Did you know that Hardee County is home to one of Florida’s most unique attractions – a castle built entirely from repurposed newspaper printing plates? Nestled in Central Florida’s heartland, this hidden gem offers a refreshing escape from the state’s crowded tourist destinations. With pristine rivers, fascinating historical sites, and quirky attractions, Hardee County delivers authentic Florida experiences that most visitors never discover. Let’s explore the best things to do in this charming rural county that’s waiting to be explored.
Getting to Hardee County
Hardee County is centrally located in Florida, making it accessible from several major cities. The closest airports are Tampa International Airport (about 80 miles northwest) and Orlando International Airport (about 90 miles northeast). From either airport, you’ll need to rent a car to reach Hardee County, as public transportation options are limited.
Plan Your Journey to Hardee County
Find the best flight deals to Tampa or Orlando and start your Hardee County adventure.
The main cities in Hardee County include Wauchula (the county seat), Bowling Green, and Zolfo Springs. Highway 17 runs north-south through the county, connecting these communities and serving as the main thoroughfare for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Hardee County
The ideal time to visit Hardee County is during the cooler months from October through April. During this period, temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and fossil hunting.
Peak Season (January-March)
Winter brings pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making it the perfect time for outdoor exploration. This is also when many seasonal events occur, including the Pioneer Park Days festival in late February/early March.
Off Season (June-September)
Summer months bring hot temperatures (often above 90°F) and higher humidity, along with afternoon thunderstorms. However, this can be a good time for budget travelers as accommodations may offer lower rates.
Spring (March-May) offers beautiful wildflower displays along hiking trails and comfortable temperatures. Fall (October-November) brings harvest festivals and cooler weather, making it another excellent time to visit.
Top Attractions in Hardee County, Florida
Hardee County offers a diverse range of attractions that showcase Florida’s natural beauty, fascinating history, and unique cultural experiences. From peaceful river paddling to quirky artistic creations, here are the must-visit spots during your stay.
Solomon’s Castle: A Quirky Artistic Wonder
Perhaps the most unusual attraction in Hardee County is Solomon’s Castle in Ona. This remarkable structure was built by the late Howard Solomon using discarded newspaper printing plates, creating a shimmering exterior that catches the sunlight. Inside, you’ll find rooms filled with Solomon’s whimsical metal sculptures and artwork, most created from recycled materials.
Plan Your Visit to Solomon’s Castle
Address: 4533 Solomon Road, Ona, FL 33865
Phone: (863) 494-6077
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm (closed Mondays)
Tip: Don’t miss dining at the “Boat-in-the-Moat” restaurant, housed in a 60-foot replica of a 16th-century Portuguese galleon!
Note: Entry fee must be paid in cash or by check (ATM available on-site).
Peace River: Paddling and Fossil Hunting
The Peace River flows through Hardee County, offering one of Florida’s most pristine paddling experiences. This natural waterway is lined with cypress trees and oak hammocks, creating a serene environment where you can spot wildlife including alligators, turtles, deer, and various bird species.
What makes the Peace River especially unique is its reputation as one of the best places in Florida for fossil hunting. The river continuously erodes sediment, exposing fossils that can be millions of years old. Most common finds include shark teeth, but lucky hunters might discover mammoth, mastodon, or even prehistoric horse remains.
Peace River Paddling Information
Popular Access Points: Paynes Creek State Park, Pioneer Park, and Gardner Boat Ramp
Rentals: Peace River Kayak Rentals (863-381-0194) and Canoe Outpost (863-494-1215)
Best Time: Spring offers clearest water for fossil hunting
Permit: A $5 permit is required for collecting fossils (except shark teeth)
Parks and Natural Areas
Hardee County’s parks offer visitors a chance to experience Florida’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. From wildlife viewing to camping, these parks provide numerous recreational opportunities.
Pioneer Park
Located in Zolfo Springs, Pioneer Park is a multifaceted attraction that combines natural beauty with historical significance. The park offers camping facilities, fishing spots, and canoe access to the Peace River. What makes this park special are two unique attractions:
Hardee County Wildlife Refuge
Walk along an elevated boardwalk to observe native Florida wildlife including alligators, bobcats, and black bears. All animals here have been rescued and cannot be released back into the wild, making this their permanent sanctuary.
