The small town of Lake Placid, Florida has garnered a few nicknames over the years. The first is the “Town of Murals,” considering there are nearly 50 murals throughout the small town, each representing a colorful and an important piece of the town’s history. Second, Lake Placid is known as “The Caladium Capital of the World” as it grows around 80 percent of the world’s caladiums, as well as draws thousands of people every year for the annual caladium festival. Finally, the last nickname is from Reader’s Digest, which dubbed Lake Placid, Florida “America’s Most Interesting Town.” Take a look for yourself, and see if you agree!
Lake Placid, Florida, formerly known as Lake Stearns, was officially chartered on December 1, 1925.
Flickr Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Dr. Melvil Dewey, the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System and the founder of the Lake Placid Club in New York, was the one to propose the name change.
Flickr Bill Smith
Over the years, Lake Placid has become a wonderful place for people to come and to explore a place where history, art, and community converge.
Flickr Richard Elzey
The nearly 50 wall murals throughout the town are all on the sides of buildings in the “uptown” area, and you can snag a map from the Welcome Center in order to take a walking tour of them all.
Flickr Richard Elzey
Each of the murals depicts a different moment in history, so you can learn more about this small town as you peruse.
Flickr Richard Elzey
Another highlight of this town is a visit to The Old Lake Placid Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, now known as the Historical Society Depot Museum. This attraction is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wikimedia
Other attractions for the area include the 27 freshwater lakes and the surrounding ecosystem that was once used for expansive orange groves.
Flickr Judy Gallagher
Another draw for tourists is the famed Toby the Clown Foundation. This American Clown Museum and School provides training for students in the art of clownery. There are also nearly 700 pieces of clown history within these walls.
Flickr Richard Elzey
Plan a trip during the summer so that you can enjoy The Caladium Festival, which also has a massive car and motorcycle show, plus competitions, tons of plants and flowers, and so much more.
Facebook Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce - Lake Placid, Florida
Or visit for the annual Grape Stomp at Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery, and enjoy wine tasting, tours, and U-Pick muscadine grapes.
Google Henscratch Farms
It’s easy to spend a whole day exploring this small town in Florida, but also more fun if you turn it into a weekend excursion.
Flickr Bill Smith
Come adventure through the charming town of Lake Placid, and see why this area is such a hidden gem for the Sunshine State.
Wikimedia
To find out where Lake Placid is in Florida, click here to open the map.
Google Maps
Have you ever visited Lake Placid, Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this small town, then check out the Lake Placid webpage.
Flickr Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr Bill Smith
Flickr Richard Elzey
Wikimedia
Flickr Judy Gallagher
Facebook Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce - Lake Placid, Florida
Google Henscratch Farms
Google Maps
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Address: Lake Placid, FL 33852, USA
