FUELED FOR FUN
Polk County welcomes over 6.5 million visitors annually, generating a $4.5B economic impact to Central Florida. It is the state’s leader in recruiting and hosting amateur sporting events. Entertainment in Polk County ranges from LEGOLAND Florida Resort to Streamsong Resort’s golf courses, Central Florida has something for everyone.
LEGOLAND Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park
Polk County’s Winter Haven is home to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. It is now also home to Peppa Pig Theme Park, which opened in February 2022. LEGOLAND is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children 2-12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is a key player in Central Florida’s tourism industry.
For over 80 years, Lakeland has been home to the Detroit Tigers spring training. The economic impact from these games and the arts in Polk County totals more than $90 million. Add tourism, and these three industries are positively affecting our economy to the tune of more than $100 million. In addition, this helps keep about 41,000+ people employed in the leisure and hospitality industries here
Nestled between the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Ocean beaches, Polk County relishes its position as a leader in entertainment, arts and tourism.
The arts are plentiful in Polk, where the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (AGB) at Florida Southern College displays original artwork and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra provides patrons with classical music at its best.
And entertainment abounds. The Polk Theatre shows classic movies. The RP Funding Center hosts Broadway plays and community theaters thrive in the county’s largest cities. And now, smaller venues like Gram Parsons’ Derry Down are giving local and national entertainers a place to showcase their talents. Polk saw an addition to the sports tourism industry in 2019 with the Feltrim Sports Village in Haines City.
Stroll 168 acres filled with walking paths and serene nature at Bonnet Springs Park. Learn more at the Florida Children’s Museum and the Nature Center, and end your day at the Depot Cafe for a meal & drink at the Rooftop Garden Bar.
Spend a day at the annual SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in and immerse yourself in the world of aviation. Experience hundreds of varieties of aircrafts, 500+ exhibitors, daily & nightly airshows with performers, career fair activities, a family fun zone, and so much more.
Those who want a more leisurely experience might take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College or attend any number of festivals held throughout the year.
No matter what your preference, Polk County has something for you.
Featured Employers
Visit Central Florida
From incredible outdoor adventures to legendary attractions, there’s always something fun to explore in Polk County. Visit Central Florida is the county’s official tourism and sports marketing organization. They have all the information you need to discover all Polk has to offer.
Leading Education Programs
Webber International University
Students of Webber’s Hospitality and Business Management program receive training and experience in key facets of Hospitality Business Management. Graduates of the program are prepared to face business management challenges presented in hospitality and service.
University of Central Florida
Located in nearby Orlando, FL, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management is a major asset to the tourism industry and a leader in hospitality education. This nationally recognized program is housed in the largest facility ever built for hospitality management education. And, is one of the few in the country to offer a Hospitality Management Ph.D.
Polk State College
Polk State College offers an Associate in Arts – Hospitality Administration and Management degree program. The Associate in Arts programs are offered to students seeking to continue their studies at a four-year institution.
In the News
Tourism Continues on the Fast Track in Polk County, Setting Records Year Over Year
September 26, 2025
Camp Margaritaville Once Again Named #1 RV Luxury Resort
June 20, 2025
SEA LIFE Florida Makes a Splash with Grand Opening Inside LEGOLAND Florida Resort
June 9, 2025
Bonnet Springs Park Named the Nation’s Top City Park by USA Today, Boosts Economic Development in Lakeland’s Downtown West
April 26, 2025
Tourism in Polk Has Skyrocketed Since COVID, Adding Value to Economy
September 25, 2024
Celebrating a Strong Performance for Tourism and Looking Ahead
February 23, 2024
Local Themepark Continues to Expand, Developing New Attractions for Guests
January 18, 2024
Arts, Culture to be on Display During Hall of Fame, Annual Awards Ceremony
October 12, 2023
Legoland Florida Debuts Pirate River Quest, Plans for a Successful 2023
February 9, 2023
Winter Haven’s Alyssa Garber Brings New Life to the Ritz Theatre
July 19, 2022
Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Industries are Bouncing Back in Polk County
February 23, 2022
Peppa Pig Theme Park Preparing to Open in Winter Haven
February 18, 2022
Margaritaville Enters Polk Market, Partnering with Cabana Club
September 17, 2021
Tourism Rebounds in Polk County as Outdoor Attractions Face Record Attendance
June 30, 2021
Business Returning to Balmoral Resort, Workers Needed
May 26, 2021
Balmoral Resort the Jewel of Feltrim Development in Haines City
August 13, 2019
The Merlin Way Brings Fun, Growth and Magic to Central Florida
November 19, 2018
Detroit Tigers’ local ties extend across Polk County
October 15, 2018
