Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Wildwood, Florida, is in Sumter County; approximately 55 miles northwest of Orlando and 66 miles northeast of Tampa. Wildwood serves as home to a number of campgrounds and inns, making it a popular destination for central Florida travelers. While staying in Wildwood, you do not need to travel far for area attractions; a small number of golf courses, public parks and museums are all within a 30 minutes' drive of Wildwood.
The Miona Lake Golf Club is on County Road 122, located to the northeast of downtown Wildwood. The course has 18 holes and is open to the public. The Club was built in 1966 through the efforts of a group of Wildwood golfers. The course is suitable for golfers of all levels and overlooks scenic Lake Minona.
The Miona Lake Golf Club has an on-site restaurant called the 19th Hole serving breakfast and lunch daily. The cuisine is American with omelets, burgers, grilled chicken and hot dogs. A full bar is available at the restaurant. The Club also has its own pro-shop.
Operated by the Florida Park Service, Lake Griffin State Park is in the community of Fruitland Park, less than nine miles from Wildwood (approximately 18 minutes by automobile). The park opened in 1968 and features a variety of attractions for visitors.
The Dead River flows through the park, providing access to Lake Griffin. An on-site concrete boating ramp and dock are available for recreational boating or fishing, as the lake and river abound with bass, crappie and catfish. The park also features a mile-long nature trail providing glimpses of local wildlife like alligators, herons and soft-shell turtles. Picnic areas and a group pavilion are located near the water, and the park has 40 tent and recreational vehicle campsites.
Swimming is not permitted in Lake Griffin State Park due to the presence of alligators. The park operates year-round.
The Florida Carriage Museum & Resort is on Marion County Road in Weirsdale, around 15 miles from Wildwood (about 30 minutes by automobile). The attraction was founded in 1995 and is dedicated to all things related to horses.
The Carriage Museum has more than 150 American and European carriages and buggies on display, including a number of items owned by former royalty and other notable personages. For example, the Armbruster Dress Chariot built in 1850 owned by Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria is on display. After touring the museum, take a horse-drawn carriage ride for views of the resort's 400 acres of land. The museum is open daily.
With advanced reservations, schedule a one-hour horseback-riding lesson at the resort in either the English or Western tradition.