Homeland: Natural Beauty
Homeland, an unincorporated community in Polk County, Florida, is a hidden gem with a rich history and natural beauty. Here are some key details:
- Homeland Heritage Park:
- Located in Bartow, Florida, Homeland Heritage Park is a historical park that preserves Polk County’s oldest buildings.
- Notable structures include:
- 1878 Homeland School building
- 1887 Old Homeland Methodist Church
- 1880 Raulerson House
- An English family’s log cabin and barn from 1888.
- The park serves as an educational site, showcasing pioneer life in Florida during the 19th century.
- It’s a popular venue for rustic weddings and hosts annual heritage festivals.
- Address: 249 Church Avenue, Homeland, FL 338471.
- Alafia River Rendezvous:
- Each January, thousands gather in Homeland to reenact life before 1840.
- This event, known as the Alafia River Rendezvous, is one of the largest living history events in the southeast.
- Visitors can learn about pioneer skills, enjoy 18th-century music, crafts, and daily living demonstrations.
- The Metis’ Indians also establish a traditional native village with teepees.
- Mosaic Peace River Park:
- Once known as Kissengen Spring, this site discharged 20 million gallons of spring water per day into the Peace River.
- Today, it’s the Mosaic Peace River Park, offering over 7.5 miles of multi-use trails and a one-mile boardwalk through cypress floodplain forests down to the Peace River.
