Lake Hollingsworth — Attraction in Lakeland

If someone in Lakeland tells you they are going to walk/ run/ rollerblade/ bike/ set up a hammock at “the lake”, there’s 0% chance they are talking about anywhere other than Hollingsworth! (okay, so maybe more like 2%, but you get what I’m saying).

Hollingsworth is the lake. It’s the place to go anytime you need to get out, need something to do, need to exercise or see some nature or are a bored college student. (especially the college student thing) It’s a fantastic lake, and easily one of the largest in Lakeland.

There’s a lovely walking and running path that wraps around the lake, that adds up to being just shy of 3 miles total. It takes half an hour at a slow jog to get around the lake, or 45-60 minutes to walk. If you watch closely enough, you can spot a few gators, ducks, cranes, egrets, and even the occasional turtle or otter hanging out at Hollingsworth. It’s not just a Lakeland local spot for people, it’s the animals’ choice too!

Not to mention the walking paths also have markers indicating how far you’ve gone, at quarter mile intervals. So if you go here deciding you’ll torture yourself with a run, you know how long you’ve lit your body on fire and how much longer you need to reach full battery drainage. It’s really a lovely attribute.

There is free parking and a decent amount of spots, but in the evenings it fills up quickly and many will park on the grass right along the path.

Brb, I’m gonna go...

Just shy of 3 miles, this loop is the perfect winter walk. There's so many beautiful birds to see, plenty of room for social distancing and great houses to admire. Add in Florida southerns campus, and there's no shortage of things to add to the interest. The bike lane is on the road so you don't have to compete for pavement with cyclists. There's only one parking spot. If you're a visitor or new, it's adjacent to the country club so it's tempting to think it's all their parking,...

This is my favorite place in Lakeland for a peaceful walk. During the summer it gets busier, but understandably so. The winter months here are still beautiful and even more peaceful with fewer people. The grassy areas are clean and well kept. There is adequate walking space and benches along the lake, with many more being on the college side. I sometimes worry about parking, but I’ve never had an issue. The neighborhood alone is gorgeous, the lake is the icing...