Last updated on August 12, 2024
Looking for the best things to do in Bartow, Florida?
The city of Bartow is located in Polk County in central Florida, about 16 miles west of Lake Wales and 12 miles southeast of Lakeland.
Known as the “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” it is one of the oldest cities in the region and has numerous historic buildings.
With its convenient location near other wonderful Florida cities, Bartow can be a great addition to your travel plans.
We recommend some of the best things to do in Bartow during your visit. From historic homes and cool museums to local shops and restaurants, check out all the places to visit on a trip to this great city.
Polk County History Center and Genealogical Library
The old Polk County Courthouse was built in 1909. It served as a district court until 1987 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today the building houses the Polk County History Center and Genealogical Library.
The history center is full of amazing facts and exhibits about local history. You can see fossils and learn about pioneer times and other topics.
The History and Genealogy Library is another great place in this historic building. The library houses local archives such as maps and newspapers, as well as genealogical resources.
The Polk County History Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TIPS:
- Both the History Center and the Genealogical Library are public spaces that can be visited free of charge.
- The library’s holdings cannot be borrowed. Borrowing is not possible.
For further information please see the official website of Polk County.
Polk County History Center address: 100 E Main St., Bartow, FL 33830
Main Street Bartow
Main Street Bartow is the city’s central business district and the second oldest Main Street in Florida.
There are a few cool shops in this area that are worth checking out, like This N That, an antique store that is constantly getting new furniture and home decor.
When you’re hungry, check out great dining options at Palace Pizza Bartow or Sweet Magnolias Café.
Bartow’s Main Street is also known as the host of special events such as holiday parades, seasonal festivals and antique markets.
The Bloomin’ Arts Festival is a local favorite and takes place every March.
Main Street Bartow is open daily. Hours vary by store.
For further information please see the official Main Street Bartow website.
Main Street Bartow Address: Downtown Bartow, Bartow, FL 33830
LB Brown House Museum
The LB Brown House Museum is a historic home in Bartow that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house was built in 1892 by Lawrence B. Brown, a former slave who was born near Gainesville in 1856.
Brown settled in Bartow in the late 1880s, bought and cleared a piece of land, and then built his Victorian mansion.
In addition to this house, he built many houses in the area, which he sold or rented, leading to financial success.
The LB Brown House was restored by the Neighborhood Improvement Corporation of Bartow.
Visitors can book guided tours to see the interior of this magnificent home and learn more about this piece of local history.
To schedule a tour of the LB Brown House, call 863-330-3122 or email (email protected).
For more information, visit the LB Brown House Museum’s official website.
LB Brown House Museum Address: 470 S LB Brown Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
Wonder House
The Wonder House is a popular tourist attraction in Bartow. This fascinating place was a popular tourist destination from the 1930s to the 1960s due to its unusual construction, innovations and curiosities.
A historical tour of the Wonder House is a fun activity for the whole family. Tours cover three floors of this unique home and last about an hour and a half.
Historic tours of the Wonder House typically take place on Saturdays and Sundays.
Current tour times can be found on the website.
TIPS:
- Payment for tours of historic houses must be made in cash.
- Tours cost $25 per adult and $10 per child.
- Guided tours must be booked online in advance.
- Visitors must be able to climb stairs to visit three floors of this historic home.
For further information please see the official Wonder House website.
Wonder House Address: 1075 Mann Rd., Bartow, FL 33830
More activities in Bartow
Mosaic Peace River Park
Mosaic Peace River Park is a good place for multi-use trails and views of the Peace River. Due to the variety of bird species found here, this is a great place for birdwatchers.
For further information please see the official website of Polk County.
Mosaic Peace River Park Address: 2200 County Road 640, Bartow, FL 33830
Bartow Airbase History Museum
Bartow Airport served as a training ground during World War II. Learn about aviation and pilot training during World War II at this cool and must-see museum.
For further information please see the official website of Bartow Airport.
Bartow Airbase History Museum address: 5993 Airport Blvd., Bartow, FL 33830
Luster African American Heritage Museum
The Luster African American Heritage Museum is a fantastic place to learn about African American history in Bartow.
Admission to the museum is free.
For further information please see the Official website of the Luster African American Heritage Museum.
Luster African American Heritage Museum Address: 585 E Summerlin St, Bartow, FL 33830
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