A Breath of Fresh Air- Visit Kissimmee Area's Natural Attractions

If you've been enjoying the magnificent theme parks and attractions in Orlando, but are longing for "wide-open spaces", the expansive Kissimmee nature areas may have just what you need. Mickey's neighboring town is filled with opportunities to hike, bike, boat, fish and enjoy Mother Nature. Perhaps, best of all, these lush lands are located just a short ride from the Magic Kingdom.

Lake Kissimmee State Park features more than thirteen beautiful miles of hiking and walking trails and the horse lovers in your group will enjoy an equestrian trail that stretches more than six miles. The lush, green scenery alone is worth a trip to this park. Throughout the park you can observe many different forms of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and an occasional bobcat. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating and canoeing on any of three lakes: Lake Kissimmee, Tiger Lake and Lake Rosalie. Pack a picnic lunch which you can enjoy at the outdoor pavilion and let the kids burn off energy at any of the well-equipped playgrounds. There is an entrance fee of $4.00 per vehicle (carrying 2-8 passengers). For more information, please call 863-696-1112

Kissimmee Lakefront Park is located just steps from Disney and offers a number of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained. Visitors mingle with locals in friendly games of volleyball. If volleyball is not your style, the park also has horseshoe pits and several basketball courts. Hiking and biking trails wind throughout the park if you're looking to stretch your legs. One of the park's most popular features for the young (and the young at heart) is the "Fountain Park" …. This is a perfect place to cool off on a hot day; water seems to be shooting at you from every direction. (For more information about Lakefront or any other Kissimmee park, please pay a visit to their website @ www.kissimmeeparksandrec.com)

Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area covers nearly 24,000 acres, providing both flood protection for the area and numerous recreational activities. Take your time and enjoy Bull Creek at your own pace; pick up a free brochure at the entrance to embark on a self-guided tour. This is a perfect place to observe wildlife - on a typical day you can spot great egrets, gopher tortoise, white ibis, green-backed and great blue herons. Choose from among hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, and fishing and be sure to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the great outdoors. Bull Creek, though filled with activity, is peaceful and (generally) quiet and a great place to recharge your battery. For more information, please call: 386.329.4404.

Lake Tohopekaliga (or Lake Toho, as the locals call it) lays claim to being the best bass-fishing spot in the entire area. In September, 2007 a new world's record was set when Ben Matsubu landed an 8 lb. 13 oz. bass at Toho. Visitors can cast a line from shore or from a nearby bridge, but professional anglers claim fishing from a boat will provide the best results. Boats are available for rental and guided boat tours are also offered. For more details, please call 407.518.2501.

Green Meadows Petting Farm, located in Kissimmee, is sure to be a hit with all of the animal lovers in your crowd. Over 300 farm animals are available for feeding and petting. Everyone is welcomed to try their hand at milking a cow or to hop aboard a tractor-drawn hayride. Green Meadows also features a train ride that circles the entire farm, concession stands and a gift shop. There is an admission price, so please call 407.846.0770 for the most up-to-date information.

Cocoa Beach is about one-hour's drive from Kissimmee; if you have the time, the trip is well worth it. An area which is home to many artists, the streets are packed with art galleries and stores which feature unique handmade crafts. Take advantage of the six-mile-long beach, where you can sunbathe, walk or ride on horseback. The water is lovely and you might find yourself swimming among dolphins if you take a dip. Cocoa Beach is home to a beautiful, 27-hole well-manicured golf course; or, you may choose to explore the Banana River Islands while kayaking. The area is known as the home for many world-class surfers, which visitors can't seem to get enough of. If you are interested in space exploration, N.A.S.A. is located nearby.

A day spent in the great outdoors is bound to be good for everyone and Kissimmee (and the surrounding area) offers plenty of options to do just that. You will return from your day of relaxation, ready to tackle Disney, Epcot, Sea World, etc. etc. etc.