Winter Haven Today
With a population within City limits of almost 50,000, the Winter Haven - Lakeland MSA has been the 2nd fastest growing in the United State in 2020, with a growth rate of 45% from 2010 to 2020. We are located at the center of Florida's super region, an area that spans from Tampa to Daytona that generates $300 billion per year in the economic activity, making it the 9th largest economy in the United States. Winter Haven is directly between two metropolitan areas - Tampa and Orlando- and offers a short drive to either city's amenities. However, in Winter Haven you can enjoy lower cost of living, less traffic and a more cohesive community. We're not a bedroom community by any means, as we have economic opportunity built on small businesses, entrepreneurs and large industry.
Aside from the location and cohesive community, Winter Haven is a unique destination for many other reasons as well! Have you ever been to a town where you can go from one side of town to another completely by boat? With our Chain of Lakes, you can hop in a canoe, kayak, boat or any form of water transportation and make it to your destination without every leaving your boat! We have 55 lakes in Winter Haven and 24 of them are canal connected, giving a unique spin to traveling in our lake loving town.
Another one-of-a-kind feature of Winter Haven is our "something for everyone" mentality. Many towns have their "hallmarks." They might be known for their amazing night life, delicious gourmet restaurants, theatrical experiences or family friendly destinations, but Winter Haven isn't just known for one of these things, but ALL of them. We have LEGOLAND Florida, a walkable, thriving downtown, incredible restaurants, a reputation for excellent theatrical experiences and so much more. Whether you are a young couple, looking for a small town with BIG talent, music venues and night life or you have little ones who enjoy theme parks and playing outside, Winter Haven is your all encompassing destination to plant roots and grow.
On top of the perks above, Winter Haven is no exception to being a part of the Sunshine State. For the vast majority of the year we experience mild climate, blue skies, sunshine and light breezes. We are in Florida though, so the occasional shower can occur, especially in the hotter summer afternoons. A little shower provides the perfect time to experience our indoor attractions and cultural venues.
Need more reasons to make Winter Haven your home? Keep adventuring through our website, watch the Winter Haven video below and check out our Winter Haven Magazine at the bottom of this page. We hope you will stick around and see all that we have to offer you and your family!
Aside from the location and cohesive community, Winter Haven is a unique destination for many other reasons as well! Have you ever been to a town where you can go from one side of town to another completely by boat? With our Chain of Lakes, you can hop in a canoe, kayak, boat or any form of water transportation and make it to your destination without every leaving your boat! We have 55 lakes in Winter Haven and 24 of them are canal connected, giving a unique spin to traveling in our lake loving town.
Another one-of-a-kind feature of Winter Haven is our "something for everyone" mentality. Many towns have their "hallmarks." They might be known for their amazing night life, delicious gourmet restaurants, theatrical experiences or family friendly destinations, but Winter Haven isn't just known for one of these things, but ALL of them. We have LEGOLAND Florida, a walkable, thriving downtown, incredible restaurants, a reputation for excellent theatrical experiences and so much more. Whether you are a young couple, looking for a small town with BIG talent, music venues and night life or you have little ones who enjoy theme parks and playing outside, Winter Haven is your all encompassing destination to plant roots and grow.
On top of the perks above, Winter Haven is no exception to being a part of the Sunshine State. For the vast majority of the year we experience mild climate, blue skies, sunshine and light breezes. We are in Florida though, so the occasional shower can occur, especially in the hotter summer afternoons. A little shower provides the perfect time to experience our indoor attractions and cultural venues.
Need more reasons to make Winter Haven your home? Keep adventuring through our website, watch the Winter Haven video below and check out our Winter Haven Magazine at the bottom of this page. We hope you will stick around and see all that we have to offer you and your family!
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 2024The 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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