Cracker Trail Museum & Village
Step back in time at this fascinating museum that houses over 4,500 artifacts showcasing pioneer life in Florida. The adjacent village features historic structures including a Cracker cabin, post office, and blacksmith shop, plus the impressive 1904 Baldwin steam locomotive.
Pioneer Park Details
Address: 231 Wilbur C King Blvd., Zolfo Springs, FL 33890
Phone: 863-473-5078
Wildlife Refuge Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Museum Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
This peaceful park has a fascinating history dating back to the 1840s. Once the site of a trading post and fort during the Seminole Wars, today it offers visitors a chance to connect with both nature and history. The visitor center houses a museum detailing the area’s Seminole history and pioneer life.
Nature lovers will appreciate the park’s hiking trails that wind through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks. The confluence of Paynes Creek and the Peace River provides excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Paynes Creek Historic State Park Information
Address: 888 Lake Branch Rd, Bowling Green, FL 33834
Phone: 863-375-4717
Hours: 8am until sunset, 365 days a year
Activities: Hiking, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, historical exhibits
Hardee Lakes Park
Spanning an impressive 1,200 acres, Hardee Lakes Park features four lakes perfect for fishing enthusiasts: Lake Hardee (120 acres), Deer Lake (110 acres), Lake Firefly (97 acres), and Gator Lake (47 acres). The park offers extensive recreational opportunities with its network of hiking trails, horse trails, and bike paths.
Visitors can enjoy the park’s boardwalk that curves around the lakes and woods, leading to an observation tower that provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and a playground make this an ideal destination for families.
Hardee Lakes Park Details
Address: 5502 Ollie Roberts Road, Bowling Green, FL 33834
Phone: (863) 767-1100
Activities: Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, wildlife observation
Where to Stay in Hardee County
Hardee County offers several accommodation options ranging from hotels to unique camping experiences. While the selection isn’t as extensive as in larger tourist destinations, you’ll find comfortable places to stay during your visit.
Find Your Perfect Stay in Hardee County
Browse accommodations in and around Hardee County to find the perfect base for your Florida adventure.
Hotels & Motels
Wauchula and Bowling Green offer several budget-friendly hotels and motels. While options are limited, they provide clean, comfortable accommodations for travelers.
Camping & RV Parks
Pioneer Park and Hardee Lakes offer camping facilities for those who enjoy the outdoors. Peace River Oaks provides glamping tents and RV sites for a more comfortable outdoor experience.
Nearby Options
For more accommodation choices, consider staying in nearby Sebring or Arcadia, both within a 30-minute drive of Hardee County attractions.
Where to Eat in Hardee County
Hardee County offers a variety of dining options that showcase local flavors and Southern hospitality. From unique themed restaurants to authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ll find satisfying meals throughout the county.
Boat-in-the-Moat Restaurant
Located at Solomon’s Castle, this unique restaurant is housed in a 60-foot replica of a 16th-century Portuguese galleon. Enjoy sandwiches, meatloaf, and other American favorites either in the air-conditioned dining room or on the oak-shaded deck.
Address: 4533 Solomon Road, Ona, FL 33865
Giovanni’s Main Street Kitchen
Located in downtown Wauchula, Giovanni’s receives rave reviews for its handmade pizzas and calzones, prepared in an authentic wood-burning brick oven.
Address: 221 W Main St, Wauchula, FL 33873
Phone: 863-767-5300
Java Cafe
This charming cafe in Wauchula serves southern favorites like shrimp and grits, plus creative specials including pressed boom boom fried chicken wrap and sweet potato fries.
Address: 202 W Main St Ste 101, Wauchula, FL 33873
Phone: 863-767-9004
Getting Around Hardee County
Due to the rural nature of Hardee County and limited public transportation options, having your own vehicle is essential for exploring the area effectively. This gives you the freedom to visit attractions at your own pace and discover hidden gems throughout the county.
Rent a Car for Your Hardee County Adventure
Having your own vehicle is the best way to explore all that Hardee County has to offer.
