Winter Park, a charming city that is home to over 30,000 individuals, lies just to the north of Orlando within Orange County, Florida. Acknowledged for its elegance, Winter Park is renowned for its majestic trees, a wealth of green parks, streets lined with brick, magnificent residences, a variety of museums, dynamic lakes, and the renowned Park Avenue boutiques.
This jewel of Florida, officially incorporated in 1887, was initially conceived as a winter sanctuary for affluent individuals from the North who were in search of a get-away from the severe winter months and a serene environment to unwind. Throughout its history, Winter Park has successfully preserved its picturesque natural charm.
Initially known as Lakeview in 1858, and later rebranded as Osceola in 1870, the city received its current name, Winter Park, in 1881. Founding figures Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman, during a casual conversation, opted for a name that conveyed the vision of a 'park in the winter', which led to the selection of the city's present name.
Originally, visitors were drawn to Winter Park for its picturesque lakes, pleasant climate, and verdant surroundings. Presently, they continue to find allure in these natural features, enhanced by an array of excellent dining options, cultural museums, lively entertainment, theatrical offerings, a host of outdoor activities, and numerous festivals.
Winter Park captivates both visitors and residents with its exquisite chain of lakes that serve as the city's aquatic heart. These sparkling waters are not just a backdrop for beautiful homes and meticulous landscaping but are also centers for recreation and leisure activities such as boating, paddleboarding, and scenic boat tours that showcase the area's natural setting and stunning architecture.
Established in 1885 by New England Congregationalists aspiring to replicate their brand of liberal arts education in Florida, Rollins College is recognized as the state's oldest college and a premier institution for liberal arts in the nation. As a distinguished educational establishment, Rollins has produced an impressive roster of scholars, including recipients of Rhodes, Fulbright, Goldwater, and Truman Scholarships, alongside a Nobel Prize winner. Celebrated by Time Magazine and consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Colleges," Rollins College upholds a legacy of academic excellence.
Winter Park’s signature landmarks include its extensive network of lakes, dense canopy of trees, characteristic bricked streets, the quaint Park Avenue shopping area, and educational cornerstone Rollins College. In the city's center lies Central Park, a sprawling green space with majestic trees, approachable wildlife, and welcoming benches, gifted to Winter Park by influential early resident Charles Hosmer Morse. Additionally, the city is known for hosting the acclaimed Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, annually attracting over a quarter-million visitors to Central Park to experience premier art and music.
Spanning a 10-square-mile area and resting at an average elevation of 100 feet, the city continues to evolve while maintaining its unique historical and cultural charm.
