Polk City Area Fun Things To Do

Polk City Area Fun 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Polk City & Outdoor Adventure

  • Morning – Walk or bike the Van Fleet Trail (Polk City trailhead). Look for herons, deer, and gators in the Green Swamp.
  • Lunch – Local eats at Polk City BBQ Company (casual) or drive 15 min to Auburndale for Hungry Harry’s BBQ.
  • Afternoon – Visit Fantasy of Flight (check their calendar first — operates seasonally with limited hours).
    • 🔄 Backup Option if closed: Book a half-day Ski Fluid watersports lesson or explore the Auburndale TECO Trail.
  • Dinner – Drive to Nutwood in Winter Haven (farm-to-table fine dining) or keep it casual with Polk City Pizza.
  • Evening – Catch sunset at Lake Agnes Fishing Pier.

Day 2 – Lakeland & Nature

  • Morning – Explore Circle B Bar Reserve (best early for wildlife).
  • Lunch – Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (Cajun-Creole, downtown Lakeland).
  • Afternoon – Tour Florida Southern College to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture + visit the AGB Museum of Art.
  • Dinner – The Bay Street Bistro (European-style fine dining, Lakeland).
  • Evening – Experience the nostalgic Silvermoon Drive-In Theater.

Day 3 – Lake Wales & Winter Haven

  • Morning – Stroll the historic Bok Tower Gardens, enjoy a carillon concert, and tour the El Retiro Mansion.
  • Lunch – Blue Palmetto Café inside Bok Tower Gardens.
  • Afternoon –
    • Families: Spend a half-day at LEGOLAND Florida.
    • Adults: Take a guided boat tour of Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes.
    • Quirky stop: Add Spook Hill (optical illusion) in Lake Wales.
  • Dinner – Treat yourself at Arabellas Ristorante (fine Italian dining, Winter Haven).

xploring the Van Fleet Trail: Florida’s Hidden Cycling Gem

History, Maps, Wildlife, Trailhead Directions, and Shuttle Services

The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is one of Florida’s most scenic, peaceful, and straight multi-use trails, perfect for cyclists, walkers, and nature lovers. Stretching approximately 29.2 miles from Polk City to Mabel, this rail-trail offers a remote experience through Central Florida’s wetlands, cattle pastures, and pine forests.

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🚴‍♂️ Trail Overview

• Length: 29.2 miles (Polk City to Mabel)

• Surface: Paved, 12-foot-wide asphalt

• Terrain: Flat, straight, minimal elevation changes

• Activities: Biking, walking, inline skating, horseback riding (parallel equestrian trail)

The trail closely follows the old Seaboard Air Line Railroad corridor and is now part of Florida’s Statewide Greenways & Trails System and a National Recreation Trail.

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🗺️ Trail Map and Access Points

The Van Fleet Trail has four primary trailheads, approximately 9–10 miles apart:

Trailhead

Location

Parking

Restrooms

Picnic Area

Polk City

7683 Berkley Rd, Polk City, FL

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Green Pond

Green Pond Rd, Polk City area

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Bay Lake

Bay Lake Rd (CR 565), Mascotte

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Mabel

CR 772 just south of SR 50

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🚗 Directions to Trailheads:

• Polk City: From I-4, exit 38 onto SR 33 north for ~5.8 miles. Trailhead is just beyond CR 665.

• Green Pond: From SR 33, turn west onto Green Pond Rd and continue ~1 mile to parking.

• Bay Lake: From SR 33, turn east onto Bay Lake Rd (CR 565) to reach the trailhead.

• Mabel: Access from CR 772, just south of SR 50, near the Mabel post office.

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🎖️ The Legacy of General James A. Van Fleet

The trail honors General James A. Van Fleet, a highly decorated U.S. Army officer who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

• Born: March 19, 1892, in New Jersey, but raised in Bartow, Florida

• Military Highlights:

• Commanded troops at Utah Beach on D-Day during WWII

• Led the U.S. Eighth Army in the Korean War

• Received the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart

• Van Fleet was praised by President Truman as “America’s greatest general” and lived to 100 years old, passing away in 1992 at his ranch near Polk City.

The trail is a fitting tribute to his leadership and his strong connection to the local area.

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🌿 Wildlife and Weather Tips

🐢 Wildlife to Expect

• Alligators: Frequently seen along water bodies and occasionally sunning on the trail

• Turtles and Snakes: Common on the trail, especially in warm weather

• Birds: Herons, egrets, hawks, and wild turkeys

• Mammals: Deer, raccoons, armadillos, and sometimes bobcats

🛑 Wildlife Safety:

Always maintain a respectful distance, particularly from alligators. Do not feed or approach animals. Be aware of turtles or snakes on the trail.

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🌤️ Weather Considerations

• Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring (October–April)

• Summer Risks: High heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms (May–September)

• Trail Exposure: Limited shade—sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are essential

• Mosquitoes: Bring insect repellent, especially near the Green Swamp

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🔶 Additional Safety Notes:

• Hunting is allowed in adjacent wildlife areas. Wear orange during hunting season (typically fall and winter months).

• Cell service is limited in remote areas—download maps beforehand and let someone know your route.

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🚐 Shuttle Options and Return Planning

1. Bike Shuttle Service: Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers

• Phone: (206) 250-3395

• Email: pamperedpedalers@gmail.com

• Bubba’s offers morning shuttles to the Mabel trailhead, allowing cyclists to ride one way back to Polk City. Advanced reservations are recommended.

2. DIY Self-Shuttle

• The most common option: use two vehicles. Park one at your finish point (Polk City or Mabel) and drive the other to your starting point.

3. Rental Car Option

• Some cyclists arrange a one-way ride using rental cars, particularly if combining with the nearby Auburndale TECO Trail.

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📌 Final Recommendations

• Start early: Beat the heat and wildlife activity.

• Plan your route: Decide whether to ride round-trip or arrange a shuttle/vehicle drop.

• Stay hydrated: Bring more water than you think you’ll need.

• Be self-sufficient: Carry basic bike tools, a first aid kit, and emergency contacts.

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Useful Resources

• Florida State Parks – Van Fleet Trail

• Florida Rambler – Van Fleet Trail Guide

• TrailLink – Van Fleet Trail Details

• Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers

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