Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lake Alfred, Florida

Situated within a picturesque landscape of lakes in Polk County, Lake Alfred is a small yet rapidly developing city with a population of 6,500. The prevalence of water in this area is significant, with water bodies occupying nearly half of the city’s total area.

Numerous locations within Lake Alfred and its nearby communities provide opportunities for picnics amidst the shade of grand oak trees.

Although Lake Alfred may have a tranquil ambiance, it boasts a charming variety of small enterprises worth exploring. Visitors can browse for imported English antiques, acquire gourmet products crafted by the Amish, and enjoy a meal at an elegant tearoom.

1. The Barn Antiques

Source: The Barn Antiques / Facebook

This beloved shopping venue is nestled in the idyllic countryside of Lake Alfred. The Barn Antiques was established in 1969 by a couple passionate about English antiques.

Over five decades later, these treasures continue to be sourced from across England and transported on a regular basis.

The Barn showcases an impressive assortment of items, including porcelain, furniture, lighting fixtures, garden ornaments, mirrors, clocks, silverware, and much more.

In addition to The Barn, visitors can explore The Stable, featuring handcrafted Americana, along with The Seasons Gift Shop for seasonal decorations. A discussion of The Back Porch Restaurant follows.

2. Heavenly Honey Amish Warehouse

Source: Heavenly Honey Amish Warehouse / Facebook

Located on South Lake Shore Way in Lake Alfred, Heavenly Honey Amish Warehouse offers a unique shopping experience typically not found in Florida. This retailer curates an impressive selection of specialty food products sourced from Amish suppliers in North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Among the offerings are exquisite jams, jellies, and preserves, which are difficult to find elsewhere within hundreds of miles.

The locally produced honey, including award-winning variants such as Tupelo and Sourwood, is particularly noteworthy.

Additionally, Heavenly Honey is renowned for its intricate holiday decorations, which usually become available in late November.

3. Lavender ‘n Lace Tea Room & Restaurant

Source: Lavender and Lace Tearoom / Facebook

The charming Lavender ‘n Lace Tea Room & Restaurant in Lake Alfred serves as an ideal retreat for individuals seeking a touch of elegance.

This establishment is situated within a delightful cottage adorned with exquisite tableware and vintage décor throughout.

The menu features an enticing variety of dishes, including homemade butternut squash soup, curry, and aromatic teas sourced from various regions around the globe. The delightful shepherd’s pie and the beautifully presented spinach quiche, which varies daily, were particular highlights.

The decor is enchanting, and a gift shop within the premises is brimming with charming items and teas available for purchase.

4. Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve

Lake Alfred emerges as a stunning location, featuring a 100+ acre preserve situated on the northern shore of Lake Rochelle. This area was formerly an estate established in 1915 by the Scottish entrepreneur and investor Alexander Mackay.

The impressive La Rochelle mansion is a significant example of Craftsman architecture, encompassing 8,000 square feet. The landscaping here is remarkable, featuring a walled arbor on the west side and a sunken garden with a fountain on the east.

The surrounding woodlands can be explored via an extensive network of marked trails, leading to attractions such as a fishing pier, canoe launch, fitness equipment, and a playground.

5. TECO Auburndale Trail

Source: Catch Central Florida / Flickr

Running nearly seven miles through the scenic Central Florida countryside, the TECO Auburndale Trail represents a cherished multi-use path.

This trail follows the former railbed of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which dates back to the early 20th century. Trail access is convenient from Lake Myrtle in Auburndale, with the northern trailhead located in Polk City, where visitors can connect to the 30-mile Van Fleet State Trail.

Having ridden this trail, I found it to be spacious at 12 feet wide, featuring a gradual slope and picturesque vistas throughout the journey. Prior to embarking on your ride, an observation area provides opportunities to observe bald eagles, which nest in the area during winter and spring.

6. Hilochee Wildlife Management Area (Osprey Unit)

Comprising two separate units, the nearby Hilochee WMA offers a diverse array of habitats on land that was once used for agriculture and mining.

As part of the Green Swamp ecosystem, the area features wet prairie, wet flatwoods, sandhill regions, mesic flatwoods, and scrubby flatwoods—all currently undergoing restoration to their former glory.

Though the WMA is a designated hunting area, visitors can explore it on foot, by bicycle, or horseback during non-hunting seasons. Autumn is particularly delightful due to the impressive variety of butterflies that grace the area.

Lake Alfred is conveniently located near the southern Osprey unit, which was acquired in the early 2000s.

7. The Back Porch Restaurant

A must-visit dining establishment during your outing to The Barn Antiques is this charming eatery that specializes in small plates. The Back Porch Restaurant opened its doors in 1986 to accommodate the influx of shoppers attracted to the property.

The verdant, wooded surroundings contribute significantly to the restaurant’s allure, with a wraparound porch and deck overlooking a tranquil pond.

