Located within the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, this state park features pine trees, cypress trees, open pasture land, and swampland. Animal species in this state park include the American bald eagle, the gopher tortoise, the bobcat, and the wild turkey. Activities offered at this park include fishing, picnicking, and hiking.
Colt Creek State Park
16000 State Rd. 471
Lakeland, Florida 33809
863-815-6761
floridastateparks.org/
Located next to Lake Kissimmee, roughly eight miles northeast of Lake Wales, this state park prides itself on its cowboy history and even features reenactments from Florida "Cow Hunters" from the late 19th century. Animal species at this park include white-tailed deer, the American bald eagle, and sandhill cranes. Amenities at this park include full campsites, 13 miles of hiking trails, six miles of equestrian trails, and a grassy picnic area.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
14248 Camp Mack Road
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
863-696-1112
floridastateparks.org/
Though technically not a state park, the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge Area is the only other big wildlife preserve located in Polk County. Established in 1993, this nature preserve features over 60 species of plants and animals, and features some of the last of the Florida scrub. The ecosystem located in this park is some of Florida's oldest and spans over millions of years. This is a good place to visit if you want a glimpse of Florida's ecological history.
Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge Area
321-861-0667
fws.gov/lakewalesridge
