Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Eustis, Florida

Set against the stunning backdrop of a lake sharing its name, Eustis is a city revered for its vibrant downtown.

This area underwent a significant revitalization in the 2010s, complemented by Ferran Park along the lakefront. This park serves as a picturesque communal space hosting events that attract thousands, particularly during the spring season.

The abundant natural beauty surrounding Eustis captivates visitors year-round. Just moments from downtown, one can hike beneath majestic live oaks, navigate lush cypress swamps, explore a vast sinkhole, or embark on a boat tour through the historic canals that once served as a thoroughfare for steamers.

1. Historic Downtown Eustis

Home to a diverse array of independent businesses and a charming park, downtown Eustis invites exploration.

A designated National Historic Site, downtown Eustis is bordered to the west by the lakefront and the delightful Ferran Park. Featuring an historic bandstand, the area is an ideal venue for various outdoor events.

The dining and shopping scene in Eustis primarily unfolds along Magnolia Avenue and Bay Street, where unique stores offer home goods, gifts, flowers, pet supplies, jewelry, bicycles, and ice cream.

The State Theatre of Eustis, established in 1922, has served as the home of the Bay Street Players, a cherished community theater company for nearly four decades.

It is advisable to visit downtown on the first Friday evening of each month to enjoy vendors, live music, and food trucks. Additionally, the fourth Saturday of each month features a classic car show displaying approximately 150 vehicles.

2. Ferran Park

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Situated downtown and right at the edge of Lake Eustis, Ferran Park stands out as one of the most beautiful urban parks.

Partially reclaimed from the water, the park boasts a paved walkway that closely follows the shoreline, providing numerous seating areas along the way, complemented by breathtaking views that are particularly enchanting at sunset.

The Alice McClelland Bandshell serves as a focal point. Constructed in 1926, this Mediterranean Revival structure was relocated to the park a decade later.

At the park’s northern terminus lies the Eustis Aquatic Center, featuring a lap pool and a splash pad that is popular with children.

Ferran Park is particularly delightful during the Christmas season when it is adorned with lights and also serves as a prime viewing location for summer boat races on Lake Eustis.

3. The Clifford House

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

The Eustis Historical Museum occupies a stately 18-room mansion built by one of the region’s earliest settlers. Guilford Davis Clifford relocated to central Florida from New York in the 1870s, establishing a general store and the local mail service.

Between 1910 and 1911, Clifford constructed this notable Classical Revival residence along the lakefront. Although designed earlier, the project was delayed due to the economic impact of a freeze in the winter of 1894-95.

Inside, visitors can explore the lifestyle of affluent Lake County residents from the early 20th century, featuring period furnishings, decorative arts, clothing, household items, paintings, photographs, and engaging displays detailing various aspects of local history.

During my visit, I was particularly intrigued by an exhibit focused on steamboating on Lake Eustis. The campus also houses the Citrus Museum, which highlights the local fruit-growing industry.

4. Trout Lake Nature Center

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Located just moments from downtown Eustis, the Trout Lake Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation of Central Florida’s unique ecosystem. Spanning 230 acres of hardwood hammock and floodplain forest, it provides a slice of wilderness amidst the city.

Within the preserve, visitors can admire numerous grand live oak trees, many of which have names such as Celebration Oak, Hidden Oak, and Grandfather Oak.

The center features a boardwalk that traverses the wetlands, leading to a dock on the northern shore of Lake Trout. This vantage point allows for observation of various wildlife, including turtles, alligators, and wading birds.

Additionally, the nature center hosts educational programs, including a monthly free program for toddlers called Nature Sprouts, providing an excellent opportunity to introduce young children to nature.

5. Hidden Waters Preserve

Source: Friends of Hidden Waters Preserve / Facebook

A notable natural feature near Eustis is Lake Alfred, a sinkhole lake situated just a couple of miles from downtown. This lake is characterized by a significant depression in the landscape.

Over time, water has seeped from subterranean sources, sculpting the terrain and creating an elevation change of over 100 feet.

Prior to its acquisition by the Lake County Water Authority in 1996, the area faced threats from illegal dumping. Today, it represents a remarkable ecological preserve to explore on foot.

The distinct topographical variations lead to a range of habitat types, including wetlands and longleaf pine uplands. For those pressed for time, the blue-blazed Lake Alfred Trail provides direct access into the sinkhole from the parking area.

6. Amber Brooke Farms

From fall through spring, this local farm opens its doors to the public, offering various agritourism experiences. Amber Brook Farms’ fields were established in the 2010s on the site of a previously over-farmed citrus grove.

If in town between March and May, visitors can partake in U-Pick blueberry experiences. The farm features several varieties, including Sweet Crisp, Emerald, Springhigh, and Prima Donna.

Strawberries are also available from December through May, while fall visitors can enjoy picking zinnias and sunflowers.

During this season, a fall festival takes place on weekends, featuring pumpkins, a vegetable garden, live entertainment, children’s activities, and an array of seasonal food and drink.

