Lake County

In the 1840s Capt. Melton Haynes trekked through Central Florida and settled in the heart of Lake County, since then many have decided to make their home in Lake County.

Lake County was formed from a portion of Orange and Sumter counties in 1887. Many called for the 1,156-square-mile county to be named after one of its founding fathers, however, with hundreds of pristine lakes gracing its countryside, Lake was the natural choice.

Lake County is known for its varied landscape and elevation ranging up to 315 feet above sea level. Lake County offers rolling hills and orange groves in the southern part of the county and the pristine flora of “Old Florida” in the north.

For outdoor sports action, Lake County always takes first place. With year-round, world-class sporting events, and a collection of world-renowned training facilities including, the National Training Center Athletic Complex and Sports Event Hosting, Clermont Water Sports , Lake Eustis Sailing Club, Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club, Revolution - The Off Road Driving Experience, Central Florida Nature Adventures, and the Mount Dora Yaht Club.

And with an average year-round temperature of 71 degrees, Lake County has proven to be an outdoor sports Mecca.

The area’s gently rolling hills, country roads and clean lakes attract competing athletes from throughout the country and around the world. Events include bicycle races, triathlon events, golf tournaments, equestrian competitions, bass fishing tournaments, water ski championships and other outdoor sporting events that have found a perfect home in Lake County.

This Central Florida county is not only home to hundreds of waterways, but the quality of freshwater fishing and boating amenities are some of the best in the region.

From Hickory Point Recreational Facility, a park that features 12 boat ramps with access to the eight-lake Harris Chain, to the tranquil and picturesque water trails, which offers canoeists and kayakers plenty of outdoor adventures, Lake County is the closest thing in the state to a freshwater boater’s paradise.

Largemouth bass and crappie are found in almost every body of water in the area. In fact, nationally televised fishing tournaments come to Lake County each year.

With hundreds of lakes brimming with prize catches, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to cast a line.

Lake County is also home to nearly two dozen antique shops, offering hours of treasure hunting. Search for that special one-of-a-kind gem among the many quaint shops, charming boutiques or the huge mall of antiques on 117 acres housing 1,400 dealers.

Lake County offers a collection of unusual attractions that offer a variety of activities. Animal lovers will thrill at getting "up close and personal" with more than 300 exotic and endangered animals at Amazing Exotics Education Center and enjoy meeting adorable farm animals at Uncle Donald's Farm.

Or take an exhilarating tour of Lake County's wetlands and wildlife with a Wildcat Super Truck Tour at The Showcase of Citrus.

Wine enthusiasts shouldn't miss a tour and tasting at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, one of the few wineries in Florida

Bird watching is the fastest growing outdoor sport in Lake County with more than 200 different species of birds.

The County is surrounded by environmentally protected areas including the Green Swamp to the south, the Ocala National Forest to the north and the Wekiva River Basin to the east.

From championship water skiing to its nationally televised fishing tournaments, Lake County is synonymous with outdoor adventures.

Lake County Golf Courses are equally exciting and impressive with dramatic fairway elevation changes and spectacular lake views, experienced or beginning duffers can swing away on some challenging public links or top-rated championship layouts.

Over a dozen spectacular golf courses occupy Lake County.

Rural rails to trails, open prairies and ponds, extensive stands of pines, and Green Swamp landscapes all provide exciting hiking trails in Lake County. With higher hills than any other rails to trails in Florida, hikers can view spectacular sunsets and plentiful wildlife. The. Van Fleet Trail State Park is officially designated as part of Florida’s statewide system of greenways and trails.

The trail in the Ocala National Forest is certified as a Florida National Scenic Trail and has been called the “crown jewel” of the Florida Trail system. Thanks to diverse greenways and unique trail opportunities, hikers can relax as they view rare wildlife or enjoy natural habitats at a brisk pace in Lake County.

For more information on building a home in Lake County and incorporation this exciting lifestyle into your family activities, call L. Norman Adams Home Builders today.