More than 47 larger-than-life murals shape Lake Placid’s historic outdoor art gallery. Alongside them are 27 freshwater lakes and the scrubland of a protected natural area. This gives you different options for your trip: art and local history, activities on the lake, or trails through nature.
Nature around the lakes and scrubland
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park is located in Lake Placid, covers 845 acres and consists mostly of scrubland. The park protects sand scrub, one of Florida’s most endangered natural communities. The park is therefore not only a natural area, but also a place where a distinctive landscape takes center stage.
In the park, you can hike along white sand trails through the scrubland. When planning your activities, it helps to distinguish between the different options: here, the activity takes you through a protected natural landscape; other trails and walking routes in Lake Placid each have a different setting. Devane Park has a loop trail for walking and jogging. Nearby Lake Placid Scrub Tract offers hiking trails; visitors can also fish there from the lakeshore.
Lake Placid has 27 freshwater lakes. At Lake June, Lake June Park has a boat ramp and a beach area. Whether you’re planning to hike, take a walk or spend time by the water, you’ll find different kinds of activities, without having to combine them into a single outing.
Murals and cultural history
The Lake Placid Mural Society was founded in 1992. Its historic outdoor art gallery features more than 47 larger-than-life murals. A mural tour book is available for US$4, including tax, at the Visitor’s Center and many locations in Lake Placid. It offers a practical starting point if you choose to make the murals a focus of your visit.
Preserving local history also has an institutional side: the Lake Placid Historical Society was founded in 1982 and is dedicated to the stories, artifacts and traditions of Lake Placid. Another cultural topic is the Toby’s Clown Foundation and School. Its first clown course was completed in 1993; the organization has more than 700 pieces of clown memorabilia. Murals, local history and clown culture offer different perspectives rather than repeating the same kind of cultural experience.
More activities and getting your bearings
The Archbold Biological Station is located eight miles south of Lake Placid and welcomes the general public for visits. The station offers guided tours and presentations for groups. This is a different way to explore nature than hiking trails in protected areas: when choosing, you can decide whether you’d rather explore trails on your own or plan a group visit.
The Lake Placid Farmers Market is a community market featuring local craftspeople, ranchers, farmers and specialty vendors. For a quick orientation: Lake Placid is on Route 27.
Discover more destinations: Sebring, Avon Park
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