Reader’s Digest once dubbed Lake Placid, Florida “America’s Most Interesting Town.” It’s about a 2-hour drive from Ocean’s Reach and makes for a fun day trip!
Over the years, Lake Placid has become a wonderful place to explore how history, art, and community converge.
It’s known as the “Town of Murals,” as there are nearly 50 murals throughout the small town, each representing a colorful and an important piece of the town’s history. The murals are all on the sides of buildings in the “uptown” area, and you can snag a map from the Welcome Center in order to take a walking tour of them all.
Lake Placid has also grabbed the nickname of “The Caladium Capital of the World” as it grows around 80 percent of the world’s caladiums, as well as draws thousands of people every year for their annual caladium festival.
Other attractions include a beautiful ecosystem featuring 27 freshwater lakes, along with The Old Lake Placid Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, now known as the Historical Society Depot Museum.
Perhaps the most unique attraction in Lake Placid is the famed Toby the Clown Foundation. This American Clown Museum and School provides training for students in the art of clownery. There are also nearly 700 pieces of clown history within its walls.
Fun Fact: Dr. Melvil Dewey, the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System, has been credited with naming the town!
