Circle B Bar Reserve Reviews

Hard to believe this reserve is free! I’ve never seen so much wildlife in one place. Lots and lots of birds and alligators. Very nice nature center. Multiple walking trails but the one on the causeway is incredible. Picnic tables available so pack a lunch. Highly recommend

This is a great place to see nature in Florida. Nice visitor center but they are closed on Mondays. One of the most active gator populations in central Florida. Do not let their lazy appearance fool you. These gators are faster than humans. People feel safe because of the old saying about gators only feeding at night but would you take chance that maybe they missed an evening meal?

Great nature preserve. Lots of scenery with gators. Wildlife is abundant
Bring peanuts to feed the squirrels. Information centers are open for visiting and asking questions, restrooms available too. Tram tour great way to see wildlife. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day

Well maintained trails in diverse habitats - forest, lakeside, marsh. Visited on a very windy day and still saw many herons, egrets, anhinghas, mudhens and osprey. Classic central Florida - many trees covered in spanish moss.

This adventure had been highly recommended and it lived up to our expectations. The trees, Spanish moss and wildlife were beautiful. We saw numerous birds, along with many alligators. We did not bother them when they crossed the path in front of us! There are different trails with benches all along the way. Something for all levels of ability.

I live 20 minutes away from here but it was my first time visiting. I will definitely be back! So amazing to see beautiful animals in nature! I personally won’t be bringing my kids again. A little to overwhelming for them.

We have gone here many times, each time we see different birds and wild life. There are many trails to walk or bike. they have a map that lets you know how long the trail is, sunny, shady etc. Eagles, Great Blue Herons, owls,Egrets, turtles and Alligators etc. Best of all it is free! Pets are not allowed. Children must be watched carefully, these are wild animals.

There are several hiking trails along with the gators, foxes, boars,rabbits and such. Bring a camera cause those big gators are out many times. Little creation house with fun information for kids

We visited Circle B early afternoon. The weather was cool and slightly overcast. We saw herons, anhingas, osprey, and cormorants on the Lake Trek trail. The Lost Bridge Trail was flooded and we weren’t able to go on it. Alligator Alley lived up to its name and had several basking gators and turtles. We saw several wood storks on Wading Bird Way. Windmill Whisper was the quietest trail and we saw feral pigs and wild turkeys. Bring your binoculars! This is a great place to go birding and to view a variety of wildlife.

I read the reviews about the Circle B Preserve on Trip Advisors which made me think it would be worth the long drive for us. I was so glad I made reservations for the tram tour and hiked the trails. Even though I see many of the birds I saw there from my lanai at my Florida home, the habitat where you see the wildlife is so gorgeous that it makes seeing the animals so much more spectacular.
The tram tour was really special with a knowledgeable guide who made the trip not only informative but fun. After the tram ride, my husband and I walked the trails which were well-maintained and marked. We saw much wildlife in a beautiful setting in such a short time which made our trip so amazing. I am so glad that my husband and I went out of our way to visit this spectacular preserve.

We took the shorter path and walked for a while along the lake. Then we turned around and went back. We heard that it was a long, long walk to finish the path and it was pretty hot. Despite the heat, we saw a ton of animals. We saw wild boars twice and a huge variety of birds. We even saw a huge bird swoop down, grab a fish from the lake and fly away with it in its talons. Over a great place to see some wildlife and it was completely free.

We've been here a couple of times and enjoy walking around the preserve. Lots of different, rugged trails to hike along and see an abundance of wildlife. They have a Nature Center and gift store and offer a narrative tram tour as well. No entrance fee but bring water and hand sanitizer since the porta-potties may be out.

What a beautiful place to visit!!! We didn’t see the whole place as we only had 2 1/2 hours to spend. We walked a few trails! One trail led to the lake. We saw a possum, birds & ducks! There is a BEAUTIFUL picnic area. We had refreshments & snacks. When in the area we would go again. We understand there is a tram ride available but you have to make reservations. They were all booked for February. If you love 💕 nature, you will love this place!

