Winter Haven

Winter Haven is a city in Polk County, Florida. Neighboring Lakeland to its east, Winter Haven is located some 50 miles east of Tampa, and 50 miles to the west of Orlando, making Winter Haven the perfect location, in the heart of Central Florida.

In 1930, George W. Jenkins opened the first Publix supermarket in Winter Haven. His second store and the first stand-alone Publix store, was a building at 199 West Central Avenue, opened in 1935.

Another defining event in Winter Haven was the opening of Cypress Gardens in 1936, which is now known as Legoland Florida, which opened on October 15, 2011. Legoland Florida has successfully retained some of the tradition and history of the original site, including part of the original botanical garden and a water ski show, which you can view from your own boat, on beautiful Lake Eloise.

Winter Haven features many buildings designed by the architect Gene Leedy, one of the founders of the Sarasota School of Architecture. Some of Leedy’s structures are part of the Downtown Winter Haven Historic District.

Winter Haven has 50 lakes within its borders, including its famous Chain of Lakes. The lakes are by far the city's most distinctive feature. Winter Haven is known as "The Chain of Lakes City". The city has two prominent chains of lakes; the northern chain has nine lakes interconnected by a series of canals. The southern chain features sixteen lakes interconnected by a series of canals. The southern chain has several prominent lakes, including Lake Eloise, Lake Howard, and Lake Lulu. The lakes in Winter Haven are rich with life, including alligators, bald eagles, great blue herons, and more. The Winter Haven lakes are also an excellent spot for bass fishing. In my opinion, the best way to spend a day in Winter Haven, is to either take your own boat or rent a boat for the day, and cruise around on the Chain-of-Lakes. You are able to spend the day taking in the breathtaking views, from lake-to-lake, and even stop for lunch and/or dinner at one of the locally-owned, casual restaurants that are located lakeside, all with docks, making them easily accessible by boat. The majority of these restaurants feature live music on the weekends.

Public schools in Winter Haven are operated by Polk County Public Schools. 

To read more about Winter Haven, visit www.winterhavenchamber.com