Last Updated on October 30, 2023
Citrus label tours in Florida have become fun ways to learn about local history while exploring the state.
Vintage citrus labels were designed between 1904 and World War II to showcase individual growers and shippers in the citrus industry.
These labels were put on wooden crates containing packed fruit until cardboard boards were introduced as an alternative during World War II.
The citrus labels were creatively designed to promote produce brands. They featured subject matter that the Sunshine State is recognized for, like flamingos, beaches, palm trees, and orange groves.
The labels conveyed a dreamy version of Florida and, as a side effect, boosted the state’s tourism industry.
Some labels are preserved within museums or universities. Some have been enlarged and reproduced in different locations throughout the state.
Citrus label tours allow visitors to see iconic designs created during a pivotal time for Florida’s citrus industry.
We have a nostalgic appreciation for these distinctive, vintage labels and have created a guide to citrus label tours in Florida.
If you want a uniquely-Florida experience, consider exploring our favorite citrus-label tours.
Table of Contents
Lake County Citrus Label Tour
Lake County Citrus Label Tour spans from Umatilla to Clermont. Explore this scenic county while viewing its vintage citrus labels.
Along the way, you can enjoy sites like the Citrus Tower and the area’s many hills and lakes.
Start your tour at the Umatilla Museum, where you can see labels from Golden Gem Growers and the Umatilla Citrus Growers Association.
Continue your tour by heading to Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares, Leesburg, Howey-in-the-Hills, Groveland, and Mascotte.
The tour ends at the Clermont Historic Village Museum, with labels from the Clermont Citrus Growers Association.
The Umatilla Museum is open Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
For more information, visit the official Discover Lake County Florida website.
Umatilla Museum Address: 299 N Trowell Ave, Umatilla, FL 32784
While you’re in the area: 16 Best Things to Do in Clermont, FL
Polk County Citrus Label Tour
Polk County Citrus Label Tour takes visitors to sites across Polk County, with 22 different stops on this journey.
Each stop features anywhere between one and six different vintage citrus label reproductions.
This driving tour starts in Auburndale at the Auburndale Citrus Growers Association, with stops in Bartow, Davenport, Eloise, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, and Lakeland.
The final stop is in Winter Haven.
For more information, visit the official Polk County website.
Auburndale Citrus Growers Association Address: 214 Orange St., Auburndale, FL 33823
While you’re in the area: 16 Best Things to Do in Winter Haven FL
Vero Heritage Citrus Label Tour
Vero Beach is another area in Florida with a rich history in the citrus industry – so much so that a museum is dedicated to it.
The Indian River Citrus Museum is a great spot to start the Vero Heritage Citrus Label Tour.
The museum displays original citrus crate labels and other artifacts and historic photographs.
After your museum visit, explore Historic Downtown Vero Beach, where you can see three more vintage citrus label displays from local fruit packers.
Indian River Citrus Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
For more information, visit the official Vero Heritage website.
Indian River Citrus Museum Address: 2140 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960
While you’re in the area: Best Things to Do in Vero Beach
Manatee County Citrus Label Tour
The Manatee County Citrus Label Tour is in Palmetto at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum.
The museum celebrates local agriculture and has exhibits dedicated to citrus, vegetables and other fruits, livestock, horticulture, and more.
The county has unveiled one of its vintage citrus labels outside the museum.
Manatee County Agricultural Museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday through Friday.
The museum is also open on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 am to 4 pm.
For more information, visit the official Manatee County Agricultural Museum website.
Manatee County Agricultural Museum Address: 1015 6th St. W, Palmetto, FL 34221
While you’re in the area: Our 10 Favorite Shops in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts
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