Highlands Hammock State Park is home to more rare and endemic species than any other state park in Florida. This distinction makes nature a special focus in Highlands County. The scale of the recreational facilities is also tangible: Highlands County Parks & Recreation maintains 45 sites. Other local discoveries include lakes, protected natural areas and places where you can explore the region’s history.

Explore nature and water

Lake Istokpoga covers 27,692 acres and offers good fishing for black bass, as well as one of the highest catch rates for largemouth bass in the state. Public boat ramps are located on the north, northeast and southwest shores. At the boat ramp area on Cow House Road, anglers can also wade into the water to fish. This gives you several ways to access the lake for fishing: wading from shore or launching a boat from one of the ramps. Conditions at public access points can change, so it’s a good idea to check them locally before setting out.

Nature is also central to a visit to Sun ‘N Lake Preserve in Sebring: the wildlife sanctuary covers 1,350 acres. You can hike and bike along the Sun ‘N Lake Preserve Trail. The Sebring area also has almost 100 clear lakes that are suitable for fishing, boating, water skiing and sailing. Along with Lake Istokpoga, these offer a wide range of water activities, though not all of them take place on the same lake.

Natural history and learning

At Highlands Hammock State Park, the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum explores the Great Depression and the young men who built Florida’s eight CCC parks. It offers a glimpse beyond the park’s natural attractions into a chapter of American history. The Archbold Biological Station offers another way to learn about nature, with scheduled tours and talks as well as self-guided nature trails. The station’s Frances Archbold Hufty Learning Center complements these offerings with natural history exhibits. Since the station’s schedule can change, it’s worth checking the latest visitor information before planning your visit.

Sebring: motorsports and outdoor activity

Sebring International Raceway was built on a former World War II military airfield and is considered North America’s oldest continuously operating road racing course. Its offerings include races, private track rentals, test drives and the Skip Barber Racing School; individual offerings may change. This historic site brings together several forms of motorsports. If you’re interested in racing, checking the latest event and offering information can help with your plans.

There’s also a specific route away from the racetrack that connects two places: a six-mile paved trail runs north to south, linking downtown Sebring with South Florida State College in Avon Park. Its length, surface and endpoints are specified, so you can take the connection into account when planning. Route descriptions and access points can change, so check current conditions before your trip.

Murals, museums and traditions

Historic downtown Lake Placid is home to almost 50 murals, which you can explore by car or on foot. The Lake Placid Mural Gallery is located in the Chamber Building at 18 Oak Avenue and shows a nine-minute film about the Mural Society. Gallery conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check visitor information in advance. The Lake Placid Historical Society’s Depot Museum uses the original railroad depot and exhibits to preserve Lake Placid’s stories, artifacts and traditions. The murals, film and depot museum offer different perspectives: public art throughout the town and the preservation of local history.

The Museum of Florida Art and Culture opened in 2001 as a showcase for Florida’s art, history and culture. For younger visitors, the Children’s Museum of the Highlands offers children ages 1 to 12 hands-on learning through interactive exhibits and ongoing programs. The Caladium Festival is a summer tradition in the Sebring area. A guided bus tour through caladium fields is led by a caladium grower; the tour may be organized differently from one festival year to the next. If you’re considering this experience for your trip, check the current festival dates and tour details.

Explore more destinations: Lake Placid, Sebring, Avon Park, Citrus, Charlotte, Washington County, St. Lucie, Levy County.

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