Florida’s Polk County, home to nearly 750,000 residents, is a vibrant and diverse region with a rich history and a thriving economy. This comprehensive map guide will provide you with an in-depth look at Polk County, from its key cities and towns to its natural landmarks and cultural attractions.
Key Cities and Towns
Lakeland: As the county seat of Polk County, Lakeland is a bustling city with a population of over 100,000. It is home to Florida Southern College, renowned for its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus, and the Polk Museum of Art.
Winter Haven: Located on the shores of Lake Hamilton, Winter Haven is a popular tourist destination known for its world-famous Legoland Florida theme park. The city also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with the Polk State College Center for Public Safety and the Central Florida Aerospace Academy.
Bartow: As the former county seat, Bartow is a historic city with a population of over 17,000. It is home to the Polk County History Center, the Polk County Courthouse, and the Polk Theatre.
Haines City: Haines City is a growing city located in the center of Polk County. It is known for its vibrant downtown area, which is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Auburndale: Auburndale is a small city located in the northern part of Polk County. It is home to the Auburndale Speedway, a popular racing destination, and the Hollis Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden.
Natural Landmarks
Bok Tower Gardens: Located on Iron Mountain, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark known for its stunning gardens and the Singing Tower. The tower, built in 1929, is a masterpiece of American architecture and features a 60-bell carillon that plays concerts throughout the day.
Circle B Bar Reserve: Encompassing over 1,200 acres, Circle B Bar Reserve is a natural paradise that offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The reserve is home to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and forests, and is a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Lake Kissimmee State Park: Lake Kissimmee State Park is a large park that offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The park is home to Lake Kissimmee, one of the largest lakes in Florida, and provides a scenic backdrop for a day of outdoor fun.
Tiger Creek Preserve: Tiger Creek Preserve is a 5,400-acre nature preserve that protects a significant portion of the Tiger Creek basin. The preserve offers hiking trails, a kayak launch, and a picnic area, making it a great place to experience the natural beauty of Polk County.
Cultural Attractions
Florida Air Museum: The Florida Air Museum is a non-profit museum that showcases the history of aviation in Florida. The museum houses a collection of over 100 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters.
Polk County Historical Association: Located in Bartow, the Polk County Historical Association preserves and promotes the history of Polk County. The association operates several museums, including the Polk County History Center, the Polk County Courthouse Museum, and the Polk Theatre.
Lakeland Symphony Orchestra: The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that performs a variety of concerts throughout the year. The orchestra is known for its high-quality performances and its commitment to providing affordable classical music to the community.
Polk Museum of Art: The Polk Museum of Art is a regional art museum that features a collection of over 1,000 works of art. The museum offers a variety of exhibitions, programs, and educational opportunities, making it a great place to explore the arts in Polk County.
Economy
Polk County is home to a diverse economy that includes agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare. The county is a major producer of citrus, strawberries, and tomatoes, and is also home to several large manufacturing plants, including the Mosaic Fertilizer plant in Bartow and the Lockheed Martin plant in Lakeland.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Polk County has a population of 749,978. The county is predominantly white, with a significant Hispanic population. Polk County is also home to a large population of retirees, with over 20% of the population being over the age of 65.
Transportation
Polk County is well-connected by a network of highways and railways. Interstate 4 runs through the county, providing easy access to Tampa and Orlando. The county is also served by Amtrak, which operates passenger trains through Lakeland and Winter Haven.
Education
Polk County is home to a number of higher education institutions, including Florida Southern College, Polk State College, and Keiser University. The county also has a strong public school system, with over 100 elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Healthcare
Polk County is home to a number of hospitals and medical centers, including Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, Bartow Regional Medical Center, and Winter Haven Hospital. The county also has a number of urgent care centers and walk-in clinics.
Recreation
Polk County offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. The county is also home to several golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools.
Conclusion
Polk County is a vibrant and diverse region with a rich history and a thriving economy. This comprehensive map guide has provided you with an in-depth look at the county, from its key cities and towns to its natural landmarks and cultural attractions. Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or a business owner, Polk County has something to offer everyone.
- County Seat: Lakeland
- Population: 749,978 (2020 census)
- Area: 2,054 square miles
- Major Industries: Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare
- Higher Education Institutions: Florida Southern College, Polk State College, Keiser University
- Hospitals: Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 749,978 |
| Area | 2,054 square miles |
| Median Household Income | $57,466 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.5% |
| Number of Hospitals | 3 |
| Number of Higher Education Institutions | 3 |
| City/Town | Population (2020) |
|---|---|
| Lakeland | 106,344 |
| Winter Haven | 53,193 |
| Bartow | 17,298 |
| Haines City | 23,553 |
| Auburndale | 15,678 |
| Lake Wales | 15,674 |
| Fort Meade | 5,730 |
| Davenport | 5,352 |
| Frostproof | 3,049 |
| Mulberry | 3,929 |
| Natural Landmark | Location |
|---|---|
| Bok Tower Gardens | Lake Wales |
| Circle B Bar Reserve | Lakeland |
| Lake Kissimmee State Park | Lake Kissimmee |
| Tiger Creek Preserve | Lakeland |
| Green Swamp | Central Florida |
| Cultural Attraction | Location |
|---|---|
| Florida Air Museum | Lakeland |
| Polk County Historical Association | Bartow |
| Lakeland Symphony Orchestra | Lakeland |
| Polk Museum of Art | Lakeland |
| Lake Wales Little Theatre | Lake Wales |
| Healthcare Facility | Location |
|---|---|
| Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center | Lakeland |
| Bartow Regional Medical Center | Bartow |
| Winter Haven Hospital | Winter Haven |