Attractions

The Winter Haven area is home to legendary gardens, a majestic tower and a world-class collection of vintage aircraft. There are plenty of places to play, explore and reflect.

Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens will reopen as a two-component destination on March 28, 2009. The original Botanical Gardens, ski show and electric boat tours will return the park to its historic roots. The Cypress Gardens portion will operate year round. Splash Island Water Park will be a second and seasonal option.

Those who held current annual passes when the park was temporarily closed in November will have those passes honored for an additional four months through July 2009. There will be two separate admission prices - one for the Gardens and one for the water park. Admission is expected to be reduced as much as 40% from 2008 prices.

Annual passes will go on sale March 1.

Historic Bok Sanctuary

Historic Bok SanctuaryHistoric Bok Sanctuary recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary. A gift to the people of America by Edward Bok, the sanctuary's majestic carillon tower stands on one of Florida's highest points, 295-foot Iron Mountain. Every half-hour, music rings out from the tower, which is constructed of pink and gray Georgia marble and coquina stone from St. Augustine. The 57 bronze bells it houses range in weight from 17 pounds to nearly 12 tons. The tower is surrounded by 157 acres of splendid gardens. There are daily recitals at 3 p.m. and occasional evening concerts. Open daily, Historic Bok Sanctuary is located southeast of Winter Haven in Lake Wales. More information is available at www.boksanctuary.org.

Nestled among the beautiful gardens of Historic Bok Sanctuary is Pinewood Estate, a 20-room Mediterranean revival-style mansion - one of Florida's best-preserved examples of such architecture. It is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday at 1:30 p.m. between October and May.

Fantasy of Flight

Fantasy of FlightYoung and old alike can come nose-to-propeller with an array of vintage aircraft at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. See rare aircraft take to the skies daily during their Aircraft of the Day demonstration (weather permitting). Learn what it takes to restore vintage aircraft to airworthy status during the Restoration Shop Tour. Go behind the scenes on the Back Lot Tour. Sweat bullets as you guide your fighter through a simulated battle mission over the South Pacific in a full-motion Flight Simulator in Fightertown (admission includes unlimited use of Flight Simulators). You can also stroll through Early Flight, WWI and WWII in our Sight and Sound Immersion Experiences. You will discover rare pieces of aviation history as you tour the hangars of Fantasy of Flight. Visit www.fantasyofflight.com for specials and other information.

And More...

If you want to see Florida's natural beauty, consider a stay at Camp Mack's River Resort nestled among the oak trees on the banks of the Kissimmee River. The resort is about 15 minutes from Winter Haven but a world away from hustle and bustle. Great Fishing, RV camping, or stay in a cabin on property. There's also a new hotel on site if you prefer to enjoy the natural side of Florida surrounded by comfort. See the Florida of our ancestors as you enjoy a ride on an airboat or take a nature tour. Visit www.campmack.com for all the details.

Winter Haven is 15 minutes from the American Water Ski Hall of Fame. Colorful displays depict the history of water skiing and champion skiers. Memorabilia includes the skis Ralph Samuelson wore when he invented water skiing in 1922.

Winter Haven makes the perfect "home base" for your vacation headquarters. Enjoy a more affordable stay with Orlando and Tampa less than one hour away. See the beauty and enjoy the excitement of Central Florida at your doorstep.