This is my favorite place to go hiking! It is absolutely the most stunning place and sunrises and sunsets here are to die for ! I usually go multiple times a week when I’m in Florida bc you never know what u will see. Take your time to really look!

The lake is beautiful and so many gators!! Alligator alley had tons of baby gators out sunning. Lots of turtles. Trail is flat and easy to walk

Visited Circle B Bar Reserve today for the first time. Definitely won't be my last. Was there for over four hours and only made it to two trails (Alligator Alley and Shady Oak) (okay, I tried going down Marsh Rabbit Run, but there was an 8-10 foot alligator blocking the path). At every turn there was an animal to photograph. Gators - large, medium and babies (I never felt like I was in danger - most were in the water. The large one in the path wasn't even interested in a racoon that walked right up to it). Herons, anhingas, turtles, woodpeckers. Too many animals to list. It was definitely worth the 80 minute drive up from Bradenton, FL. Can't wait to go back.

I lived near this reserve and was able to frequent on a regular basis. I saw something different every time. I call it little Jumangi. Alligators, every kind of bird you can imagine, wild pigs, armadillos, bob cats, turtles, snakes. It is a very special place. I feel like I’ve stepped back in time. It feels prehistoric at times. Keep your eyes and ears open. Take your time and enjoy.

Spent a very enjoyable few hours walking and exploring this very interesting location in June. Be on the lookout for wildlife at every turn (but you are perfectly safe so long as you keep your distance). Beautifully maintained and managed.....and it's free. I'm sorry it took me so long to discover this jewel. I'll be back!

I have lived in Lakeland there years now and for some reason never made it over to Circle B until the end of this year (2020). What a mistake! I was really missing out on such an awesome, completely free experience! In just one visit where I didn’t even see half of the area I saw SO much! Almost double digit gator spottings of all sizes. One was even blocking the trail path we were on so we had to turn around, lol. Saw a ton of different birds, and some giant woodpeckers that were so dope. Lots of raccoons that run around on the paths a few feet away from you with absolutely no regard for being so close to a human, it was actually really comical. We heard some wild hogs squealing but unfortunately didn’t see them this time. There was just so much to see and observe, in such a peaceful and natural area, wow I loved it. Can’t believe this luscious, lively place is bacislly tucked into my backyard.

Always a pleasure to enjoy Circle Bar Reserve while I am in Lakeland. So much to explore. Nature and wildlife in their natural habitat.

My wife and I decided to go to Circle B yesterday. It proved to be on of the best choices we made. We have been to 10 or so parks so far. Circle B is the best because it is more scenic and vistors can see alligators.

You won't be able to see eagles if you go to the park in May. We were a bit disappointed to learn that. We walked just about each trail...not on purpose. Many of the trails are close to the other ones. We were able to see a wide variety of birds, three baby hogs, and numerous alligators.

This place is scenic. Very beautiful!

The only disappointing thing we encountered was large group that was loud. Other than that...you will love it.

Bring your walking shoes and go exploring the various paths, you will be rewarded with chance encounters with some locals, (Alligators, Raccoons, other small furry creatures) the airshow varies by the season

This is one of those spots you have to go to if you’re in Lakeland and you want to encounter Florida wildlife. You can come across alligators, wild boars, raccoons and many other native wildlife Florida animals.

We love going here and exploring the different nature paths. Lots of birds, alligators and turtles. Beautiful surroundings. A photographer's dream! And free entrance and parking, too!

Great place to visit and see wild life. I like it better than the everglads because no giant grasshoppers and you can still see gators.

This is indeed the place to go. it makes the news from time to time because there is a massive Alligator living and roaming freely there. Best to not approach it, or any other wild animal, but occasionally you get a glimpse of these pre-historic creatures and a variety of other wildlife in their natural setting. Clean facilities, and a camera is a must!

What a great place! First, everything is free! No parking or entrance fee. There is a nice nature center where they are very helpful! This was our first time there and the woman at the desk gave us a lot of info about the trails. If they were paved, where to park, how long of a walk each one was and most important, the most likely place to spot a gator! There were a few benches along the way if you need to stop and rest. Be sure to bring water, it's hot! The wildlife is amazing. We saw birds, turtles, ducks, gators and wild boars on our trip. We will definitely be back. Great place!!

