In 2012 we celebrate Lake Placid's 85th birthday. Just in time for our birthday year, Lake Placid Florida and Lake Placid New York have become sister cities. This is 85 years in the making. Dr. Melvil Dewey, inventor of the Dewey Decimal system, came to Lake Stearns, Florida looking for a warmer climate.
It has been written that “When God finished creating flowers; he turned a flower into a leaf”. He must have been referring to Caladiums. Growers imported Caladium tubers from the Amazon River Valley of South America around the 1920s, and found they thrive in the rich black muck along the shores of Lake Istokpoga, on route 621, in Lake Placid Florida. It was in the 1950s that several growers made caladiums a big business in this area. There are over 1,000 acres dedicated to the growing of caladiums, and this has earned Lake Placid the proud title of Caladium Capital of the World.
If a picture is truly worth a 1,000 words, than Lake Placid, FL is worth a whole dictionary. This tiny town is nestled in the rolling hills of the Lake Wales Ridge, just off route 27 in the heartland of central Florida. Look for our Placid Tower, 270 feet above the ground. Murals, Clowns, Arts and Crafts, History, are only a few of the many things that entice visitors to explore the area.
Come to the Lake Placid Chamber/Mural Gallery, 18 N. Oak St. Open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. except holidays. View a 10-minute video, which answers most of the questions visitors have asked. The original mural renderings are on display. Purchase a $3.00 mural tour book. The history of each mural is in the book. The artist hides something in each mural, and the book tells you what to look for. Sometimes the artist leaves something out.
There may be only one museum dedicated to American Clowns and you'll find it in Lake Placid, Florida! At last count, more than 1,500 significant pieces of clown memorabilia are located within the walls of the American Clown Museum and School. You'll see clown clothing and art spanning the century. Many pieces of circus art are here, including a life-size hand carved carousel horse as well as a large collection of clown figurines.
Thousands of people visit each year to see our 43 beautiful internationally known historic murals. Our 17 one-of-a-kind trash containers are all companion pieces to the murals. Lake Placid has so much more to enjoy. Toby's American Clown Museum takes you back in time, and brings back many happy memories of our favorite clowns. You learn about the art of clowning. The Caladium Arts and Crafts Cooperative is in a 10,000 sq. ft. building filled with fine arts and crafts. A great place to shop for that unusual gift.
The Lake Placid Art League invites you to visit their art gallery and watch master woodcarvers at work on Thursdays from 9 am - 2 pm. Classes are offered in a variety of media. The Art League hosts an arts and crafts show on the last Saturday in January. LP Art League located at 127 Dal Hall Blvd. 863-699-2058 http://www.lakeplacidartleague.org/
A trip to Lake Placid is not complete without stopping at the Caladium Arts and Crafts Cooperative. This 10,000 sq. ft. building is filled with fine arts and crafts made by Highlands County's finest artists and craftsmen. This is a shopping experience not to be missed. You are sure to find that special gift. There is something for everyone. 132 E. Interlake Blvd.
Step back in time at the Depot Museum located in the old Atlantic Coast Line depot in the heart of Lake Placid (National Register 1993). Discover railroad artifacts, period clothing, photographs and furniture. See items of historic importance to Lake Placid displayed in the 1927 train station personally designed by Melvil Dewey of Dewey Decimal System fame.
WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL UPTOWN LAKE PLACID! In 1992, the Lake Placid Mural Society formed to beautify the town and tell its history.
