The Winter Haven area was first settled in the 1860s by some veterans of the Seminole Indian War who were impressed with the local climate and beauty. Early pioneer families established themselves in the area and began to grow strawberries, eggplant, guavas, tomatoes, peaches and peppers.

Today Winter Haven is proud to be a premier city and a popular destination whether for a visit or permanent relocation. Local economy benefits from tourism, agriculture, economic expansion and redevelopment.

Winter Haven is 146 feet above sea level. Its city limits touch or surround 23 lakes. Water skiing is both a sport and a business in Winter Haven and is enjoyed on many lakes. World champion barefoot skier, Ron Scarpa, operates a barefoot skiing school on the chain.

Tour Cypress Gardens
This family vacation adventure park features over forty thrill rides, big park shows, animal parks, dining, shopping village and their world famous plantation gardens and Southern Belles. In addition to their regular attractions, Cypress Gardens will also get you dazzled by an exciting lineup of all-star concerts and special events throughout the year.

Chain of Lakes Park Cleveland Indians Baseball Spring Training Camp
Winter Haven, Florida;
Baseball Spring Training runs six weeks from Febr to March;
Stadium Built: 1966 - Capacity: 7,000;
The Indians mover their spring training camp here in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew wrecked their nearly completed modern facility in Homestead Florida. You'll see the Chief Wahoo logo prominently displayed all over Winter Haven.

Chain of Lakes - Winter Haven FL
Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes is a boater’s paradise and premier water ski destination. The famous chain is a unique series of 16 lakes connected by navigable canals. Public boat ramps are scattered along lakeshores, some in conjunction with beaches, fishing piers, recreational facilities and picnic grounds. Lake Shipp Park, an 18-acre city park, has a boat ramp, a swimming beach and picnic tables. Picnic tables and boat ramps draw people to Lake Cannon Park during the summer.

Winter Haven Gilbert Airport [GIF]
Gilbert Field is a general municipal aviation facility located 3 miles northwest of Winter Haven.
Runway 4/22 - Asphalt surface 5,006 x 100 ft.
Runway 11/29 - Asphalt surface 3,999 x 100 ft.

Cypress Gardens Best Western
5665 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL 33884 US
This vacation resort hotel is located within walking distance of Cypress Gardens and offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, an exercise room, hot tub, valet laundry service, and overnight security. Ask at the desk about discounted tickets to Cypress Gardens theme park.

Dundee Quality Inn Hotel
339 US Hwy. 27 North Dundee, FL 33838 US
This 100-room hotel has amenities that include an outdoor pool, restaurant/bar, 24-hour front desk, safe deposit boxes, and free parking. Standard room amenities include an alarm clock radio, cable TV, coffeemaker, dataports, hairdryer, and telephone.

Winter Haven Howard Johnson Inn
1300 3rd St. Southwest Winter Haven, FL 33880 US
The Howard Johnson of Winter Haven is located three miles from Cypress Gardens and within walking distance of the Cleveland Indians' Spring Training site. For the recreationally inclined, there is an outdoor heated pool.

Cypress Gardens Holiday Inn
1150 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880
This newly renovated hotel offers 228 beautifully appointed guest rooms with king or two queen-size beds and parlor suites. Ask at the desk about discounted tickets to Cypress Gardens theme park.

Haines City Grenelefe Golf and Tennis Resort
3200 State Road 546 Haines City, FL 33844 US
The 1,000-acre Westgate-Grenelefe Resort enjoys three distinctive championship courses. 750 villa suites are spaced liberally throughout the property, each providing the ultimate tranquil setting for the perfect vacation getaway.

Winter Haven Scottish Inns
1901 Cypress Garden Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33884 US
22 room property with swimming pool, family rooms, parking, and free local calls.

Lakeland Terrace Hotel
329 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801 US
This is a fine historic hotel located on the corner of Main Street and Massachusetts Avenue overlooking beautiful Lake Mirror. Walk to County Courthouse, Federal Courthouse, Municipal Office Complex and new Lakeland Train Station 1 mile from civic center auditorium.

Auburndale Inn & Suites
1008 US Highway 92 West Auburndale, FL 33823-9585
This vacation resort hotel comes with many amenities that include an outdoor pool, hot tub, exercise facility, and complimentary continental breakfast. Guests also get access to laundry facilities, a business center, 24-hour front desk service, free parking, and safety deposit.

Winter Haven Super 8 Motel
2275 Highway 17 North/8th St. NW Winter Haven, FL 33881 US
The Super 8 in Winter Haven is located approximately two miles from the center of town, and is four miles from Winter Haven Gilbert Airport. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and parking. Dining options include the Continental Breakfast. Guest rooms feature cable TVs, telephones, free local calls, dataports, microwaves, and refrigerators.

Winter Haven Hampton Inn
202 Cypress Gardens Boulevard Winter Haven, FL 33880 US
Hampton Inn Winter Haven is located off Hwy. 540 in the heart of central Florida, convenient to Orlando and Tampa, and next to the Chain of Lakes Complex, spring training site of the Cleveland Indians. We feature 54 rooms, exercise gym, and outdoor pool. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, in-room coffee maker, and TV with cable.

Winter Haven Days Inn
200 Cypress Gardens Boulevard Winter Haven, FL 33880 US
The Winter Haven Days Inn is conveniently located in the heart of the Sunshine State. Unpack once and visit all of the major attractions. Ask at the desk about discounted tickets to Cypress Gardens theme park.