To find Highlands County, one must look away from the neon lights of Miami and the crowded theme parks of Orlando. Located in the south-central portion of the Florida peninsula, this region is often referred to as the “Heartland” of the United States southernmost tropical state. It is a place where the landscape shifts from flat coastal plains to the gently rolling hills of the Lake Wales Ridge, a geological relic of an ancient shoreline that once stood as an island chain millions of years ago.
Geographically, the county is bordered by Polk County to the north, Hardee County and DeSoto County to the west, Glades County to the south, and Okeechobee County to the east. It encompasses approximately 1,100 square miles, much of which is dominated by freshwater lakes, citrus groves, and preserved scrubland. For travelers seeking a destination that captures the essence of “Old Florida,” Highlands County serves as a quiet, natural sanctuary situated roughly 90 miles south of Orlando and 90 miles east of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Three Pillars of the Heartland: Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park
The cultural and social life of the county is anchored by three distinct municipalities, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s history and lifestyle.
Sebring: The City on the Circle
Sebring, the county seat, is perhaps the most famous of the three. Founded in 1912 by George E. Sebring, the city was designed with a unique circular downtown plan, known as The Circle, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This hub-and-spoke layout allows visitors to explore boutique shops, local eateries, and the historic Highlands Art League with ease. Sebring sits on the shores of Lake Jackson, a massive, clear-water lake that provides a stunning backdrop for sunset walks and waterfront dining.
Lake Placid: The Town of Murals and Caladiums
South of Sebring lies Lake Placid, a town that has earned international acclaim for its artistic flair and agricultural contributions. It is widely known as the Caladium Capital of the World, producing nearly 95 percent of the world’s caladium bulbs. Travelers visiting in the summer months can witness vast fields of these vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. Furthermore, Lake Placid is home to nearly 50 large-scale outdoor murals that depict the history and wildlife of the region. A stop at the Toby the Clown Foundation provides a whimsical look into the art of professional clowning, adding to the town’s eclectic charm.
Avon Park: The City of Charm
Located at the northern tip of the county, Avon Park is the oldest city in the region. It is characterized by its wide avenues and the mile-long Mall, a grassy parkway that runs through the center of the city. Avon Park offers a nostalgic travel experience, particularly for those who visit the Depot Museum, which is housed in a former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad station. The town is surrounded by some of the most productive citrus groves in Florida, and the scent of orange blossoms fills the air during the spring months.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Exploration
The primary draw for many visitors to Highlands County is its remarkable biodiversity and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. Because the county sits on the Lake Wales Ridge, it contains some of the highest elevations in peninsular Florida, supporting ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
Highlands Hammock State Park
One of Florida first state parks, Highlands Hammock State Park is a crown jewel for nature lovers. Established in 1931, the park features a massive elevated boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp, allowing travelers to view alligators, turtles, and various bird species in their natural habitat. The park is also home to a museum dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps, the group responsible for much of the park’s early infrastructure. For those interested in rare wildlife, the park is one of the few places where you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Florida Panther.
A Land of Nearly 100 Lakes
The county’s nickname, “The Land of Lakes,” is no exaggeration. There are nearly 100 named lakes in Highlands County, ranging from small, secluded ponds to the massive Lake Istokpoga. As the fifth-largest lake in Florida, Lake Istokpoga is a premier destination for professional bass fishing and airboat tours. For those who prefer swimming and paddleboarding, the sandy-bottomed Lake Jackson in Sebring offers exceptionally clear water and public beaches like Donaldson Park. Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park provides a more rugged experience, where hikers can navigate through the Florida Scrub and observe the endangered Gopher Tortoise.
Archbold Biological Station
For a deeper understanding of the region’s environmental significance, the Archbold Biological Station is an essential stop. This world-renowned research facility is dedicated to preserving the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem. Travelers can explore designated trails to see the Florida Scrub-Jay, a brilliant blue bird that is endemic to the state and found in high concentrations here. The station serves as a vital reminder of the delicate balance between development and conservation in the heart of the state.
Iconic Attractions and Cultural Experiences
Beyond the natural scenery, Highlands County is home to several attractions that define its unique identity on the global stage.
The Thrill of Sebring International Raceway
For motorsport enthusiasts, Highlands County is synonymous with speed. The Sebring International Raceway is the oldest permanent road racing track in the United States. Built on a former World War II airbase known as Hendricks Field, the track is famous for its rough, bumpy surface and the legendary Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance race. Part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, this event draws tens of thousands of fans from across the globe every March, transforming the quiet town into a bustling center of international racing culture.
Agritourism and the Flavors of the Ridge
The agricultural heritage of Highlands County offers a delightful experience for culinary travelers. Agritourism is a major draw, with locations like Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery providing a rustic atmosphere where visitors can pick their own Muscadine grapes or sample locally produced wines. The farm also features free-range chickens and a country store filled with jams, jellies, and handmade crafts. In Avon Park, the Maxwell Garden provides a peaceful setting for those interested in subtropical horticulture.
The region’s food scene is heavily influenced by its freshwater lakes and Southern roots. Many local restaurants serve “Cracker-style” cuisine, which often includes fried catfish, hushpuppies, and citrus-infused desserts. Dining at a lakeside establishment in Sebring or Lake Placid allows travelers to enjoy fresh local catches while taking in the serene views that define the county.
Planning Your Journey to the Heartland
Navigating to Highlands County is straightforward, yet the destination feels worlds away from the urban sprawl of the coasts.
Getting There and Getting Around
While the county does not have a major international airport of its own, it is conveniently located within a two-hour drive of several major hubs. Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers all serve as primary gateways. Travelers typically rent a car to explore the scenic backroads, such as U.S. Route 27, which runs north-to-south through the heart of the county and offers stunning views of rolling citrus groves.
The Best Time to Visit
The climate in Highlands County is humid subtropical. The most popular time for travel is between late October and April, when the weather is mild and dry. This period coincides with the peak of the citrus harvest and major events like the Twelve Hours of Sebring. However, for those interested in the Caladium Festival in Lake Placid, a visit in late July is necessary, though visitors should be prepared for the quintessential Florida summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
Why Highlands County Matters
In a state often defined by its rapid development and coastal attractions, Highlands County remains a vital link to the peninsula’s past. It is a destination where the pace of life slows down, allowing travelers to connect with the land, the history, and the community. Whether it is the sound of high-performance engines at the raceway, the sight of a Bald Eagle soaring over Lake Istokpoga, or the taste of a sun-ripened orange, the experiences here are authentic and deeply rooted in the Florida landscape.
For the modern traveler, Highlands County isn’t just a place on a map between Orlando and the Everglades; it is a destination that proves the heart of Florida is just as captivating as its shores. By exploring the heights of the Lake Wales Ridge and the depths of its many lakes, one finds a different kind of sunshine—one that glows with heritage, nature, and a quiet, enduring charm.
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