines. A connection to an agreement is also said to have played a role: under the agreement, the railroad company built a station there. The former place name, the year 1885 and the explanation reported as a possibility help place the city’s history in context.

Discover more destinations: Fort Meade, Davenport, Cypress Gardens, Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Mulberry, Auburndale, Lakeland

For the broader travel overview: Polk.