Learn More About Winter Haven, Florida
About Winter Haven:
Winter Haven is a city in Polk County Florida located in the state’s southwestern section. The city has a population of more than 35,000 and is part of the greater Lakeland Winter Haven metropolitan area. Despite being in a landlocked part of Florida, Winter Haven is actually world renowned for its access to water. Known as the Chain of Lakes City, Winter Haven has more than 50 individual lakes within the city limits, 24 of which are connected through a series of canals.
As its name would suggest, Winter Haven is known for its warm, temperate climate. It is located in a humid subtropical zone and has an average temperature of just over 73°.
There can be no question the lakes of Winter Haven are its most distinctive civic feature. There are two prominent chains of lakes in Winter Haven – the northern chain which has nine lakes interconnected by canals, and the larger southern chain which has 15 interconnected lakes including the notable Lake Eloise, Lake Howard, and Lake Lulu.
These lakes are the foundation of the quality of life in Winter Haven. They are perfect for paddle boarding, wake boarding, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. They are why Winter Haven is known as having some of the best bass fishing in the world. They also serve as a natural habitat for some of Florida’s iconic wildlife including alligators, bald eagles, and great blue herons, just to name a few. If you enjoy spending free time on or around the open water, there is a lot Winter Haven has to offer.
For those who prefer to keep two feet on land at all times, Winter Haven has 38 parks which span 415 acres of beautiful lush green land. Bird watchers can flock to the scenic Street Audubon Nature Center to experience seeing such majestic creatures as anhingas, bald eagles, and cormorants up close in their natural habitat. The area features more than two miles of winding nature trails to hike and explore.
Culturally, Winter Haven is a city that has something for everyone. The internationally recognized Theatre Winter Haven delivers several exceptional stage productions each year. Visual arts are on display through the Ridge Art Association and the Polk Museum of Art. Winter Haven has an annual outdoor sculpture competition which draws people from all around the state and the rest of the country to participate and view these beautiful works of art in the downtown core.
For kids and kids-at-heart, Winter Haven is home to the world’s largest Legoland. Here you can build your own Lego car and tour Mini-USA where there are Lego replicas of famous American structures.
Schools in Winter Haven are administered by the Polk County Public School District which is the eighth largest in Florida and thirtieth largest in the United States. The district was recognized with the Kennedy Center’s Alliance for Arts Education Network and National School Boards Association Award for outstanding arts education programs.
Amongst the top rated schools in Winter Haven are Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, Frank E. Brigham Academy, and Jewett Middle Academy Magnet.
Winter Haven is a picturesque slice of mid-sized city Americana. With its clean neighborhoods, vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful lakes, and impressive school system, Winter Haven, Florida is an ideal destination for just about everyone.
