Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Inverness, Florida

I developed a fondness for this charming city in Citrus County immediately. Inverness is surrounded by magnificent natural landscapes.

To the west, just ten minutes away, lies the Withlacoochee River, which offers airboat tours, while the lakes and wetlands of the Flying Eagle Preserve are even closer.

Inverness boasts a compact yet delightful downtown area, highlighted by an impressive courthouse that also functions as a local history museum, alongside various eateries, local boutiques, and a refurbished Art Deco theater.

As a designated Trail Town, Inverness is easy to navigate by bicycle. The Withlacoochee State Trail, which resembles a car-free highway, passes through downtown and leads to numerous local attractions.

1. Downtown Inverness

At the core of a community often described as “a small town done right,” downtown Inverness seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary vibrancy. I immediately recognized how effortlessly one can traverse the area on foot or by bicycle.

On the courthouse square, visitors will find a concise directory of restaurants, with many more located on adjacent streets. Additionally, independent shops offer a variety of antiques, clothing, jewelry, homegoods, and bicycle accessories.

Adorned with stately live oaks, the courthouse square unifies the entire district, evoking echoes of Old Florida. From this point, a short walk leads you to the Withlacoochee State Trail, along with its network of connected outdoor spaces.

2. The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

Source: Gabi Lamberti / Flickr

The historical centerpiece of Inverness is the Old Citrus County Courthouse (1912), which merges several Revivalist architectural styles, distinguished by its grand copper cupola.

The building ceased operation in 1970, and by the 1990s it was in a state of disrepair. Plans for demolition emerged until it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, leading to a restoration over the following decade.

An interesting detail I discovered is that the restoration work in the second-floor courtroom utilized the film Follow That Dream, featuring Elvis Presley, which was filmed here in 1961, as a reference.

The museum, overseen by the Citrus County Historical Society, chronicles various aspects of local history. Visitors can learn about the county’s prehistory, Native American heritage, the citrus industry, the film industry, and the pioneer era.

The restored second-floor courtroom recounts Elvis Presley’s brief stay in Inverness during the summer of 1961.

3. Fort Cooper State Park

Source: Phil Lowe / shutterstock

A few miles southwest of downtown Inverness, Fort Cooper State Park intertwines stunning natural beauty with fascinating history.

This site was once home to Fort Cooper, which was besieged by the Seminole leader Osceola during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). Every March, there is a large-scale reenactment of this event, featuring a variety of vendors and food trucks.

While walking the trails, I found informative kiosks around the north and west shores of Lake Holathikaha particularly engaging.

The Withlacoochee State Trail follows the park’s western boundary. Available amenities include picnic areas, canoe rentals, a playground, fishing spots, and more.

4. Valerie Theater

Source: DanTD / Wikimedia

Similar to numerous historic theaters across America, the Valerie Theater has experienced fluctuations in popularity. Constructed in the early Art Deco style in the 1920s, it had entered a prolonged period of disuse and disrepair for much of its history.

Following extensive renovations, the theater reopened just a few years ago. It has since become a popular venue for entertainment, showcasing movies, concerts, musicals, plays, and various special events throughout the year.

I appreciate the nostalgic glamour of this venue, enhanced by modern sound and lighting, resulting in exceptional performances.

5. Cooter Pond Park

This park, located by the eponymous pond just steps from the courthouse, is the ideal spot for an outdoor meal in downtown. Cooter Pond Park is the kind of public space that any city would be proud to possess.

The boardwalk runs directly from the sidewalk, winding along the marshy shore of the pond. At the convergence of the two arms of the boardwalk, there is a covered overlook.

In the spring and summer, visitors can observe gallinules with their young, alongside turtles, abundant fish, and many alligators. Indeed, hundreds of hatchling alligators can be spotted between July and September.

Cooter Pond Park represents one of the many public areas in Inverness that connects to the Withlacoochee State Trail.

6. Withlacoochee State Trail

Source: Suzanna Ruby / shutterstock

Among Florida’s longest paved trails, the Withlacoochee State Trail runs directly through Inverness. Spanning almost 50 miles, the trail is built on a former railroad right-of-way from the 1890s.

This trail enhances Inverness’s reputation as one of Florida’s most bicycle-friendly cities. It facilitates access to numerous destinations, including the boardwalks of Henderson Lake and the historically significant Fort Cooper State Park.

Along its route, the path detaches from US 41, creating a more serene atmosphere compared to other sections. Riding north, you will encounter historic trestles and elevated embankments.

Additionally, in Pineola—approximately an hour south by bike—visitors can explore the site of a catastrophic event in 1956, when two freight trains collided head-on.

7. Inverness Festival of the Arts

Citrus County’s longest-running art exhibit takes place in the Courthouse Square during the first weekend in November. At the time of writing, the Inverness Festival of the Arts had recently commemorated its 50th anniversary.

