Around Town
We're pretty certain you know about all of the major attractions in the Orlando area, but we figured you might want some information on some of the lesser known, but unforgettable local attractions. Here are a few of the more popular ones.
Harry P. Leu Gardens (12.4 miles from campus)
Features three miles of paved scenic walkways that take you through fifty
acres of southern styled gardens, including a beautiful rose garden.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone 407-246-2620
http://www.leugardens.org
Fort Christmas Historical Park (16 miles from campus)
This fort was only one of over 200 forts built during the Second Seminole
Indian War, 1835 - 1842. The fort houses exhibits and a video presentation
on the Seminole Indian Wars.
Telephone: 407-568-4149 / closed on Mondays
http://www.nbbd.com/godo/FortChristmas/
Econ River Wilderness Area (6 miles from Campus)
A walk on the approximately 3 miles of trails will take you through habitats
such as pine flatwoods, sandhill, and river swamp. Wildlife observed
on this site includes the great horned owl, white-tailed deer, and golden
mouse. Benches are provided at a bend in the river so you can rest and
enjoy the quiet serenity of this little piece of natural Florida.
Telephone: 407-349-3048
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/leisure/natland/econ.asp
Orlando Wetlands Park (18 miles from campus)
Every day, 16 million gallons of highly treated reclaimed wastewater from
parts of Orange and Seminole counties are pumped into this 1,650-acre,
man-made wetlands where aquatic plants continue the process of removing
nutrients as the water slowly makes its way to the St. John’s River.
Telephone: (407) 568-1706
Cypress Lake Airboat Tours (45 miles from campus)
Offers a one hour tour that takes you around beautiful Cypress Lake spending most
of the tour in the everglades. You will see the most scenic
part of the Central Florida everglades with the highest concentration
of Bald Eagles in Florida.
Tour run daily from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Airboat ride information (407) 957-2277
http://www.ospreyecotours.com
Orlando Balloon Rides (36 miles from campus)
Orlando’s Premier Balloon Company Owner Operated since 1983, offers
flights every morning at sunrise. All flights include an hour
flight over our beautiful countryside with a Champagne Toast, full buffet
breakfast and souvenir flight certificate.
Flight booking hotline (407) 894 - 5040
http://www.orlandoballoonrides.com
Little Big Econ State Forest
With 9,563 total acreage, numerous species
of wildlife are found in this corridor including: gray fox, river
otter, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, resident and migratory
waterfowl, woodstorks, wading birds, shorebirds and numerous upland species
such as deer and turkey. Trails are available for biking, hiking, canoeing,
and horseback riding. Little Big Econ State Forest is located
in Seminole County, 3.3 miles east of the town of Oviedo on County Road
426
Telephone: 407/ 971-3500
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/little_big_econ.html