Saddle Creek Park

Saddle Creek Park is located in Polk County, between Lakeland & Winter Haven. It is one of Central Florida’s largest parks, spanning a whopping 750+ acres. The park’s history is very interesting, in that it began as an industrial site of all things! Saddle Creek Park was originally a phosphate mine. The mine was eventually donated to the local authorities to administer, which had the vision to turn it into a local park and nature preserve. It has taken a long time for nature to run its due course & fully recover the mines. To the point now the casual observer would never think the park had ever been used for anything else.

Saddle Creek is a very diverse lake environment with lots of hidden ‘nooks & crannies.’ Perfect for the avid angler, bird-watcher, or nature enthusiast. An urban park, east of historic Downtown Lakeland, Saddle Creek Park draws a lot of attention for its primary attraction - fishing. Like those at nearby Tenoroc Fish Management Area, the oddly shaped lakes are remnants of phosphate mine pits, filled with water and stocked with game fish like largemouth bass and speckled perch.

Another major attraction of Saddle Creek Park is the hiking trails. The park has two trails. The Heartland Chapter of the Florida Trail Association built the newest trail. It links Saddle Creek Park to Tenoroc Fish Management Area. The original trail, Saddle Creek Park Nature Trail, was established by Boy Scout Troop 123 of Winter Haven. This path is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Saddle Creek Park, a bird sanctuary, is a wonderful place to appreciate birds not often seen in a typical urban setting. Hike through the mixed hardwood and cypress forest at the park's north end for a chance to see 36 warbler species in fall migration. Saddle Creek Park is also home to many herons and egrets, Double-crested Cormorants, Black Vultures, Belted Kingfishers, Pileated Woodpeckers, Glossy Ibises, Limpkins, Barred Owls, Osprey and much more.

A woods trail might be thick with songbirds during migration. You may be lucky enough to see a flock of American White Pelicans floating on a lake, a Barred Owl bathing in the creek, an Anhinga catching a fish or Common Moorhen chicks learning to swim. The spectacular scene of the cormorants, herons, egrets and vultures returning to their evening roost shouldn’t be missed.

Saddle Creek Park offers a range of recreational facilities, including shelters, numerous picnic areas, a shooting range and a several playgrounds. Visitors also have access to several boat ramps, canoe accesses and fishing areas, & campgrounds. Overall Saddle Creek Park encompasses all components of a wonderful ‘nature-appreciation’ experience.