Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Fort Meade, FL

The oldest settlement in Polk County dates back to the tentative peace of the mid-19th century following the Second Seminole War.

Fort Meade is located just west of the Peace River. This captivating watercourse is a significant attraction, flowing southwards through enigmatic cypress swamps and past archaeological sites.

At Fort Meade, one can embark on a memorable journey via the Peace River Paddling Trail. I found it challenging to locate outfitters, but if you possess your own canoe or kayak, several launching locations are available along the city’s periphery.

Fort Meade is situated in an area linked to phosphate mining. Many of my favored nearby locations are former open-pit mines that have been repurposed. This includes the highly esteemed Streamsong Resort, recognized as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.

1. Fort Meade Historical Society

Source: Fort Meade FL Historical Society & Museum / Facebook

Situated on North Tecumseh Avenue in the downtown area, the Fort Meade Historical Society occupies what may be the city’s most notable edifice. This is the Old Fort Meade Schoolhouse, constructed in 1885 in the Frame Vernacular style.

It serves as an excellent initial stop for newcomers, filled with items donated by families with roots in the area extending back to the mid-19th century. I appreciated the dedication of the volunteer staff, who shared engaging anecdotes about the town.

While donations are graciously accepted, admission is complimentary, and the museum serves as the focal point for numerous seasonal events.

2. Peace River Paddle Trail

Nourished by springs and rainwater, the 106-mile Peace River rises a few miles from Fort Meade, northeast of Bartow, and ultimately flows into the Gulf at Charlotte Harbor.

For millennia, Native American communities utilized the Peace River for trade, and there are multiple archaeological sites along its banks.

If you wish to navigate this historic and picturesque waterway, Fort Meade is positioned at the northern terminus of the 67-mile Peace River Paddling Trail. The scenery is breathtaking, as the river meanders through cypress swamps and primordial hardwood forests, adorned with branches draped in Spanish moss.

One of the aspects I cherish about the river is its geology. Limestone outcrops and bluffs, which are rare in Florida, create particularly striking views when water levels are low.

These geological features yield an abundance of fossils; however, collection is prohibited between Bartow and Wauchula, which is located 15 miles south of Fort Meade.

3. Patterson Park

Source: J.P. Photography / shutterstock

Located on the north side of downtown, Patterson Park is a charming public space established in the late 1980s.

I was fascinated to discover that this area, encompassing three interconnected lakes, was formerly an open-pit mine. The paved trail along the shores invites visitors under moss-draped limbs to various observation points overlooking the water.

The park also features a boat ramp suitable for small boats, with the prohibition of gasoline engines. The lakes are favored by kayakers and anglers. As is common in most Florida lakes, alligators, turtles, and captivating wading birds are never far away.

Patterson Park serves as a venue for numerous seasonal community events. A highlight for families is the costume contest held on the Saturday preceding Halloween.

4. Streamsong Resort

By planning ahead, visitors can enjoy a round at one of the nation’s most cherished golf destinations.

Streamsong Resort, featuring four remarkable courses, is accessible to non-resort guests, contingent on flexibility and adherence to a specified reservation window.

The resort commenced operations in 2012, established atop a once-massive phosphate mine. At the time of my visit, the Red, Blue, and Black courses were open, while the fourth, The Chain, was nearing completion.

The Red Course is recognized for its expansive lakes and natural dunes and bunkers, while the Blue Course presents astonishing elevation changes, adorned with wild grasses and lofty dunes.

The Black Course was inaugurated in 2018 and quickly garnered accolades, featuring a layout reminiscent of the Sand Belt Region surrounding Melbourne, Australia.

5. Fort Meade Historic District

Given that you are in the oldest town in Polk County, it is worthwhile to dedicate some time to exploring the historic district. The historic district centers on the intersection of Broadway Street and Charleston Avenue (Highway 17), forming the core of downtown.

Much of the history can be discovered along Fort Meade’s tranquil yet picturesque residential streets, which are lined with magnificent live oaks.

Over 150 buildings contribute to the Fort Meade Historic District, providing ample sights to experience. The local history museum has developed a driving tour that pairs various landmarks with historical information.

Some of my recommended sites include the Second Train Station (1891), the Christ Episcopal Church (1889), the Rev. Wm James Reid House (circa 1900), and the W.O. Williams/R.C. McClellan House (circa 1898). The latter was once owned by Florida Congressman, W.O. Williams (1873-1920).

6. Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area

On the city’s eastern outskirts, there exists a tranquil locale adjacent to the Peace River. If you own a vessel, the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area provides a convenient launching point. From this location, you can commence an enchanting journey along the 67-mile Peace River Paddling Trail.

For a brief yet rewarding paddle, you may navigate downstream through the cypress trees as far as the Peace River Hammock.

The park encompasses 120 acres, attracting visitors for cookouts and gatherings. There are picnic areas with numerous tables beneath mature trees, as well as three playgrounds for children.

7. Mosaic Peace River Park

A short drive north of Fort Meade reveals nearly 500 acres of cypress floodplain forest along the Peace River. This park shines as an ideal location for birdwatching, boasting an impressive variety of species.

