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Kissimmee is the seat of Osceola County in central Florida, sitting on the northern shore of Lake Tohopekaliga just south of Orlando. It began in the 1880s as a steamboat and cattle town, when developer Hamilton Disston dredged canals linking the lake to the Kissimmee River and the Gulf, and for decades it was the heart of Florida's cowboy country. Cattle drives, rodeos and ranching shaped the town long before theme parks arrived, and that heritage is still celebrated at the Silver Spurs Rodeo, one of the oldest in the Southeast.
Today Kissimmee is a fast-growing city of about 80,000 people and one of the busiest vacation bases in the United States, thanks to its position minutes from Walt Disney World. The US 192 corridor is lined with hotels, vacation homes, dinner shows and attractions, while the historic downtown along Broadway keeps a small-town feel with brick buildings, murals, cafes and the red-brick 1890 Osceola County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse still in use in Florida. Kissimmee also has a large and lively Puerto Rican and Latin American community, reflected in its food and festivals.
Beyond the theme parks, Kissimmee offers a surprising amount of outdoors. Lakefront Park stretches along Lake Toho with a lighthouse, a marina, playgrounds and trails, and the lake itself is famous for largemouth bass fishing and airboat rides past alligators and bald eagles. Shingle Creek Regional Park protects the headwaters of the Everglades with paddling routes and pioneer cabins, Old Town and Fun Spot America add rides and nightlife, and Gatorland, one of Florida's oldest attractions, lies on the road to Orlando.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park sits on the north shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, with a long boardwalk, a fishing pier, playgrounds, a splash pad, marina and paths to watch birds and sunsets. It hosts concerts and festivals. Downtown Kissimmee is a short walk away, and parking is free in the lakefront lots.
Shingle Creek Regional Park protects woods and wetlands along Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Everglades, with trails, boardwalks and kayak and canoe rentals for paddling under cypress trees. It is a quiet escape from busy tourist roads. Bring insect repellent, and paddle in the morning for wildlife.
Lake Tohopekaliga, known locally as Lake Toho, is a large lake bordering Kissimmee and famous for trophy largemouth bass fishing. Its marshes are home to alligators, bald eagles, ospreys and sandhill cranes. Hire a fishing guide or take an airboat tour, and never feed or approach alligators.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures runs airboat rides on East Lake Tohopekaliga, gliding through marshes where alligators, turtles and wading birds are often seen. Captains explain local wildlife on the half-hour tours. Night tours are also offered. Bring ear protection if sensitive to noise, and book ahead in busy seasons.
Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, run by the Osceola County Historical Society, preserves Florida cracker buildings including an 1800s homestead, a citrus packing house, a sugar mill and a Seminole camp exhibit. Volunteers demonstrate pioneer skills at events. Check open days before visiting, as hours are limited.
The Old Osceola County Courthouse in downtown Kissimmee is a red brick Romanesque Revival building completed in 1890 and one of the oldest courthouse buildings in Florida. It is a striking landmark on the main square. View it from outside while walking through downtown Kissimmee.
Historic Downtown Kissimmee centers on Broadway and nearby streets, with older brick buildings housing local restaurants, Puerto Rican and Latin bakeries, small shops and the old courthouse. It is a calmer side of the area away from the theme parks. Free parking is easy to find, and it leads to the lakefront.
Old Town Kissimmee is an open-air entertainment district on US 192 with retro rides, a haunted house, shops, restaurants and bars. It is best known for its free classic car cruises held several evenings a week, with hundreds of vintage cars on parade. Entry is free; pay per ride, and come in the evening.
Fun Spot America Kissimmee is an amusement park with go-kart tracks, a wooden roller coaster, a tall SkyCoaster swing, arcades and kids rides, smaller and less pricey than the big theme parks. Entry is free and you pay for rides or buy wristbands. It is open late, making it a good evening outing.
Medieval Times in Kissimmee is a dinner theater where guests eat a four-course meal with their hands while watching knights on horseback joust, sword fight and compete in an arena styled as an 11th century castle. Kids love it. Book ahead, and arrive early to visit the castle stables and exhibits.
Silver Spurs Arena is a multi-purpose arena at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, known for the Silver Spurs Rodeo, one of the largest rodeos east of the Mississippi, held twice a year. It also hosts concerts and shows. Buy rodeo tickets ahead, and parking is available at the heritage park.
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