
If you’re not able to swing a “Euro summer” with a plane ride this year, you can still get a taste of it by car here in Florida. Located outside Orlando — about a 3-hour and 45-minute drive from Miami — is the suburb of Winter Park. Besides being a cute small city to visit, Winter Park is mainly known for its Chain of Lakes — an area made up of six beautiful natural lakes (Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia, Lake Mizell, Lake Minnehaha, Lake Maitland, and Lake Nina).
The Chain of Lakes is a stunning destination in and of itself, but what makes them especially unique is the fact that they are connected by a series of man-made canals. AND you can actually traverse them yourself, by boat ride or kayak (more on that below).
History of Winter Park, Florida
Winter Park was first established in 1887, according to the city’s official website, mainly as a resort town for those up North to escape the winter chill. The six serene lakes offered a waterfront paradise alongside beautiful tree canopies and wildlife. According to Winter Park Mag, the canals had been constructed by the 1940s connecting the lakes, in order to help transport building materials. Widening and deepening the canals was even part of FDR’s Federal Emergency Relief Administration during the Great Depression.
How can I explore the canals?
The best way to explore the Chain of Lakes as a visitor is to book a boat tour. The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce has some options on the “Attractions” section of their website. This includes the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour company, which is located on Lake Osceola and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (tours leave every hour). Their boats will cruise through three of the lakes and two of the canals, offering stunning views of the lush scenery from tall cypress trees to tropical florals to large cranes or even alligators if you’re lucky!
You can also try kayaking through the canals, which Get Up And Go Kayaking details well on their website. To not risk getting lost through the canals, it’s best to do a kayak tour as well!
Why has it been called the Venice of America?
Though many may know Fort Lauderdale to have claimed this title in Florida, Winter Park actually hosted a boat tour as far back as 1938 called the “Venice of America” tour. It was run by Walt C. Meloon, who really kicked off the whole canal tour industry there.
What else is there to do in Winter Park?
Besides the canals that of course channel Italy, Winter Park in general has been compared to European cities! Its site boasts “world-class museums, upscale boutiques and shopping, fine-dining restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and luxury accommodations,” so you can definitely make a day of it. Some spots that give full Euro vibes to us? AVA Mediterraegean for delicious Greek bites, Flûtes Champagne Bar will take you to France, and Gelato-Go for a little more Italian. There’s plenty more though — See a list of all Winter Park restaurants here.
There is also: Rollins Museum of Art (the historic Rollins College is also located in Winter Park), the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, Morse Museum of American Art, concerts by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and depending on the time of year, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (March). Like New York, Winter Park’s Fifth Avenue is known for its high-end shopping! Another similarity to NYC, Winter Park is home to its very own Central Park.