Winter Haven Today
Historically, Winter Haven has been just what the name implies – a respite for those seeking an alternative to the harsh northeast winters. While we continue to welcome winter visitors, Winter Haven has evolved into so much more – a true renaissance city. Our unique ecology and natural 24 canal-connected lakes offer an affordable lakeside lifestyle. As home to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park, Winter Haven has become a premier family-friendly destination. Embracing deep-running
Florida roots, our city has a robust collaborative business and entrepreneurial community connected by a vibrant downtown. Winter Haven is the destination to live, work, eat, play, stay, and start your business.
With a population of more than 60,000 within the City of Winter Haven limits and equally as many residents in our unincorporated area, Winter Haven continues to rank as one of the fastest-growing locales in the country. Growth, however, is not the only thing going for this community. Our award-winning focus on maintaining the quality of life, healthy lifestyles, and restoring our historic Downtown is a huge priority. In fact, in the fall of 2019, Downtown Winter Haven was named the #1 Great Place in Florida by the American Planning Association. Additionally, the Lakeland - Winter Haven MSA is currently the fastest growing area in the country with nearly a 4.0% increase in population last year. This is more than double the state’s population growth.
Winter Haven is located at the center of Florida’s I-4 corridor. This area spans from Pinellas County on the west coast to Brevard and Volusia Counties on the east coast with a population of nearly 8,500,000 and an economy ranking in the top 15 in the US. Winter Haven is directly between two metropolitan areas – Tampa and Orlando – and offers a short drive to either city’s amenities. Winter Haven offers a lower cost of living, less traffic, and a more cohesive community. Not a bedroom community by any means, we have economic opportunity built on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and large industry.
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and Winter Haven is no exception. We experience a mild climate, blue skies, sunshine, and light breezes for the vast majority of the year. Our location and weather are two of the most referenced reasons a business or resident relocated to our community.
Florida roots, our city has a robust collaborative business and entrepreneurial community connected by a vibrant downtown. Winter Haven is the destination to live, work, eat, play, stay, and start your business.
With a population of more than 60,000 within the City of Winter Haven limits and equally as many residents in our unincorporated area, Winter Haven continues to rank as one of the fastest-growing locales in the country. Growth, however, is not the only thing going for this community. Our award-winning focus on maintaining the quality of life, healthy lifestyles, and restoring our historic Downtown is a huge priority. In fact, in the fall of 2019, Downtown Winter Haven was named the #1 Great Place in Florida by the American Planning Association. Additionally, the Lakeland - Winter Haven MSA is currently the fastest growing area in the country with nearly a 4.0% increase in population last year. This is more than double the state’s population growth.
Winter Haven is located at the center of Florida’s I-4 corridor. This area spans from Pinellas County on the west coast to Brevard and Volusia Counties on the east coast with a population of nearly 8,500,000 and an economy ranking in the top 15 in the US. Winter Haven is directly between two metropolitan areas – Tampa and Orlando – and offers a short drive to either city’s amenities. Winter Haven offers a lower cost of living, less traffic, and a more cohesive community. Not a bedroom community by any means, we have economic opportunity built on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and large industry.
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and Winter Haven is no exception. We experience a mild climate, blue skies, sunshine, and light breezes for the vast majority of the year. Our location and weather are two of the most referenced reasons a business or resident relocated to our community.
Winter Haven History
Winter Havenites are incredibly proud of their rich agricultural and entrepreneurial history. Easily residents dubbed the city the "City of 100 Lakes". Realistically, we don't have 100 lakes, but without the ease of drone technology, how could they have known?! The first settlers arrived in Winter Haven in the 1860's. By 1885, the village was named by P.D. Eychleshimer. While many families lived in the vicinity, such as the Eycleshimers, Sykes, Jacksons and Inmans, the first official residents of the village after it was platted were F.A.K Harris and his wife Adele, who built the first commercial and residential structure downtown in 1885.
Our famous chain of canal-connected lakes was started in 1915 and complete in the early 1920's as a way to transport citrus crops. Along with the Chain of Lakes, the 1920's boom brought rapid growth throughout Florida, and eventually, serious economic turmoil. Winter Haven was not exempt. Citrus and other agricultural crops were the early economic mainstays. In 1930, a 22-year-old George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store on 4th St. NW and then his "dream store" for Publix Super Markets on Central Avenue in 1940. You can visit these sites to see the historic markers.
In 1936, a gregarious promoter named Dick Pope opened Cypress Gardens on Lake Eloise. Pope brought intense publicity to Florida, Winter Haven and his beloved park. The Pope family sold Cypress Gardens in 1985. For 73 years it entertained more than 50 million people. In October 2011, Merlin Entertainments Group opened LEGOLAND Florida on the historic site, and the Cypress Gardens botanical gardens are leased to, and beautifully maintained by them.
Winter Haven's history is being preserved at the Museum of Winter Haven History located on Lake Howard and Pope Avenue in the historic Woman's Club.
Our famous chain of canal-connected lakes was started in 1915 and complete in the early 1920's as a way to transport citrus crops. Along with the Chain of Lakes, the 1920's boom brought rapid growth throughout Florida, and eventually, serious economic turmoil. Winter Haven was not exempt. Citrus and other agricultural crops were the early economic mainstays. In 1930, a 22-year-old George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store on 4th St. NW and then his "dream store" for Publix Super Markets on Central Avenue in 1940. You can visit these sites to see the historic markers.
In 1936, a gregarious promoter named Dick Pope opened Cypress Gardens on Lake Eloise. Pope brought intense publicity to Florida, Winter Haven and his beloved park. The Pope family sold Cypress Gardens in 1985. For 73 years it entertained more than 50 million people. In October 2011, Merlin Entertainments Group opened LEGOLAND Florida on the historic site, and the Cypress Gardens botanical gardens are leased to, and beautifully maintained by them.
Winter Haven's history is being preserved at the Museum of Winter Haven History located on Lake Howard and Pope Avenue in the historic Woman's Club.
For More Information on Winter Haven...
Winter Haven Magazine 2025The Winter Haven Magazine is your one-stop-shop for all things Winter Haven! Click here to view the online issue or visit or contact our lobby to get your printed copy.
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Community ProfileClick here here to view our community profile including targeted industries, population, demographics and more.
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Photo LibraryThis photo library is a tool for our community businesses to use to share the story and brand of Winter Haven in a fun and consistent way. See more photos here!
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