History

Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
Tourism is one of Polk County’s top three industries, and you can help Visit Central Florida keep it growing through the Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports program.
We’re giving you the 411 on the 863’s landmarks — from the Southgate Sign to “Sputnik.”
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
Find a quiet place for reflection at Veterans Memorial Park, a serene green space near downtown Lakeland on the shores of Lake Beulah.
Take the interactive quiz to see how much you remember about Lakeland’s geography, and learn about three of our favorite transformations from over the years.
Learn how this organization is impacting Lakeland through its educational and charity work.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lakeland, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
This year’s tour may have been canceled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore one of Lakeland’s oldest neighborhoods on your own.
Flutter through the history of these iconic art pieces displayed around Lakeland.
If you’ve seen a digital scavenger hunt listed online and wondered if it was worth the money, we took one for you to see if you should try one for yourself.
More from LALtoday
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the 44th annual parade, taking place Thursday, Dec. 4.
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2026.
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive autumn memories from years gone by.
The Comedy Cathedral is set to open by spring 2026 with entertainment, classes, and community events designed to keep Lakeland laughing.
You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.
Here’s a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
The rebuilt store includes 55,701 sqft of space for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scroll through photos from opening day.
Take a look inside the Ludd M. Spivey House, formerly home to Florida Southern College’s president who made a historic impact on the campus.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.