To name just a few, you may encounter hooded mergansers, limpkins, blue-headed vireos, pelicans, and raptors such as red-tailed hawks and swallow-tailed kites.

You can traverse the park’s nearly eight miles of trails, which include a mile of boardwalk that penetrates the humid cypress forest.

In 2022, Hurricane Ian caused some damage to the park, and the boardwalk was awaiting repairs during my visit.

8. Peace River Hammock

A chain of conservation lands extends along the Peace River just east of Fort Meade. This property spans slightly over 40 acres and provides an excellent opportunity for a nature walk, located mere minutes from downtown Fort Meade.

The 1.5-mile Peace River Trail leads to the riverfront, passing through an impressive canopy of grand oaks, cabbage palms, and hickories.

This park also offers a launching site for the Peace River Paddling Trail. If you are traversing the river, the launch area has been designed as a convenient resting spot. The wildlife consists of alligators and wading birds such as limpkins.

As with all natural areas around Fort Meade, it is prudent to apply insect repellent before disembarking from your vehicle.

9. John’s Drive-In

Hard to overlook due to its A-frame architecture, this classic drive-in restaurant is situated right on Charleston Avenue downtown. In case it’s not apparent, the building is a former Whataburger, transformed in the 1980s.

John’s Drive-In specializes in American comfort food staples, featuring a Southern twist. This includes burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, chicken livers, steaks, and seafood ranging from fried catfish to crab cakes.

If I were to recommend one dish for newcomers to experience, it would undoubtedly be the grouper sandwich or the ½ lb Miner Burger. The side options include fried green tomatoes, fried okra, coleslaw, hushpuppies, and yellow rice.

10. Nasgrass at Florida Flywheelers Park

For a unique experience, lawnmower racing can be found just east of Fort Meade. In fact, Nasgrass is recognized as America’s longest-running lawnmower racing club, promising thrilling dirt-racing action during its season.

Races occur on the second Saturday of each month from September to mid-May. During my visit, the track had recently relocated from the Avon Park Mower-Plex to the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Rd in Fort Meade.

I was quite impressed with the new facility and the spectator turnout, with attendees enjoying tailgating prior to the races.

11. Homeland Heritage Park

Traveling north from Fort Meade on US 98 unveils several interesting attractions. My favorite is this outdoor historical museum, located no more than five minutes away in Homeland.

At Homeland Heritage Park, you will find a small yet well-preserved glimpse into pioneer life in Polk County. Set within a picturesque wooded environment, it features a schoolhouse from 1878, a church from 188_, a preserved log cabin from 1888, and the 1880 Raulerson House.

The museum opened in the mid-1980s and can be explored via a self-guided walking tour, complete with interpretive signs and artifacts to examine.

12. Bartow

The seat of Polk County can be reached with a brief drive from downtown Fort Meade. There are plenty of reasons to consider this short trip. For instance, you can gain insights into the county’s history at the Polk County Historical Museum, located in the remarkable old courthouse from the 1900s.

Another highlight that attracts visitors from afar is the Wonder House. Open to visitors by appointment, this architectural marvel was constructed in the 1920s by a businessman from Pittsburgh who came to Bartow seeking health, having been given a year to live. He survived until 1971.

Bartow is also notable for its events, including the Fall Festival in September and Bloomin’ Arts in March, which has roots dating back over half a century.

13. Paynes Creek Historic State Park

If you are captivated by the complexities of the area’s mid-19th century history, this park is situated at the site of a massacre and subsequent fortification.

After the Second Seminole War, a reservation was established for the Seminoles just a few miles south of modern Fort Meade, supported by trading posts on its periphery.

In 1849, when one of these trading posts encroached too far upon Seminole territory, it was swiftly raided and destroyed.

Paynes Creek Historic State Park is located at the site of Fort Chokonikla, constructed in response to the massacre. The fort was short-lived, not due to conflict, but rather because of diseases vectored by mosquitoes in this swampy region.

The visitor center features museum exhibits detailing this narrative, and visitors can hike the trails or launch a kayak/canoe on the Peace River.

14. Hardee Lakes County Park

Continuing a little further southwest of Fort Meade, Hardee Lakes County Park is near Streamsong Resort. If you seek immersion in unspoiled nature, camping, fishing, horseback riding, or hiking, this is the destination for you.

Spanning over 1,200 acres, Hardee Lakes County Park is distinguished by a sequence of four expansive lakes. Fishing is permitted in all four, with the largest, Lake Hardee, encompassing 120 acres.

Trails meander through the woodlands and lead to boardwalk sections along the lakeshore. For those wishing to stay overnight, the park offers 60 RV sites and 15 primitive sites amid the palms and pines on the western shore of Deer Lake.

15. Alafia River State Park

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Located within an easy drive from Fort Meade, Alafia River State Park can be accessed in under half an hour. If you are passionate about mountain biking, this location should be on your list.

With 20 miles of single-track trails, it offers one of the best venues for mountain biking available in the state. The elevation variations add to the excitement, in what was previously a phosphate mine. Indeed, there are exhilarating banked turns, breathtaking descents, and roller coaster-like hills.

During your exploration, you can pause to admire the views over the lakes and the Alafia River. Within the park, you will find picnic pavilions, a playground, and even a full-service bike shop.