The menu features sophisticated lunch offerings, including a soup, salad, sandwich, and dessert, all artfully presented in a basket. Personally, I found the blue cheese slaw and chicken salad to be particularly enjoyable.

Guests can also order an array of alcoholic beverages, with signature items including wine ice stir and refreshing non-alcoholic frozen lemonade.

8. Chain of Lakes Trail

This trail facilitates convenient travel between Lake Alfred and the vibrant downtown of Winter Haven without the need for a car. The Chain of Lakes Trail extends approximately four miles from north to south along a former railroad corridor.

It is intriguing to note that this route was established in the 1800s as part of the Bartow Branch of the South Florida Railroad.

While primarily functional rather than scenic, the Chain of Lakes Trail serves as a valuable multi-use link between the two towns, featuring several lakefront parks and the CMX Grand multiplex in Winter Haven.

9. Waldo Wright’s Flying Service

Situated adjacent to Lake Alfred, Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport (GIF) began as an auxiliary airfield during WWII. A unique characteristic of this facility is its nearly complete encirclement by water, complemented by a public-use seaplane base on one side.

One of the companies operating at the main airport is Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, which offers flight experiences in vintage biplanes within an area rich in Old Florida heritage.

Included in their fleet are a New Standard D-25 from the 1930s and a WWII-era Boeing Stearman N2S-3. During my visit, the company was preparing to add a 1929 Travel Air E-4000, equipped for floating.

The flights operate like miniature lessons, allowing participants to take the controls and execute simple maneuvers.

10. Ephraim M. Baynard House

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

For those interested in local history, the nearby Ephraim M. Baynard House (1894) offers a glimpse into the past with its stunning Folk Victorian architecture located in the heart of historic downtown Auburndale.

Baynard, a prosperous citrus farmer, played a crucial role in developing much of Auburndale’s downtown, contributing to the construction of several commercial buildings.

His residence is among the best-preserved examples of its kind in the region, filled with period antiques and artwork. As visiting hours are not consistently defined, it is advisable to call ahead if you wish to schedule a tour.

The charming Old Florida atmosphere of the house also renders it a popular choice for weddings and family photography.

11. Auburndale Speedway

Source: Auburndale Speedway / Facebook

What better way to infuse excitement into your day than with a visit to a stock car racetrack?

Located on East County Road 542 in Winter Haven, the Auburndale Speedway is a quarter-mile paved oval that features a busy calendar of races.

Typically, events are held on Saturday nights, encompassing a wide range of categories, including Super Late Models, Mini Stocks, Pure Stocks, and Street Stocks.

One particular date that stands out is the Night of Destruction, which occurs in both spring and fall; it consists of two nights filled with exciting events such as figure-eight school bus races, skid car races, and even reverse races.

12. Lake Blue Park

The vicinity around Lake Alfred is dotted with ponds and lakes of varying shapes and sizes, and few are as accessible as Lake Blue, located just moments away in Inwood.

Lake Blue is strikingly circular, with mostly undeveloped shores complemented by a pleasant green buffer of mature oak trees.

A trail encircles half of the lake’s perimeter, passing by a playground, picnic tables, and informative kiosks that explain the connection between water bodies like Blue Lake and the renowned Peace River.

Situated near a cluster of restaurant chains on Havendale Blvd, Lake Blue serves as an excellent picnic spot on pleasant days.

13. Willowbrook Golf Course

Source: Willowbrook Golf Course / Facebook

Located in nearby Winter Haven, Willowbrook Golf Course is a well-regarded municipal course. Apart from offering reasonable rates, Willowbrook caters to players of all ages and skill levels.

It is worth noting that this municipal course is in excellent condition, from the tees to the greens. The 18 holes are spread across diverse natural environments, including numerous bodies of water, attracting wildlife such as alligators, ibises, and sandhill cranes.

Course amenities include a driving range, putting green, and chipping areas for players wishing to warm up before hitting the fairways. For those with empty stomachs, a grill serves delicious meals.

14. Lake Swoope Park

This park on the eastern shoreline of the lake offers minimal activities.

Lake Swoope Park provides picnic pavilions, a small fishing dock, shaded benches, and charming swings.

The true appeal of this tranquil setting lies in its expansive view of Lake Swoope, which becomes even more enchanting as the sun begins to set.

Access to the water is also provided by a public boat ramp located nearby on N Rochelle Dr.

15. Elite Cable Park

Located less than ten minutes west of Lake Alfred, there exists a watersports facility situated on beautiful Lake Myrtle. Elite Cable Park features a state-of-the-art full-sized cable system, providing opportunities for wakeboarding, wakeskating, waterskiing, and kneeboarding.

This facility is ideal for experienced boarders looking to learn new tricks, while beginners will find themselves navigating the waters quickly. For those requiring additional assistance, a team of coaches is available to offer tailored lessons.

In addition, Tantrum’s Lakeside Grill is located on the premises, serving as the only lakeside dining option in Auburndale.