Named after the railroad developer Henry B. Plant, Plant City lies partway between Tampa and Lakeland in Central Florida. It is the historic site of the Indian village of Ichepuckesassa, which was home to the Muskogee people. Today, Plant City is famed for its cultivation of strawberries and hosts the Florida Strawberry Festival each year.
Things to do in Plant City
In the heart of Plant City is the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, which occupies the city’s historic railway depot. It exhibits an impressive collection of railroad memorabilia from the area, including a lovingly restored Seaboard Airline caboose. Adjacent to the museum is a train viewing platform where you can watch freight trains and Amtrak’s Silver Star pass by.
The area’s history is explored at the East Hillsborough Historical Society, which occupies a school building that dates back to 1914. You can browse the old photographs and documents on display or delve into the local archives. Nearby is Courier Field, a picturesque green space where you’ll find leafy walking trails, landscaped garden beds and an elegant gazebo.
Travelling with kids? Visit Dinosaur World and come face-to-face with more than 200 life-size dinosaur sculptures, several of which are animatronic. The dinosaurs are nestled within naturally-inspired surroundings where prehistoric species are planted. Don’t miss the Fossil Dig where young and old can hunt for fossils.
Getting around Plant City
Plant City is a 25-minute drive from the centre of Tampa and 35 minutes from Tampa International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Regular buses connect to Plant City while the downtown area can easily be explored on foot. Renting a car is best for exploring the region.