Fruitland Park is in Lake County, Florida. The city had a population of 10,000 in 2018, rapidly growing from a population of 4,000 in the 2010 census.

Understand

History

Originally known as "Gardenia," the city was settled by a member of Evander Lee's family. The city began to grow during the late 19th century, and a community church was organized in December 1884, though the church building no longer stands. During the 2010s thousands of new homes were constructed in Fruitland Park.

Do

• 1 Lake Griffin State Park (2 miles (3 km) north of Leesburg and 30 miles (48 km) south of Ocala on U.S. Highway 441). Open from 8AM until sundown year round. A Florida State Park home to one of the state's largest live oak trees. The park is unique in connecting to Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River and thence to the Harris Chain of Lakes, and is made up of 500 acres (2 km²) of swampland and hardwood upland. Activities include boating and canoeing, hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. Among the wildlife of the park are Osprey, Bald Eagle, Blue Heron, Anhinga, Ibis, American Alligator, and River Otter. Amenities include a full-facility campground, a half-mile nature trail, a boat ramp that provides access to the Dead River, and a playground for small children as well as canoe rentals, a 40-site campground, and a picnic area. (updated Jun 2020)

Eat

• 1 Rose Plantation, 200 Rose Ave, ☏ +1 352 805-4340, info@theroseplantation.com. Dress code is found on the website. (updated Jul 2021)

Go next

• Mount Dora