A Guide to Exploring Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland opened in late 2022, and I first learned about it through those Facebook ads that pop up every other post. You know… group post | ad | group post | ad | page post | ad | friend post | ad… 

I kept seeing this beautiful little creek – and I’m a big fan of bubbling brooks and gurgling creeks – with boardwalks and a canopy walk. Bonnet Springs Park quickly landed on my must-visit list of Florida parks.

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I made an entire day out of it on a Sunday with an early morning visit to Bonnet Springs Park, followed by a walk around Hollis Garden and lunch at the Garden Cafe. Then I met friends at the Polk Museum of Art that afternoon. 

I definitely need more time at Bonnet Springs Park. It’s a stunning place to visit, a budget-friendly (ie, free) Lakeland activity. As Lakeland continues to add to the park and finish building it out, I think a few return visits are in order.

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About Bonnet Springs Park

Bonnet Springs Park is a privately developed public park located in Lakeland, Florida. The park covers 168 acres and is designed to provide spaces for visitors to escape, engage, and explore while experiencing and learning about the extraordinary history of Central Florida. 

The park features nature trails, playgrounds, event spaces, and more, all set amidst magnificent giant oak trees and a clear gurgling stream that rises out of the earth and flows to Lake Bonnet.

The park is open 365 days a year from 6am to 8pm and is free to the public. Donations are encouraged to help support the park’s mission of enriching the community through nature, culture, recreation, and education.

History of Bonnet Springs Park

Like many of Florida’s towns, Lakeland sprang to life around the railroad. Starting in the 1880s, the Lakeland railyards provided produce, phosphate, and other items to cities up and down the East Coast. At one point, the Lakeland railyard was the largest in Florida. (Bonnet Springs Park History)

At the height of operations, the railyard had more than 26 miles of track across several hundred acres on the east shore of Lake Bonnet. The railyard closed in 1952, leaving behind an environmental nightmare. The land forgotten, it became overgrown. (Philanthropists help create park)

Over the years, several homeless encampments cropped up on the jungle-like property, known as the “Chinese Jungle”. Miraculously, the acreage escaped the notice of developers, perhaps because of the amount of environmental remediation which needed to be done.

Around 2014-2015, several Lakelanders took an interest in the property, envisioning a central park for the fast-growing west Lakeland area. These people came together to purchase 200 acres though 32 of those acres were sold as a commercial and residential development to help fund the creation of the park.

Through several philanthropists, fundraisers, and community donations, the funding for the park and its perpetual care fund came to fruition. World-renowned park architects, Sasaki, were hired to design the park. 

Environmental remediation began in 2019, and Bonnet Springs Park officially opened in 2022.

Special Features at Bonnet Springs Park

One of the main things Bonnet Springs Park aims to do is to become an ecological jewel, a cultural magnet, and a connected community asset. The remediation effort included restoring parts of the park to their natural beauty by removing invasive exotic plants and creating wetlands. The contaminated soil was capped in large hills around the park which double as overlooks.

Welcome Center

The Hollis Family Welcome Center is the main entrance to the park and serves as a hub for visitors. It features a gift shop and cafe serving Starbucks on the first floor. 

On the second floor, you’ll find the history center which features artifacts from the railyard, photos, newspaper clippings, and firsthand accounts of the restoration from industrial property to city park.

Nature Center

The Nature Center is located on the lagoon next to Lake Bonnet and offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna. It features interactive exhibits, a classroom, and a boardwalk trail. 

Lagoon and Boat Rentals

The boat house, which is located on the lagoon next to Lake Bonnet and the Nature Center, offers boat rentals. Visitors can rent kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards to explore the lagoon and enjoy the scenic views.

Florida Children’s Museum

The Florida Children’s Museum is a 47,800 square foot facility that offers hands-on exploration for children and families. It features two floors of interactive galleries, including a watermelon seed exhibit, a design park, and a city play area. 

Note: The Florida Children’s Museum charges an entry fee.

Trails and Boardwalks

Bonnet Springs Park has a network of trails and boardwalks that offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the park. Paved walkways crisscross the hills for those who want greater exertion. Or following the wide, flat path around the park.

The Crenshaw Canopy Walk is a highlight of the park, offering visitors a unique perspective of the park’s flora and fauna from above the tree canopy. There is also a boardwalk which loops through the wetlands for a ground-level perspective.

Butterfly House

Zoey’s Butterfly House is home to several species of butterflies and a great place for quiet contemplation. A double entry and exit ensure that the butterflies remain safely in the butterfly house. Water features, benches, and a plethora of flowering plants provide a beautiful habitat.

Gardens

The park features several gardens, including the native plant garden and the heritage garden. The native plant garden showcases the native flora of Florida, while the heritage garden features plants that were commonly grown in Florida during the early 20th century. Both gardens are open to the public and offer visitors a chance to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Final Thoughts on Bonnet Springs Park

Bonnet Springs Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Lakeland, Florida. With its stunning gardens, scenic trails, and unique attractions like the Florida Children’s Museum and the Crenshaw Canopy Walk, there’s something for everyone at this 168-acre park.

If you’re a nature lover and planning a trip to Lakeland, you might also love Gator Creek Reserve and Circle B Bar Reserve. For the history lovers, be sure to pay a visit to the Polk Museum of Art which houses contemporary art alongside historic pieces.

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