Kissimmee is the county seat of Osceola County and was predominantly founded as a ranching community. Once Disney World and comparable attractions were constructed in Orlando, the city discovered a new purpose: tourism. It is simple to see why this is the country’s vacation home capital, as it is a charming, peaceful location. With nature, water, and a touch of history and culture, this is a tranquil destination for escaping the bustle of nearby cities.
The city was named after the river that passes through it, the large Kissimmee River, whose name means “long water.”
It is appropriately teeming with animals that survive in that ecosystem, including alligators and crocodiles!
Best Places to Visit in Orlando
Activities in Kissimmee
Kissimmee Lakefront Park and the United States Monument
On Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee Lakefront Park is a delightful, verdant green space. It is one of the finest locations to escape the heat and commotion of Florida‘s urban areas. There are beautiful views of Lake Toho, a fishing pier, a play pad for children, and numerous picnic areas.
You can also jog or walk along the park’s numerous trails.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park is also home to the Monument of States, a distinctive monument. It was constructed after the Pearl Harbor attack.
Charles Bressler-Pettis, a retired physician, devised the concept by writing to all 48 states and requesting that they send him pebbles from each state. This was done to establish a symbol of unity that would unite the nation. Once all of the boulders had been delivered, Bressler-Pettis commenced construction on the 50-foot superstructure. He did so by embedding each pebble in a slab of concrete and labelling them with the sender’s name and location.
The monument weighs more than 100,000 pounds and is both impressive and somewhat unsightly, consisting of garish concrete, gleaming plaques, and incongruous fossils and pebbles.
Boggy Creek Airboat Experiencing
Wondering what to do in Kissimmee to genuinely experience the city’s natural environment? Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is one of the most entertaining ways to reach this objective. The United States has approved all airboats. Coast Guard and can accommodate 17 passengers simultaneously. You will be able to transverse cypress-filled marshes and wetlands while exploring Lake Tohopekaliga and viewing birds, alligators, and turtles. Animal observation excursions are particularly popular. Kissimmee is, after all, home to a vast array of fauna.
Military Museum of History
The Museum of Military History is one of the most important historical attractions in Kissimmee, This includes the First and Second World Wars, the Vietnam War, the American Civil War, the Korean War, and the wars in Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, and Iraq. Weapons, vehicles, uniforms, correspondence, photographs, written and oral accounts, and other items are on display.
Lake Tohopekaliga
Lake Tohopekaliga, also known as Lake Toho, is a beautiful and picturesque lake and one of the most popular vacation destinations.
It received its name from a beautiful Seminole word that can be translated as “here we shall gather.” It encompasses an expansive 22,000 acres in Kissimmee and features bicycling and trekking trails.
If you’re searching for fishing-related activities in Kissimmee, this is a fantastic option. Bass fishing is particularly prevalent.
You may spot otters, alligators, waterfowl, and other fauna if you keep your eyes open. Upon completion of your walk, you will have traversed 40 miles of coastline, if that is even feasible! You can travel north to reach Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
Ancient town
Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida, is replete with tourist attractions that will occupy your entire weekend if you are looking for activities to occupy your time. This modern shopping district is crowded with bars and restaurants despite its moniker. It is named “Old Town” primarily because many of its businesses are decorated in a casual, old-fashioned style.
Old Town’s unique location makes it ideal for strolling and taking in the sites, making it one of the best free things to do in the city.
There are regular events to keep things intriguing. There are car displays and other well-lit activities to observe and participate in at night!
The Shingle Creek Paddling Center
Shingle Creek is located in the northernmost portion of the Everglades.
If you want to investigate some waterways in Kissimmee, Florida, you must visit this watercourse.
This opportunity is provided by the Paddling Center at Shingle Creek, which is the finest facility of its kind for this purpose! Shingle Creek has a seven-mile canoe route, and its waters discharge directly into Lake Toho. You won’t even feel like you’re in the metropolis, it’s so tranquil and natural! The Paddling Center offers apparatus rental for those who wish to paddle independently, as well as guided excursions for those who desire instruction, refreshments, and additional information.
Reserve one of their full moon excursions, where you paddle out at night beneath the moon’s illumination, if you’re here at the correct time!
Extreme Jet Ski of Orlando
With a name like Extreme Jet Ski of Orlando, you know you’re in for a good time. This business, despite its moniker, is located in Kissimmee, Florida, and is renowned for its welcoming instructors and excellent rentals. Jet skis from Seadoo, Honda, and Yamaha are available for rent, with velocities that can be reached safely on a lake of enormous size. Extreme Jet Ski of Orlando offers three different speeds for jet skis. Instructors ensure your safety and prepare you for what to expect, and fuel for your selected vessel is provided at no cost.
Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America is arguably Kissimmee, Florida’s most popular amusement complex. It is packed with attractions and surely lives up to its moniker; it is owned by a family. It has been open since 1997 and has a lot of old-fashioned character for a more thrilling and exhilarating experience.
Each of the many distinct attractions at Fun Spot America is worth experiencing. The Mine Blower was the first timber roller coaster in the Orlando area and features an adrenaline-inducing 80-foot descent.
Then there is the Sky Sled, the world’s largest Sky Coaster, and the Headrush 360, which will flip you upside down. Other attractions include the Crazy Couch, the Hot Seat, the Hurricane Coaster, the Galaxy Spin, and the Ferris wheel. After the attractions, you can play Midway games, ride multi-level go-kart tracks, or traverse the Scooby Boo obstacle course, which has a spooky theme.
Orlando Trophy Bass Fishing Guide Service
It has a branch specifically in the Lake Toho region of Kissimmee.
With three decades of experience, you are in excellent hands at this establishment. It should come as no surprise that one of this city’s activities capitalizes on Florida‘s reputation as an excellent bass-fishing location.