Last Updated on March 30, 2023
Lake Placid, Florida, has a unique history. It’s located approximately 50 miles south of Lake Wales and 22 miles southeast of Highlands Hammock State Park.
The Central Florida small town in Highlands County is known as both a “Town of Murals” and “The Caladium Capital of the World,” thanks to its 47 murals and 14 caladium farms.
Freshwater lakes, including Lake Placid, Lake June in Winter, and Mirror Lake surround the town.
We’re recommending some of the top things to do in the quaint town of Lake Placid, FL.
From beautiful murals to museums to wineries and distilleries, check out all the wonderful places you can visit on a trip to this charming town.
Table of contents
- Photograph the Murals of Lake Placid
- Clown Around at Toby’s Clown Foundation and School
- Stop by the Lake Placid Historical Society & Depot Museum
- Stroll Through Journal Plaza
- Sip Wine at Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery
- Tour the Sugar Sand Distillery
- Stay at the Railroad Caboose
- Attend an Annual Event in Lake Placid
- Additional Things to Do in Lake Placid, FL:
Photograph the Murals of Lake Placid
While in the Town of Murals, seeing all the art of Lake Placid is essential! The Murals are a free attraction. Think of it as an outdoor art gallery you can walk through.
Seeing 47 murals through a self-guided tour is one of the best ways to learn more about the town’s history and get some exercise in the process.
In addition to the murals, you will also see other works of art representing the town, such as bird plaques, clown cut-outs, and a life-size bronze statue of a Florida black bear.
TIPS:
- The Chamber Office / Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
- This art display is free and open to the public.
- The Welcome Center sells guides to the murals for $4 (make sure you ask for the newest publication).
- Large groups can arrange for paid, guided tours.
For more information, visit the official Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce website.
The Chamber Office / Welcome Center Address: 18 Oak Ave, Lake Placid, FL 33852
Clown Around at Toby’s Clown Foundation and School
Toby’s Clown Foundation and School is an American clown museum located in Lake Placid.
It is a great place to visit if you want unique things to do during your trip.
The foundation was started by Keith Stokes – also known as the infamous “Toby,” who approached a local hospital and arranged to entertain patients by clowning.
Toby’s clowning positively impacted the hospital’s patients and staff, so he trained more clowns to join him in his clowning ventures!
Visitors can tour the museum to learn more about clowning, arrange for a show, or have day classes tailored to their group.
TIPS:
- Toby’s Clown Foundation and School operating hours vary.
- 3-day clown school classes should be reserved in advance.
- Tours, shows, and day classes should be booked at least two weeks in advance.
- They have a gift shop with clown theme merchandise, dolls, and costumes.
For more information, visit the official Toby’s Clown Foundation website.
Toby’s Clown Foundation and School Address: 109 W. Interlake Blvd., Lake Placid, FL 33852
Stop by the Lake Placid Historical Society & Depot Museum
Lake Placid Historical Society & Depot Museum is the perfect place to go if you want to learn more about the history of Lake Placid.
Located downtown, visitors can see photos and memorabilia of the town through the years.
The building was originally a train depot, and they occasionally offer train rides! The museum is also known as an ideal place in town to host different events and historical reenactments.
TIPS:
- Lake Placid Historical Society & Depot Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Admission is free to enter this museum. Donations are accepted (and appreciated).
- If you would like to visit outside operating hours, you can call and see if it is possible to make an appointment. (863) 465-1775
- Ask about the Blind Date with a Book fundraiser. (See photo below)
For more information, visit the official Lake Placid Historical Society website.
Lake Placid Historical Society & Depot Museum Address: 12 Park Ave, Lake Placid, FL 33852
Stroll Through Journal Plaza
Journal Plaza is a shopping area in Lake Placid. There are plenty of fun things to do here.
The best time to visit is on Saturdays during the plaza’s Saturday Farmers Market, which hosts local vendors.
There are also a variety of brick-and-mortar stores in the plaza to check out.
The Blueberry Patch is a boutique that sells clothing, gifts, and home décor. It is a great place to pick up a souvenir to remember your trip by!
Morty & Edna’s Craft Kitchen is a lovely restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch.
Enjoy frittatas, sandwiches, and salads here, as well as sweet treats like cookies and cupcakes. Everything we ordered was delicious.
Bella Gusto Olive Oil sells not only olive oil but also amazing jellies, jams, olives, gourmet chocolate, and more.
You can check out these cool shops while at Journal Plaza.
TIPS:
- Journal Plaza hours vary based on each individual business.
- A wide variety of shops and restaurants are a walk or short drive away.
For more information, visit the official Journal Plaza Facebook page.
Journal Plaza Address: 231 N. Main Ave, Lake Placid, FL, 33852
Sip Wine at Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery
Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery is a great place to visit in Lake Placid. It offers visitors a few interesting things to do.
Take in the area’s natural beauty as you arrive and check out the guest viewing area, where you can see the process in action.
Henscratch Farms Winery has been in operation since August 2003. Wine tastings are a great way to try a selection of the different wines made here.
TIPS:
- Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- U-Pick Grape season is from August to September each year.
- Check out Henscratch Farms’ online store if you want your purchases shipped.
- The country store’s hours vary by season.
For more information, visit the official Henscratch Farms website.
Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery Address: 980 Henscratch Rd., Lake Placid, FL 33852
Tour the Sugar Sand Distillery
Sugar Sand Distillery is situated on a 10-acre sugar cane farm. The farm-to-bottle operation produces rum, vodka, gin, and moonshine.
The facilities offer free tours, including tastings of clear spirits, a cocktail sample, and a discount toward purchasing any bottle.
More in-depth tastings are available for $5 per couple, which is refundable with the purchase of a bottle.
TIPS:
- Sugar Sand Distillery is open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. They are also open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Friday and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
- Tours of the distillery last 30 to 45 minutes.
- There is a second tasting room at The 301 in Sebring, FL.
For more information, visit the official Sugar Sand Distillery website.
Sugar Sand Distillery Address: 265 Henscratch Rd., Lake Placid, FL 33852
Stay at the Railroad Caboose
If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Lake Placid, look no further than the Railroad Caboose! The Railroad Caboose is a vacation rental created from a completely remodeled train caboose located near railroad tracks.
The vacation rental is a studio-style layout with a bed that sleeps two people, a full bathroom, a kitchen, a living space, and an outdoor space. Amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi are included.
TIPS:
- Railroad Caboose is available to rent year-round.
- Check-in after 3:30 pm. Check-out is before 11:00 am.
- Pets and children are not allowed at this booking.
For more information, visit the official Railroad Caboose Vrbo listing.
Railroad Caboose Address: 227 Lake June Dr., Lake Placid, FL 33852
Attend an Annual Event in Lake Placid
Lake Placid hosts some fantastic events during the year. If you can make the trip for one, we highly recommend it!
The Lake Placid Arts and Crafts Country Fair is held annually in February. The fair is a free admission weekend event with many arts and crafts vendors, food booths, and children’s activities.
In July, the town hosts its iconic Annual Caladium Festival, which includes a car and bike show, floral arrangement competition, art competition, food vendors, entertainment, and much more!
See the Caladium Capital of the World’s celebration of one of its most well-known attributes at this fun event.
For more information, visit the official Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce website.
Additional Things to Do in Lake Placid, FL:
- Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Dr., Venus, FL 33960
- Stuart Park, 131 E. Interlake Blvd., Lake Placid, FL 33852
- Lake Placid Tower, 413 US Hwy 27, Lake Placid, FL 33852
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