We went on the weekend when it was hard to find a parking space, BUT do not let that deter you. There are miles of hiking trails, which could be a little better marked with distances. This area is so full of wildlife. There seems to be a bird of prey in every tree with a fish, alligators, and herons and egrets galore. Plus, it is all Free!

Circle B Bar Reserve is worth a visit if in the Lakeland area. We walked the trails and enjoyed seeing the birds near the water. We did not go to the Polk Center Reserve education center; however, heard that there were some animals on display there.

We walked all over the reserve and still did not cover all the trails. We saw all kinds of birds, from a beautiful bard owl, roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes. The property is beautiful.

The grounds, trails, variety of sites, Spanish moss swaying in the trees, photo ops galore all under Florida's beautiful blue sky. What a glorious day and memorable time.
None of the 3 of us had been here before which meant we encountered delight after delight...photo op after photo op

What an excellent Preserve! We saw so many birds, painted bunting, crowned night heron, great egrets, gallinule,eagles, hawks, etc.
We also saw wild boar, armadillo, wild turkey and of course gators.
Wonderful place to visit!

If you want to observe Florida wildlife up close and personal this is the place to come. This is a natural migration spot for water fowl. Sand hill cranes walk all over. Plenty of gators. Even Eagles. Great hiking trails. The nature Center is very informative. The preserve offers team tours that fill up quickly.. a great place to commune with nature.

This is a good place for a nice leisurely nature walk. Guaranteed to see a few gators, birds, and other wildlife. Some areas are closed to visitors during mating season.

We happened on this lovely reserve and took a nice walk along the trail by the lake. Lots of wildlife, and yes, “old Florida,” for sure. Nice visitors center

This is one of life’s hidden gems. Entirely free. Wildlife everywhere. Sure to see alligators and birds. Great trails. So beautiful. A must see.

On our way from Orlando to Venice we decided to take a break and visit this beautiful reserve, having read so many good things about it. We were really happy we did and regretted having just a couple of hours to spend here. It was really gorgeous. There were so many gators and birds and our hike was more like a stroll, stopping all the time to enjoy seeing all these animals. We will be back to hopefully spend some more time here.

For getting close to wild life this in my opinion is better than the everglades and no commercialism. You are on a 6' / 2mtr wide dirt track with a pool each side and an alligator watching you on both sides. no more than 10' / 3mtrs away. dont forget your camera or camera phone or people wont believe you Birds are great as well. Highly recommended and free.

I love Circle B! We visit a couple times a year to see all the beautiful trees and animals. Love it!

We had a good guide on the free tram ride through the ranch. Only problem is you must make reservations at beginning of the month. We don't always know when we are able to go that far ahead. The tour was interesting even to my 7 year old grandson !
I feel it was a very nice intro to the area in central Florida.

Very good Welcome Center and knowledgeable staff to provide maps and general orientation to miles of walking trails. Wide pathways, good signage and options for shade or direct sun. Opens early in the morning and easy access for photographers seeking birds, alligators and other wildlife. Benches are available for resting along the trails. Disappointed for the second year at closed option of tram tour. Tried three weeks in advance. Next year, will call from Maine in January for reservation in March.

Very scenic Park with tons of wild animals.. Eagles, gators, turtles and many species of other birds and fishes.. Definitely worth visiting!

Restrooms available, even if the educational center is not open. There are covered pavilions to use for lunch eating. Maps are available on a post in several areas. New signs are up on the reserve, that are easy to read and leave to questions that DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ANY PLACE. I hope everyone can read. I like that the trail signs show the length of the trail. All the trails are open, from previous storm damage. The clearing of the storm damage has left certain sections open (no trees) and will take a few years for new growth. Everything is looking very well kept and a big thank you goes out to whom ever organized the storm cleanup. If makes me a little concerned to see many elderly people on the trails with no water and no hats with the sun beating down. Maybe more benches along the walks would help. We enjoyed our day and as always see lots of birds, and alligators. We bring our lunch and always take time to rest during the day and between hikes. I always enjoy the interaction between all of the other people we meet along the trail. Everyone there seems to like nature and being around people. This is a opportunity we recommend to all our friends. Enjoy.