The main cities in Hardee County (Wauchula, Bowling Green, and Zolfo Springs) are relatively small and walkable once you arrive. However, the distances between attractions often require driving. Highway 17 serves as the main north-south route through the county, connecting most major points of interest.
Exploring Downtown Wauchula
As the county seat, Wauchula offers a charming downtown area centered around Heritage Park. This Main Street Community features historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants that showcase the area’s small-town charm.
Heritage Park itself is worth a visit, featuring a bandstand, a mural illustrating the town’s pioneer history, a fountain, and sculptures of two Sandhill cranes—a tribute to Wauchula’s name, which comes from a Miccosukee Indian word meaning “call of the Sandhill crane.”
Shopping in Wauchula
Downtown Wauchula offers several unique shopping opportunities:
- The Classy Cactus Boutique – Clothing, beauty supplies, and accessories
- Heritage Park Antiques & Treasures – Vintage furniture and unique collectibles
- Cat’s on Main – Gifts and specialty items including Vera Bradley and Spartina
Historic Sites
While exploring downtown, don’t miss these historic landmarks:
- Wauchula Train Depot – Dating back to 1915, now serves as an event space
- Historic City Hall – Built in 1926 in Spanish style, once housed the largest auditorium south of Tampa
- Heritage Park – Features historical markers detailing the city’s past
Events and Festivals in Hardee County
Throughout the year, Hardee County hosts various events and festivals that celebrate its heritage, culture, and community spirit. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to experience local traditions and connect with residents.
Pioneer Park Days
This major annual event takes place in late February/early March at Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs. The multi-day festival celebrates Florida’s pioneer heritage with antique engine displays, tractor shows, craft vendors, food, and live entertainment.
Peace River Folk Festival
Typically held in the fall, this music festival celebrates Florida’s folk heritage with performances by local and regional musicians, arts and crafts, and food vendors in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Seasonal Events
Throughout the year, Hardee County hosts holiday celebrations, ghost tours, open mic nights, theater performances, and baseball games. Check the Hardee County website or Main Street Wauchula’s Facebook page for current events during your visit.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hardee County
Weather
Hardee County has a humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild, drier winters:
- Summer (June-September): Hot and humid with temperatures often above 90°F and afternoon thunderstorms
- Winter (December-February): Mild with temperatures typically ranging from 50-75°F
- Spring/Fall: Pleasant temperatures with less rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities
What to Pack
Depending on your activities and season of visit:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (year-round)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Insect repellent (especially for outdoor activities)
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Swimwear and water shoes (for river activities)
- Light jacket or sweater (winter evenings)
Safety Information
Hardee County is generally a safe destination, but keep these tips in mind:
- When paddling or fossil hunting in the Peace River, be aware of wildlife including alligators (maintain a safe distance)
- Apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated, especially during summer months
- Check weather forecasts before outdoor activities, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
- Cell phone coverage can be spotty in rural areas, so plan accordingly
- For river activities, consider going with a guide if you’re unfamiliar with the area
Day Trips from Hardee County
While Hardee County offers plenty to explore, its central location makes it easy to take day trips to other Florida attractions. Here are some nearby destinations worth considering:
Arcadia (25 minutes)
Known for its antique shops and historic downtown, Arcadia makes for a charming day trip. Visit on the fourth Saturday of each month for the famous Arcadia Antique Fair.
Sebring (40 minutes)
Home to the famous Sebring International Raceway and beautiful Highlands Hammock State Park, one of Florida’s oldest state parks with ancient cypress swamps and diverse wildlife.
Lake Placid (50 minutes)
Known as the “Town of Murals” with over 40 colorful murals depicting local history. Also famous for its caladium fields and the Clown School and Museum.
Explore More of Florida
Discover exciting activities and attractions in the areas surrounding Hardee County.
Experience the Authentic Florida in Hardee County
Hardee County offers a refreshing glimpse into authentic Florida, away from the crowded theme parks and beaches. From paddling the pristine Peace River and hunting for ancient fossils to exploring a whimsical castle built from newspaper printing plates, this hidden gem delivers unique experiences that most visitors to the Sunshine State never discover. With its blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and small-town charm, Hardee County invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and experience Florida as it once was. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be surprised by the treasures waiting in this off-the-beaten-path destination.
