Nestled amongst lakes and rolling hills in central Florida, the city of Apopka offers both outdoor recreation and local culture. Known for its agriculture, natural beauty and historic charm, Apopka provides visitors plenty of ways to experience the real Florida. Here are some of the top attractions and activities for an engaging visit to Apopka.
Northwest Recreation Complex
This major recreation complex is one of Apopka’s crown jewels, providing fun options for all ages. Spend a day at the aquatic center featuring two massive pools, water slides, and a kids splash area. Play a round of mini golf at the 18-hole course winding beneath mossy oaks. With 54 holes spread over three courses, the disc golf area offers an exciting challenge for players, with a pro shop to stock up on discs.
Eight lighted tennis courts are available for volleys, along with a softball quad and multipurpose fields. Inside the modern center, drop in for basketball, exercise classes, camps and special events.
Highland Manor
This historic property provides a window into Apopka’s early 20th century history. The Georgian Revival manor house built in 1923 overlooks stunning azalea gardens. Visitors can join docent-led tours through the restored two-story home, with its charming wrap-around porch and glimpses into bygone luxury.
The grounds also contain a one-room schoolhouse from the 1920s filled with desks, slates, and textbooks recalling early education. Walk through the adjacent rose garden and camellia walk when these flowers reach seasonal bloom. Rent the venue for weddings, teas or other events.
The Orange Blossom Cannonball
Get a taste of vintage Americana aboard this scenic railroad excursion. The 1.5 hour ride on a vintage diesel train rolls through central Florida’s lush countryside between Mount Dora and Tavares. The tracks cross over Lake Dora offering beautiful views. Departing from Mount Dora, the Orange Blossom Cannonball passes through the quaint town of Tavares on its journey across Lake County’s scenic landscapes and historic towns.
K Kelly Park
For refreshing natural swimming and recreation, visit K Kelly Park just north of Apopka. The major draw is the Rock Springs lazy river, which flows crystal clear from its origins at a cave-like rock formation in the park. Float in an inner tube along the spring run shaded by tall oaks draped in Spanish moss.
Outside the lagoon, picnic areas and trails through the natural area provide relaxing environs. Cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s house exhibits on the spring’s history. Splash in the designated swim area beside the run’s headspring.
Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival
Each spring, Zellwood holds its famous Sweet Corn Fiesta showcasing delicious Florida-grown sweet corn. The giant festival draws crowds eager to sample unlimited corn dishes from fritters to chowder along with other fair food favorites. Beyond tasty eats, enjoy live music, rides, craft vendors, recipe contests and displays on Zellwood’s long corn growing heritage. Held annually each April.
Skydive Space Center
For an adrenaline rush above Apopka, book a skydive with Skydive Space Center. This long-running operation offers first-timers tandem jumps attached to an experienced instructor along with licensed skydivers. After a briefing, climb aboard the ascent plane to rise 12,000 feet overlooking magnificent Florida scenery and city views. Free fall for nearly a minute before the chute opens for a tranquil parachute back to solid ground.
Wekiva Island
Escape to this lively waterfront recreation area bordering the Wekiva River just 10 minutes from Apopka. Relax in a lounge chair on a sugar-sand beach. Wade in the clear spring waters. Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or pontoon boats to explore the river. Grab a bite at the thatched hut bar and grill after working up an appetite waterskiing, tubing or swimming. They offer eco-tours and river cruises departing frequently.
Apopka Museum of Heritage
Occupying two historic buildings, this charming museum illuminates Apopka’s past with curios, exhibits and over 8,000 artifacts. The adjacent studio of legendary highwayman artist A.E. “Bean” Bugs Bee was transported and rebuilt onsite. Inside, see tools illustrating Apopka’s farming legacy along with memorabilia from the early 20th century.
Rotating displays highlight aspects of the area’s history. outside, stroll through the heritage garden and historic buildings including a 1918 railcar. The museum hosts monthly meetings delving into Apopka’s history.
Rock Springs Ridge Reserve
Stretch your legs on trails through this ruggedly beautiful nature reserve covering over 9,000 acres of forests, hills and wetlands. Located just north of Apopka, the reserve features 18 miles of hiking trails that traverse sinkholes, secluded lakes, forested ravines, and rolling scrub terrain with scenic vistas.
Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and gopher tortoises along the sandy paths. Interpretive programs spotlight wildlife, history and conservation. Connector trails link to adjoining Rock Springs Run State Reserve for even more natural diversity to discover.
With its lakes, nature parks, historic sites and charming downtown area, Apopka encapsulates the heart of central Florida living. Immerse yourself in everything from high-flying adventure to the great outdoors and old Florida heritage when visiting this scenic community.
