Water Sports Legacy in Florida’s Winter Haven

Searching for some respite from the snow and icy temps? Florida’s aptly-named Winter Haven has you covered.

This top spot for sightseeing and water sports is a Central Florida gem—one that’s steeped in aquatic history, too. Read on to learn more about this beloved boating destination and the famous lakes that call it “home.”

Florida’s first theme park

When you think “theme park” in Florida, your mind probably jumps to roller coasters and character costumes. But before the most famous destinations you know today, there was one early precursor: Cypress Gardens. A different sort of park altogether, this destination was a celebration of on-the-water fun. Water sport shows, southern belle characters, and beautiful gardens got guests in the door, there to savor the splendor of a Central Florida getaway that was just getting started.

Steeped in skiing tradition

Perhaps more than any other feature, Cypress Gardens made a name for itself (and Winter Haven) thanks to waterskiing. Waterski shows were a popular attraction, and everyone from soldiers returned from WWII to music legend Elvis Presley, came to try their hand at the sport. More than 50 waterskiing records were broken at Cypress Gardens, and Winter Haven rightfully became known as the world’s waterski capital.

While you can’t visit Cypress Gardens, per se, today, you can still see the old stomping grounds and indulge in the on-the-water heritage. Though the park property closed in the new millennium, it now serves as the site of another budding theme park—Legoland—and the land is noted on the National Register of Historic Places. If you want to visit the once-humble beginnings of your favorite water sport, there’s no better place to visit.

Winter Haven today

Don’t fret—Cypress Gardens as a park may have ended, but the area’s love of water sports is as strong as ever. Just visit Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes to see for yourself.

The chain is the home of more than 20 beautiful bodies of water, connected on a northern track and a southern one (mainly located within Winter Haven)—so it might be more appropriate to call this spot the “Chains of Lakes.”

Paddleboarding is a popular activity on the lakeshores, while more daring visitors might opt for a wildlife tour (where you can spot alligators and other creatures), or futuristic sports like flyboarding. Lake Eloise is one of the most popular spots, as it’s large enough to foster your favorite sports like the classic pastime of waterskiing. Many of the lakes offer boat-up “parking” at restaurants like Harborside or Idle Zone Bar & Grill, so you don’t need to venture far to enjoy a bite by the water.

In a place like Florida, that is so widely known for its beautiful beaches and oceans, finding an aquatic expanse in the form of so many lakes (each with its own unique character) is something truly special.

Where else but Winter Haven can you find such a lively mix of water fun, history, and Central Florida’s classic charm? We hope you enjoy time on your Vortex (and much more!) at this must-do destination.