Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Mascotte, Florida

This tranquil rural city is situated on the western side of the Clermont Chain of Lakes. A significant portion of Mascotte’s landscape comprises water, with additional bodies of water to the north and east.

In addition to lakes, the scenery features pasture interspersed with wooded swamps and an increasing number of residential developments. The expansive protected natural areas in close proximity are continually captivating.

A short drive southeast leads to Lake Louisa State Park, offering a transition from open water to cypress swamps and ancient live oak groves. To the west of the city, visitors can traverse the renowned Green Swamp along the Van Fleet Trail.

1. Lake Louisa State Park

Source: SR Productions / shutterstock

This 4,500-acre state park boasts multiple distinct ecosystems, reminiscent of the varied zones found in Orlando’s theme parks. There are 11 unique environments, ranging from sandy pine flatwoods to cypress swamps and mature oak forests.

In addition to Lake Louisa, the park features a series of smaller ponds and lakes, making activities such as fishing, paddling, kayaking, and birdwatching particularly popular.

My preferred way to enjoy the park is by picnicking beneath the grand live oaks on the southern shore of Lake Louisa. Additionally, the park is notable for its equestrian opportunities, boasting 16 miles of riding trails.

2. Lake Catherine Blueberries

Source: Lake Catherine Blueberries / Facebook

Blueberries are truly delightful. These nutritious, vitamin-packed fruits thrive exceptionally well in Central Florida.

Lake Catherine Blueberries is a U-Pick farm located in Groveland, just a short distance from Mascotte. For me, the experience of picking my own fruit in the fields is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a spring afternoon in this region.

The farm also offers local raw honey and other specialty food items such as syrups and sauces.

The harvesting season typically occurs from April to May, making it worthwhile to plan your visit accordingly if your schedule is flexible. Should you be in the area during the fall, weekends feature various activities, including corn mazes, pumpkin painting, and live music.

3. Richloam WMA

West of Mascotte, the environment becomes more remote. A brief drive on SR 50 will lead you to the Richloam Wildlife Management Area, which is one of seven sectors within the Withlacoochee State Forest, encompassing vast expanses.

Spanning 58,000 acres, the Richloam Wildlife Management Area consists of pine flatwoods interspersed with oak hammocks, cypress swamps, and bottomland hardwoods.

Along the east side runs the Van Fleet Trail, the details of which I will cover below. Additionally, there exists a network of eight miles of shared trails, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

While traversing these trails, one might encounter gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and numerous wading birds, including limpkins and wood storks.

4. Chase Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservancy

This fully accredited wildlife sanctuary, located just west of Mascotte, is dedicated to significant conservation and educational endeavors. One of the primary missions of this organization is to discourage the trade in pet primates and breeding.

Many animals in their care, from ring-tailed lemurs to sloths, are surrendered pets, and the organization does not engage in sales.

Visitors can partake in various responsible animal encounter experiences on-site. These offerings are creatively designed to respect the animals’ boundaries.

For example, one can enjoy a painting class with lemurs playfully interacting, or practice yoga in the presence of this species. Moreover, interactive tours and experiences featuring sloths and anteaters are available.

5. Van Fleet Trail

Mabel, located five minutes west of Mascotte, serves as the northern trailhead for a 30-mile multi-use trail extending to Polk City.

This rail trail follows the abandoned railbed of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad’s Miami Subdivision, established in the 1920s. The Van Fleet Trail offers a wide, smooth pathway with minimal road crossings.

The scenic beauty encountered while traveling through the Green Swamp is the primary draw. One may spot raptors soaring overhead and potentially catch sight of alligators, nine-banded armadillos, gopher tortoises, and an impressive variety of wading birds.

6. Park Road Complex

Also referred to as the Mascotte Recreational Complex, this facility is the principal venue in the city for both viewing and participating in sports.

Situated in a tranquil residential neighborhood off East Myers Boulevard, it features four illuminated softball fields with bleachers, restrooms, and a concession stand available during events.

The complex also comprises a basketball court, a soccer field, and children’s playground equipment including swings. Adjacent to these amenities are several picnic tables nestled beneath trees for shade.

7. Lake David Park

Groveland’s quaint downtown is a mere couple of minutes away, providing an excellent area to find diverse dining options, including coffee shops, pizza, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and fast food establishments.

