Location: Bartow
Top Things to do in Bartow
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Top 10 Things to do in Bartow, United States
Bartow (/ˈbɑːrtoʊ/ BAR-toh) is the county seat of Polk County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1851 as Fort Blount, the city was renamed in honor of Francis S. Bartow, the first brigade commander of the Confederate Army to die in combat during the American Civil War. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census, the city had a population of 15,340 and an estimated population of 16,959 in 2009. It is part of the Lakeland−Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 584,383 in 2009. As of 2016, the mayor of Bartow is Trish Pfeiffer.
Restaurants in Bartow
1. Polk County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
The Polk County Historical Museum collection includes natural and cultural objects related to Polk County and the greater Central Florida area that represent our history from pre-Columbian to present day eras. The artifacts on display at the Museum represent individuals, cultural groups, and events significant to the region. Some artifacts include: Fossils Hand-made Personal Objects Clothing Art Tools Agricultural Equipment Military Objects Communication Objects Household and Science Objects Admission is Free.
Reviewed By Jim H - Leamington, Canada
We came to Bartow to take in the annual Arts Festival on this beautiful March 4, 2017 day and noticed this grand old building that was open to the public for self guided tours so we decided to add it to our tour of the festival. There was a great quilt show being featured on the second floor and many historic displays through out the main floor. So nice to see buildings like this being kept in good order for future generations to enjoy year after year.
2. Circle B Bar Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 694 reviews
Reviewed By J_travelB - Guelph, Canada
Nice visit. The folks at the volunteer centre are friendly and helpful with identifying birds and turtles in the reserve. The walks are not long. One can do a loop in about 2 hours and there are more trails so you could walk probably 5 hours to see every possible trail. Lots of signage on the trails and people photographing wildlife with huge camera lenses. There are many stores and herons and cranes and ducks. Also aligators are easy to see (of all ages and sizes). There are a number of turtles as well. Nice easy walk and lots to see.
3. Theatre Winter Haven
Overall Ratings
5 based on 92 reviews
THEATRE WINTER HAVEN has been called “one of the best community theatres in America” by the Tampa Tribune, the Lakeland Ledger and the Winter Haven News Chief. Since our founding as a non-profit organization in 1970, TWH has worked to fulfill our Mission Statement: “We inspire, challenge, entertain and educate our community by creating exceptional theatrical experiences” Each year, TWH produces a six-play Mainstage subscription season, a Tribute concert series, two Academy Musical productions, a dance program, a free community choir, a summer musical, two touring productions and a three-play staged reading series called StageRead.
Reviewed By schwartzapn - Kissimmee, Florida
This was my first time at Theatre Winter Haven. I saw The Hunchback of Norte Dame. The building is not fancy, but the production was superb. Excellent acting, singing, dancing, choreography, set design and orchestra. Truly exceptional community theater. I have seen many Broadway productions, and this was as good, plus much more up close and personal, and at a fraction of the price.
4. Homeland Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By rayallen2 - Blue Ridge, Georgia
Homeland, Florida is a tiny town very near Bartow, a few miles east of Tampa. It was founded before statehood, which was in 1845. This small place has lovingly saved and restored a historic church, the first schoolhouse, a pioneer homestead, and a few other buildings in a town park. You're invited to stroll through anytime. My grandmother was born in this town, and we're proud the town had the good sense to create the Homeland Heritage Park...it includes her childhood church (The Homeland Methodist Church, built 1887), her first school, and an 1800s pioneer homestead home. The restorations are of Williamsburg quality---quite amazing for such a small place. The area has a famous history, which includes the bloody Seminole Wars, the establishment of Florida's major cattle industry, and then the creation of Florida's citrus kingdom. Homeland is one of the area's earliest settlements.
Just a few miles north in Bartow, you'll find the spectacular Polk Co. Historical Museum in the county's Old Court House...well worth a visit!
DIRECTIONS TO HOMELAND HERITAGE PARK. : From Hwy. 60 take Hwy. 17 S. towards Ft. Meade, take a right onto Hwy. 640 and turn left on Azalea.
5. Florida Southern College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Daily tours available highlighting this truly unique collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College.
Reviewed By Flicka54
Although we went in expecting another chain dining experience- this was so much better! Interesting and varied menu. Our very good waiter Cory helped us narrow it down to two excellent entrees salmon, veggies & mediterrean faro and chicken milanese. Loved the garlic bread stix and pumpkin bisque before. We ate inside - several patio tables available
6. Mary Holland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Martin O - Clayton, Georgia, USA
This has been the place where we have held our family reunions on Thanksgiving Day
for approximately 17+ years. It is usually clean, quite and very pretty area for just walking or sitting and reading.
We have usually 100+ people for our reunions and everyone seems to really enjoy the place.
Don't be in a hurry when you're there. Really look it over and enjoy!
7. Fort Fraser Trail
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Rhondalovestotravel - Winter Haven
Great for biking or jogging. Nice paved path too. Take water with you. If you are walking, comfortable shoes.
8. Common Ground Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By abbigail2017 - Lakeland, Florida
This place is a great place to take the kids to play and explore. Grandma will just love to watch the kids play and climb on the different pieces of equipment.
9. L. B. Brown house
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By jim w - Fort Myers, Florida
L. B. Brown was a born a slave, educated himself to become one of the first to "Rent to own" homes. He homesteaded land, built houses on it and was prosperous. Several years ago this house was slated to be knocked down, but was saved as a historic site. It was thought to be the home of a beloved school teacher, his only grand son informed the town that his dad had hand built it! A very interesting and educational trip for All ages, middle school to high school and beyond!
10. Lake Hollingsworth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By PaulaDockery - Lakeland, Florida
Paved 2.85 mile walkway around lovely Lake Hollingsworth. Great place to walk or bike. Birds, ducks, alligators, rabbits...all kinds of wildlife. Parents with kids in strollers, pet owners walking dogs, joggers, leisurely bikers and serious bikers. Very social spot for locals and visitors.
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