Did you know Lakeland swans have a royal lineage? How about our Hollywood connections? Nestled in the middle of he the Sunshine State, Lakeland was founded in 1885 and filled with rich history that will delight any history buff.

Hop In The Time Machine

Historic Landmarks:

Florida Southern College
Visit Florida Southern College and see Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture.

Address: 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801 
Phone: 863-680-4597
                    
Silver Moon Drive-In
    If you desire to take a step back in time, visit the Silver Moon Drive-In Theater to see a newly released or classic film. 
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Address: 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL 33815                  Phone:  863-682-0849             

The Polk County Tax Collectors Office
    Take a drive by our Tax Collectors Office one night to see the glow of the neon lights. 

Address: 916 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801     
Phone: 863-534-4700
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Lake Mirror Tower Apartments
    Take a walk by The Lake Mirror Tower Apartments to see what was once The New Florida Hotel.

Address: 130 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33801
Phone: 863-225-5225

Terrace Hotel Lakeland
    Stay at the historic Terrace Hotel that was built in 1924 and overlooks the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror. 

Address: 329 E. Main St., Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: 863-688-0800

Polk Theater
    Spend some time at the Polk Theater and experience its elegant Renaissance-era Mediterranean-themed decor with the illusion of a starlit sky above you. 

Address: 139 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: 863-682-7553

Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror
    Step back in time and take a walk around the Frances Langford Promenade while enjoying the view of Lake Mirror. 

Address: 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

Iconic Southgate Shopping Center
    Visit one of our most well-known landmarks that was built in 1957 and stands 70 feet tall. 

Address: 2515 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
    
Iconic Dixieland Sign
    Snap a picture next to our Dixieland sign that marks the Dixieland Historic District. 

Address: 1210 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
    
    
The Keslinger Antique Complex
    The Keslinger Antique Complex has been home to many different businesses throughout its time. Check out what local retail shops call this complex home today. 

Address: N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

Historic Information Centers:

Lakeland History and Culture Center
The Lakeland History and Culture Center has a curated exhibit and history room full of Lakeland artifacts and archives waiting for you to experience.  

Address: 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801 
Phone: 863-834-4280
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 7:00pm 
            Friday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm
            Sunday 1:30pm to 5:00pm

The Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
The Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center highlights the relationship between Wright and Florida Southern College while also acting as a home for visiting exhibits from other Wright sites. 
 
Address: 750 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-680-4597
Hours: Everyday 9:30am to 4:30pm

The Florida Air Museum
Visit the Florida Air Museum and learn how aviation has impacted the city of Lakeland.

Address: 4075 James C Ray Dr. Lakeland, FL 33811
Phone: 863-904-6833
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm
                 Sunday 12:00pm to 4:00pm


Historic Tours: 

Ties that Bind
A guided tour of the curated exhibit in the Lakeland History and Culture Center. 

Green Hat and White Gloves
The Green Hat and White Gloves Tour is the second Tuesday each month at the Lake Mirror Promenade. Walk the historic Promenade with Ms. LuAnn Mims and learn more about Lakelands history.

Stones and Stories
Experience the mystery behind our local cemeteries select Saturdays throughout the month. 

Register for the above tours below: 
​Events Calendar | City of Lakeland (lakelandgov.net)
    
Lake Mirror Historic Tour
From October to March experience the history of Lakeland through the eyes of Stacy Smith on the fourth Tuesday. 
Register for this event below. 
Lake Mirror Complex | City of Lakeland (lakelandgov.net) 


Historic Districts: 

Munn Park Historic District (National Register: 1997) 
Dixieland Historic District (National Register: 1994) 
South and East Lake Morton Historic Districts (National Register: 1985 and 1993)
Beacon Hill Historic District (National Register: 1993) 
Lake Hunter Terrace Historic District (National Register: 2002)
Biltmore/Cumberland Historic District (National Register: 2004)

Historic Preservation | City of Lakeland (lakelandgov.net)
Lakeland Historic Districts (arcgis.com)