This juried event, offering more than $10,000 in prizes, invites diverse artists from across the nation to participate in downtown. Categories include clay, glass, sculpture, printmaking, metal, mixed media, watercolor, digital art, photography, and painting.

Thousands of attendees come to appreciate and purchase these artworks, while interactive exhibits keep people of all ages engaged, accompanied by live music and a variety of local food and beverages.

8. Flying Eagle Preserve

For those seeking adventure, a remarkable 10,950-acre park is accessible on the eastern side of town.

Bordered by the Withlacoochee River to the east, the Flying Eagle Preserve is characterized by a landscape richly intertwined with water. It features a system of small lakes, marshes, and swamps transitioning to wooded uplands.

I value the convenience of the trail beginning at E Moccasin Slough Rd, which allows for exploration just five minutes from downtown. From this point, you can access over 20 miles of trails, including an easy six-mile loop.

My advice is to prepare for wet hiking conditions, as these trails can be heavily impacted by seasonal weather, particularly during the summer months.

9. Whispering Pines Park

This expansive community park, located west of downtown, extends to the Withlacoochee State Trail, which borders it on the north side. Spanning nearly 300 acres, Whispering Pines Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities among its pine and hardwood landscapes.

The park’s numerous amenities include a 25-meter pool, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, two complete 18-basket disc golf courses, a playground, and a seasonal splash pad.

In my opinion, Whispering Pines Park is a fantastic location for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride. If time allows, consider doing a loop via the Withlacoochee Trail starting and concluding downtown.

10. Wild Bill’s Airboat Tours

A remarkable means of exploring the Withlacoochee River and its unrefined surrounding swamps is to embark on an airboat adventure. Located just east of downtown, Wild Bill’s Airboat Tours awaits your arrival.

This experience promises high-speed exploration, aboard a 600-horsepower airboat. Encounter breathtaking cypress and maple trees while searching for alligators, turtles, deer, eagles, turkeys, wading birds, snakes, and perhaps even bears.

The charismatic guide/driver plays a significant role in the tours’ appeal. Back on the premises, younger family members have the opportunity to have their photos taken while holding a baby alligator.

11. Citrus County Speedway

Source: DanTD / Wikimedia

Situated across US 41 from Fort Cooper State Park, the Citrus County Speedway features a 3/8-mile asphalt oval and an action-packed schedule from January through November.

Saturday is race day at the Citrus County Speedway, presenting numerous categories to observe, including Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Pro Trucks, Mini Stocks, and Legend Cars, among others.

Visitors are treated to the roar of engines, enthusiastic spectators, and an exhilarating atmosphere that is enjoyable even for those who might not typically be fans of racing.

Children and teenagers especially look forward to the Night of Carnage, held in January, showcasing thrilling events such as figure-eight races featuring school buses.

12. Liberty Park

Located west of Wallace Brooks Park along the Withlacoochee State Trail, Liberty Park is situated in a serene clearing adjacent to Henderson Lake.

Rather than focusing on sports, Liberty Park serves as a tranquil space to enjoy the stunning natural beauty that surrounds Inverness.

A boardwalk, known as the Liberty Trail, connects the lakefront areas of both parks. My preferred method of starting the day in Inverness is at the quaint shelter/overlook by the water.

Across the state trail from Liberty Park lies Inverness’s Depot District, known for its preserved railroad infrastructure. During my visit, the historic train station from 1892 was being repurposed as the Train Station restaurant.

13. Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary

This inspiring non-profit bird sanctuary has operated in Inverness for over 20 years. Visitors are welcome to stop by during office hours, Monday through Saturday, for a tour.

Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary is a strictly no-kill and no-breeding facility, providing refuge for exotic birds that are often unwanted pets. A glimpse of the macaws, cockatiels, and parakeets will reveal that they are well cared for.

Visitors can learn about the sanctuary’s initiatives for these birds and appreciate their spacious and enriching habitats. The organization operates under the belief that individuals are responsible for their pet birds and facilitates adoption upon successful bonding.

14. Just Horse’n Around Horseback Riding

Experiencing the scenic landscapes surrounding Inverness on horseback was one of my immediate thoughts. This is achievable with Just Horse’n Around, which organizes trail rides within a 9,000-acre preserve.

The trails meander through a breathtaking pine ecosystem, offering ride options ranging from one hour to three hours. For newcomers, one-on-one lessons with the knowledgeable instructors are available.

Additionally, magical full-moon rides are offered, and it is worthwhile to check the calendar for the next event.

15. Florida’s Best Blueberry Farm

During springtime, a delightful way to spend a couple of hours outdoors around Inverness is at this blueberry farm. The blueberry harvesting season varies annually but typically occurs in April.

During this time, Florida’s Best Blueberry Farm features expansive fields open for U-Pick, offering an abundance of ripe, juicy berries. The small farm stand also sells blueberry jam, raw honey, and freshly picked flowers.

For a romantic outing, consider participating in one of the evening picking sessions.