7. Seminole State Forest

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Located on the eastern edge of Eustis is a vast state forest encompassing over 25,000 acres along the Lower Wekiva River.

One key highlight of Seminole State Forest is its extensive network of biking trails. Spanning more than 20 miles, these paths offer ample shade, a manageable terrain, hard-packed surfaces, and minimal vehicular traffic.

The Cassia Trailhead is accessible in mere minutes from downtown Eustis, making it an excellent launch point for exploring this incredibly biodiverse region. Seminole State Forest boasts close to 20 distinct natural communities.

Among the more sensitive habitats is the pine scrub, which is home to both black bears and the scrub-jay, Florida’s only endemic bird.

8. Rusty Anchor Mount Dora

Before the advent of railroads in the 1880s, water transportation was the primary method for moving goods and individuals. Steamers navigated Lakes Eustis, Dora, Harris, and Griffin.

To experience this historical mode of transport, one can visit Mount Dora, where a local tour company offers various cruises. The owner, a fourth-generation local, has been in this business for over three decades.

For first-time visitors, I recommend the Dora Canal Tour. This narrated journey traverses the waterway linking Lake Dora and Lake Eustis. Spanning a mile, much of the canal remains uninhabited.

Travelers will witness a landscape that has largely retained its original character since settlement. Noteworthy sights include towering cypress trees adorned with nests for herons, anhingas, and ospreys, while snakes, alligators, and turtles are often visible from the boat.

9. Lake Norris Conservation Area

Among the natural attractions near Eustis is the hardwood swamp and unique darkwater environment of Lake Norris.

A part of the St. Johns River Water Management District, Lake Norris Conservation Area is renowned for its numerous osprey nests, which are estimated to exceed 100, perched high in the cypress trees that line the lake’s shore. Nesting season typically occurs around January.

For those possessing kayaks, this location offers some of the finest paddling opportunities for miles. Starting at the trailhead off Lake Norris Road, visitors can navigate Blackwater Creek through an almost primordial landscape.

If you do not have a kayak, rentals are available from the Lake County Water Authority.

10. Pine Meadows Conservation Area

For those still eager to explore, Pine Meadows Conservation Area is just a ten-minute drive from downtown, offering 770 acres of public land.

Pine Meadows encompasses a diverse array of habitats, including wetlands, wet meadows, pine flatwoods, and open water areas on the eastern side.

This land was acquired by Lake County in 2004, since which significant efforts have focused on habitat restoration and enhancement of facilities. Over six miles of trails are available, with the main trail leading east to a boat dock on the lake’s edge.

Wildlife sightings are abundant, as evidenced by my observations of alligators, sandhill cranes, herons, and what appeared to be a bobcat within just an hour.

11. Eustis Busker Festival

Eustis hosts a variety of captivating events, particularly in spring. One of the unique offerings is a festival dedicated to busking.

This event, held in March, features multiple designated “busk stops” throughout Ferran Park. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy a variety of street performers, ranging from musicians and comedians to acrobats, dancers, jugglers, and artists.

Each performer presents two thirty-minute sets, culminating in a grand finale at the bandshell where top performers compete for a grand prize as well as a people’s choice award.

12. Eustis Music Fest

In late April, Ferran Park serves as the hub for one of the city’s signature annual occurrences. The Alice McClelland Bandshell provides a stunning backdrop for two days of live performances.

In addition, a schedule of performances is available across downtown during both days. From my experience, this lively festival primarily features high-energy rock music. Notably, one of the headline acts I attended was Hardwired, a tribute band for Metallica.

Throughout the Eustis Music Fest, attendees can explore craft vendors, food trucks, and numerous activities, including mechanical bulls, axe throwing, and rock climbing. Recent editions of the festival have partnered with Leesburg Bikefest, one of Central Florida’s leading motorcycle events.

13. Lake County Fair

Eustis is home to the Lake County Fairgrounds, which hosts the ten-day county fair each April. With a history dating back to 1921, this event has evolved over a century, combining education and entertainment.

In this spirit, exhibits and competitions constitute a significant portion of the fair. Each year, thousands of ribbons are awarded across a variety of categories, including 4-H, horticulture, creative arts, and baking.

Families with young children can visit the Hayloft for interactive agricultural activities and exhibits.

The fair also excels in entertainment, featuring carnival rides, stunt shows, racing pigs, magic acts, and a diverse lineup of live music.

Throughout the year, the fairgrounds are home to the Lake County Farmers’ & Flea Market, which has been held every Thursday morning since 1979.

14. Lake County Museum of Art

Source: Lake County Museum of Art / Facebook

Located nearby in Tavares, this esteemed art museum evolved from the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, which was founded in 1995 and was initially located in Ferran Park before relocating and rebranding in 2019.

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday afternoons, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with local and regional contemporary art.

During my visit, I experienced an impressive solo exhibition featuring Kre8, an artist who transitioned from tattooing to acclaimed bold, Pop Art-influenced works.

The museum also hosts a range of classes, workshops, and events throughout the year, providing art activities for children during the summer break on Wednesdays.