At the heart of the district is picturesque Lake David, where the park has recently undergone improvements. This setting offers stunning views of the lake, attracting an astonishing variety of birds ranging from egrets to eagles.

An events pavilion is located at the north end, while the park extends along the eastern shore. Features here include two boat ramps, a skate park, playgrounds, observation points, and a splash pad.

8. Wild Horse Rescue Center

It is evident that the residents around Mascotte have a strong commitment to animal welfare, exemplified by a nearby ranch in Webster that focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating mustangs and burros.

Established in 2000, the Wild Horse Rescue Center intervenes when mustangs are removed from the wild only to find themselves in neglectful circumstances.

These wild horses receive the necessary care to ensure they can live dignified lives, whether at this ranch or in appropriately chosen new homes. The center relocated to its current property in 2019, now featuring a spacious barn, covered paddocks, and eight stalls.

For those interested in visiting the Wild Horse Rescue Center, tours are available by appointment. Visitors are encouraged to bring a bag of carrots for the residents, which include donkeys and a few rescued dogs.

9. Paradise Airsports

The landscapes surrounding Mascotte, dotted with lakes, present their most striking views from an aerial perspective. One way to experience this is through a tandem hang gliding flight.

Paradise Airsports, located just a few minutes away in Groveland, offers this thrilling experience. While one might typically associate hang gliding with hilly areas, there is a motorized option to elevate into the sky.

Participants are towed by a Dragonfly to an altitude ranging from 2,500 to 5,280 feet, depending on the experience chosen. Once at altitude, participants glide back to earth under the guidance of a certified pilot.

The ideal flying season occurs primarily in spring and fall when the weather tends to be clearer.

10. The Monarch at Royal Highlands

The finest public golf course in the region is the semi-private The Monarch at Royal Highlands. Situated within a 55+ community, this course features Bermuda fairways and greens that are consistently well-maintained.

I appreciate the relatively open and accommodating layout. The front nine weaves through wildlife-rich wetlands, home to sandhill cranes and a few alligators.

The back nine provides a contrasting scene, being somewhat tighter with more elevation variations that require precise shot placement.

11. Clermont

A brief ten-minute drive east leads you to Clermont, which emerged as a center for the citrus industry at the beginning of the 20th century.

To commemorate this history, the 226-foot Florida Citrus Tower (1956) was constructed at a time when vast citrus groves extended for miles around. Although those days have passed, the structure stands as a monument to early tourism in Central Florida.

Clermont boasts a picturesque location along the southern shore of Lake Minneola. Waterfront Park serves as a beautiful venue for various outdoor events, while the vibrant historic downtown hosts a farmers’ market worth visiting on Sunday mornings.

12. Mi Tierra Taqueria Mexican Food

Source: Nitr / shutterstock

Among the region’s best-kept dining secrets, Mi Tierra Taqueria is the go-to spot for Mexican cuisine.

This modest, counter-service establishment is easily missed when driving by. However, should you decide to make a stop, you will not be disappointed. They serve all the staples, including tacos, tamales, tostadas, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos.

Both the red and green salsa, along with the tortillas, are homemade, which significantly enhances the experience. Personally, I found the carne asada to be exceptional, while the carnitas and lengua are also worthy of mention.

13. Swiss Fairways Golf Course

Source: Swiss Fairways Country Club / Facebook

During my visit, Swiss Fairways Golf Course had recently been modified from 18 holes to 9, located adjacent to the Swiss Waterski Resort, providing an intriguing backdrop for the waterside holes.

Abundant water hazards, tight fairways, and relatively small greens make the course both challenging and enjoyable. Furthermore, it is important to note that pricing is quite reasonable compared to other golf courses in Florida.

Weather may occasionally disrupt play, particularly after summer rainfall, but while the course may not rival Pebble Beach, it remains an excellent choice for a round near Mascotte.

14. Rainbow Family Restaurant

Source: Rainbow Restaurant / Facebook

Established in 1964, the Rainbow Family Restaurant is an ideal dining destination for individuals seeking a relaxed atmosphere, flavorful, straightforward cuisine, and economical prices.

Rainbow’s reputation has been built on providing classic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Popular choices include chicken fried steak, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and beef melts, while my bacon and eggs were cooked to perfection.

For convenience, patrons may opt for the all-you-can-eat buffet available at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, if you are in the mood for a delightful sweet treat, be sure to sample their exquisite homemade donuts.