Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bartow, Florida

Bartow, a charming representation of Old Florida, serves as the seat of Polk County and was established in 1851. The downtown area hosts various events throughout the year and features some of the most picturesque residential neighborhoods in the state.

The city’s historic districts are adorned with splendid residences constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These streets are enhanced by majestic live oaks and vibrant azaleas.

Bartow is a prime location to engage with the historical narrative of Polk County. A museum located at the impressive old courthouse allows visitors to explore its rich history, and a number of residences offer guided tours.

At this site, I discovered tales of a formerly enslaved African American who evolved into a pivotal community figure, along with an unconventional stone dealer who realized his dream home in Bartow during the 1920s.

Below are 15 notable activities to enjoy in and around Bartow, Florida.

1. Downtown Bartow

The second-oldest Main Street in Florida serves as the linchpin for Bartow’s lively commercial district.

The vibrancy of downtown Bartow is notable, showcasing a plethora of activities year-round.

I will outline some of the key annual events later in this article, but it is essential to mention the Friday Fest, which transforms the area into a festive atmosphere on the third Friday of each month.

Downtown is anchored by the historic Old Polk County Courthouse (1908), and remains a hub for dining and shopping.

Dining options range from BBQ to pizza to Mexican cuisine, while numerous antique shops line Main Street.

2. Polk County History Center

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

The Polk County History Center, located at the Old Polk County Courthouse (1908) in downtown Bartow, is an ideal introductory destination for visitors wishing to delve into the area’s compelling history.

This Classical Revival-style courthouse, which operated until 1987, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and transitioned into a museum and genealogical library in 1998.

I appreciated exploring the historic courtrooms from 1908 and 1926, which retain their original jury box and judge’s bench. The museum’s exhibits are dispersed across over a dozen galleries, tracing local history from pre-Columbian times to contemporary history.

Noteworthy displays include Miocene fossils, a Paleo Indian dugout canoe, pioneer tools, military memorabilia, citrus farming implements, and historic mining equipment.

3. L.B. Brown House Museum

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

Lawrence Bernard Brown, born into slavery in 1856, displayed extraordinary resolve and became a prominent figure in his community.

A skilled carpenter and property owner, his residence (c. 1892) is the oldest of its kind in Bartow, now serving as a historic site accessible to the public.

Touring this nine-room Victorian home, I felt privileged to be in what might be the last standing residence built by a former enslaved individual in Florida.

Brown’s legacy is celebrated annually in February with a festival held in his honor.

4. Historic Residential Districts

In my opinion, exploring Bartow’s historic residential districts on foot is one of the most fulfilling ways to experience the city.

Fortunately, Bartow is relatively compact, allowing visitors to explore both the Northeast Bartow Residential District and the South Bartow Residential District within an hour or two.

There is much to appreciate, from the stately old live oaks draped in Spanish moss to the impressive Revivalist and vernacular architectural styles.

It is no wonder that Bartow has become a favored location for filmmakers seeking picturesque Southern streetscapes. As part of your self-guided walking tour, make sure to visit the Thomas Lee Wilson House at 555 East Stanford Street and “Windsweep” at 935 South Oak Avenue.

The former served as the “Sultenfuss Funeral Parlor” in the 1991 film My Girl, while the latter appeared in the 1994 film China Moon.

5. Wonder House

Constructed in the 1920s by Conrad Schuck, who relocated to Bartow from Pittsburgh, PA, for health reasons, this house was built using a unique combination of bedrock quarried on-site and concrete reinforced with railroad rails.

The Wonder House is adorned with numerous hand-carved details and mosaics and features an array of unusual elements, including an 8 x 10 foot fishpond embedded into a third-floor balcony.

I recommend joining a guided tour to learn more about Schuck, discover ongoing restoration efforts, and observe the innovative aspects of the Wonder House firsthand.

6. Bloomin’ Arts Festival

Source: Bloomin’ Arts Festival Bartow, FL / Facebook

Springtime in central Florida offers mild, sunny weather with low humidity, creating an ideal atmosphere for fairs and festivals.

Originating over half a century ago, Bartow’s Bloomin’ Arts Festival occurs annually in the first week of March. Set in the downtown area, this event attracts artists, craftsmen, and art enthusiasts from across the nation.

What began as a modest event has grown into one of the state’s premier art destinations, featuring hundreds of booths along East Main Street.

Activities include a juried art competition, a variety of food and beverages, children’s events, and shows featuring quilts, cars, and RVs.

7. Front Page Brewing Company

This craft brewery opened its doors in downtown Bartow in 2020 and occupies a prime location just off Main Street. Visitors can enjoy outdoor patios both in the front and rear, in addition to cornhole boards.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the taproom features activities nearly every night, including trivia on Wednesdays, bingo on Thursdays, and live music throughout the weekend.

