Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland

Travel distance/time from Florida Delight (35.5 miles: 41 minutes)

We have been to a few nature reserves in the Orlando area and Circle B Reserve is by far the best and where we see much more wildlife than anywhere else. Entry to the reserve is free as is parking.

There is nowhere within the reserve to buy food or drink but there is a large and very nice Visitor Centre next to the main car park where you will find public toilets.
There are quite a number of picnic tables and seating, all under shade. We tend to take a picnic and enjoy it at one of these tables which are situated nice and near to the car park which is convenient for taking anything back to the car after eating that we don’t want to carry with us on the walk afterwards.

As with any place where you are hoping to see wildlife nothing is guaranteed but we have never been and not seen alligators and an amazing abundance of birdlife including osprey, an eagle and even an owl.
We have also seen armadillo. The first time I took a group of friends there we spotted an armadillo whilst having our picnic lunch. This caused great excitement and many photos and videos were taken between us. By the end of our walk we had seen ten armadillos!
We have also seen a wild boar and a group of piglets and some people have seen a bobcat there but we have yet to spot one.
The reserve is open all year round although certain parts of the park such as Alligator Alley are closed in the breeding season.
There are several walking trails within the reserve but they also put on free tram tours with a guide who drives a group of about 12 people and points out things of interest such as a bald headed eagles’ nest. Great for stopping and taking photos too. The tram tours fill up very fast though and if you want to try and book a place you need to ring up early on the 1st day of the month (although I would recommend going on their website before that date and either phoning or emailing the visitor centre to check in advance that this is still what you have to do in case they have changed their sign up method).

On the way back to the villa it is worth doing a stop off at Winter Haven where there is Old Man Frank’s which is a great bar overlooking a lake, The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille or Harborside Restaurant. All are good places and in great lakeside locations.

 

Circle B Reserve run various events each month such as guided walks and tours. Places are very limited and to sign up for a place they ask people to phone to book on the first day of each month. News and events at Circle B Reserve can be found on this link.