"America's Most Interesting Town"
Grand Prize winner of Reader's Digest's coveted award, "America's Most Interesting Town", is Lake Placid Florida, truly the Jewel in the crown of Highlands County. Ten terrific towns from all over the United States were in the running for this honor. At the end of the contest, Lake Placid, Florida stood out among the rest for the unique variety of its attractions. We are so proud of Lake Placid, and we invite you to come visit our beautiful town. You will be very welcome.
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. 
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. 
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 
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.