During my visit, I found an impressive selection of 18 beers on tap. My preference leans toward maltier brews, so I opted for the Extra Special Bartow (Bitter); however, there are a variety of options available, from the refreshing County Seat Light Lager to the hop-forward 9am IPA.

Snack options include pretzels and beer-infused jerky, and there is usually a food truck on-site.

8. Mary Holland Park

Situated alongside the public library and civic center in southern Bartow, Mary Holland Park provides a picturesque lakeside environment.

Covering nearly 120 acres, the park is named in honor of Spessard Holland’s wife, who served as the 28th Governor of Florida (1892-1971).

Within Mary Holland Park, visitors will find three interconnected lakes surrounded by grassy areas equipped with picnic tables and mature trees providing shade. This location, complete with several bridges crossing the water, is ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides.

Park amenities include pavilions, two playgrounds, a dog park, a campground, and a skatepark.

9. Bartow Airbase History Museum

Source: bartow-airport.com

Bartow’s Executive Airport hosts a captivating story within this small yet noteworthy museum.

The Bartow Air Base Museum showcases an impressive assortment of memorabilia from the WWII era when the airport was utilized by the Army Air Corps.

Following its service, the facility functioned as a primary flight training site for the USAF until its closure in 1961.

During my visit, I was thoroughly engaged by the exhibits, which featured fragments of a P-51 Mustang that crashed into Lake Hancock in 1943, along with yearbooks from training classes held in the 1950s, uniforms, and copies of the base’s monthly newspaper, the Eaglet.

10. Bartow Golf Course

Source: bartowgolfclub.com

Among the numerous golf courses in the area, Bartow Golf Course stands out as the most convenient and cost-effective option.

This course has a rich history dating back to its inception as a modest 9-hole facility. In the 1920s, it was expanded to 18 holes, designed in a links style by the acclaimed course architect Donald Ross.

During my round, I appreciated the parkland setting of Bartow Golf Course. The absence of residential development and the abundance of wildlife contribute to its charm.

The mature landscape, featuring grand old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, along with contoured greens, create a scenic golfing experience.

11. SyFy Bartow

Source: SYFY Bartow / Facebook

For nearly a decade, Bartow has hosted a complimentary, family-oriented festival that celebrates popular science fiction.

Enthusiasts of iconic franchises such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Star Trek gather downtown for this free event held annually in February.

Each year features a new theme, with the city coming alive through reenactments, a variety of vendors selling sci-fi memorabilia, and fascinating exhibits showcasing movie props.

Attendees can enjoy live music, costume contests, a multitude of artistic displays, a car show, food, and delightful activities like superhero karaoke. During my visit, a significant group of Mandalorians from the well-known Disney+ series were present.

12. Fort Fraser Trail

This paved, multi-use trail stretches nearly eight miles, extending from the northern part of Bartow into the adjacent city of Lakeland.

Named after an old military post established in 1837 during the Second Seminole War, the Fort Fraser Trail follows the alignment of the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad laid in the 1880s.

Interpretive signs along the pathway provide insights into topics such as citrus cultivation, pioneer life, and the hydrology of the Peace River.

Personally, I found the section near the western shore of Lake Hancock particularly delightful, with spur trails leading to the lakeshore.

13. Mosaic Peace River Park

Phosphate mining has played a significant role in the local economy since the 1880s. As a result, several lakes around Bartow are remnants of former open-pit mines.

Just a short drive south of downtown lies a mine that ceased operations in the 1980s, now reclaimed by nature. Managed by Polk County, Mosaic Peace River Park boasts nearly eight miles of trails along the west bank of the Peace River.

The highlight of my visit was the mile-long boardwalk traversing a stunning expanse of cypress floodplain forest on the way to the riverbank.

14. Monthly Antique Market

Among Bartow’s array of vibrant public events is a monthly antique fair, held on the 300 block of East Main Street every second Saturday.

Operating from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Monthly Antique Market adds extra vitality to downtown Bartow.

Every edition features a lengthy lineup of booths for browsing along the sidewalk. On my last visit, I discovered a wide variety of furniture, collectibles, charming vintage-style home decor, and numerous Mid-Century items.

15. Homeland Heritage Park

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

Located in Homeland, just a ten-minute drive from Bartow, this historical site preserves a community dating back to the settler era, featuring structures from the 19th century.

The park includes a schoolhouse (1878), the Homeland Methodist Church (1887), a log cabin, and a barn (1888).

The highlight of the park is the Raulerson House (1890), showcasing the lifestyle of affluent settlers in the late 19th century.

Regrettably, I visited on a day when the buildings were closed. Nevertheless, I appreciated the opportunity to stroll through the site and examine the informative displays in the kiosks.

The church serves as a picturesque venue for weddings, and the park hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year.