This was a superb find - visiting from the U.K. to find such tranquility here in central Orlando was bliss! Lovely nature trails and witnessing first hand wildlife was awesome. The staff in the information centre clearly live their jobs talking with such enthusiasm. The icing on the cake is that it is free with no admission or parking charged. We shall return before going home as we had such a great day. I can’t recommend this attraction highly enough- visitors put it on your itinerary!

This was one of the best walking and wildlife sites we have visited. We walked the 3 mile loop trail which borders the lake. It took a few hours as we made frequent stops; there is so much to see. It is flat, easy walking terrain. Raccoons may be seen walking along the same trail. A few more benches along the way would be beneficial along the open prairie-like areas. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and plenty of water. The tram was not available when we came but that may be a good way to enjoy the area for some. This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing day away from the chaos of amusement parks and heavy traffic nightmares. Highly recommend.

It was a very long drive for us to get t this place. It was really nice if you like walking. Lots of birds, some I have never seen before. A rally beautiful place to walk around.

This was an excellent place to get out of the car and walk around. It is between Tampa and Orlando. We saw at least 7 alligators while walking. Many were in the water swimming, but one was very near the path.

I really enjoyed the nature walk this area has to offer u have lots of wildlife to see , it’s a great spot for birthday parties they have a nice playground area. They do have large gators which have been seen by the nature walk so just be careful.

We've been coming to florida from the UK for many years and only just found this little gem.
It is a great place to relax and see the natural side of florida. Well worth a visit.

Family friends came in from up north and wanted to see alligators. Circle B never disappoints. They had a great time with some close up enter actions.

Amazing park, one of the best we have experienced out of all those years. Spotted many birds, alligators, water snakes etc. Well maintained, will visit there every time we get a chance!

This is a lovely place for anyone who enjoys viewing animals in natural habitat! Saw may alligators, turtles and beautiful birds. One turtle was dropping eggs and then digging. I assumed she would put the eggs in the hole she was preparing. There are different trails you can choose to walk. We took our daughter, son-in-law and grandson and they loved it!

What a great experience. We went in the early afternoon so it was a bit warm but well worth it. We took the alligator alley trail from heron. About 1.5 miles. Saw so many birds and a lot of alligators! This is a free trail. The discovery center is closed on Mondays. Keep that in mind no trams are running. I loved it and will return!

We saw lots of beautiful birds. We encountered a family of raccoon which slightly scared us. It was an adventure to see sleeping crocodiles. The big oak trees were very cool.

Great wildlife preserve with various species of birds and quite an array of alligators. Wonderful way to spend the day and it's all free!

We love to bike at Circle B Bar Reserve. We are slow bikers and the people we meet are always friendly and polite.

We visited late on a Sunday afternoon and early on a Monday morning. On the Sunday the trails were quite busy with lots of families. On Monday morning it was very quiet, with mostly birders and photographers. We parked in the second parking lot (near the visitor center) and walked the Shady Oak trail out to where it intersects with Alligator Alley and the Marsh Rabbit trail. On Sunday late afternoon we turned right onto Marsh Rabbit and walked out as far as it was straight, then turned around and retraced our steps. We saw alligators both in the water and on the path, as well as many kinds of wading birds and black-bellied whistling ducks. The path was easy to walk, though keep watch for the roots. It was so cool to walk with swamp and marshland on either side of you, never knowing what you would see. In the morning we walked out Shady Oak again, but this time turned left onto Alligator Alley and did the loop all the way to the parking lot. So much bird life to see, and of course, alligators as well. Also saw an armadillo. Walking along the lake under the moss draping off the trees was so peaceful. I can't wait to go back again next year!

Lovely place for viewing wildlife, vey nice walking trails. We saw several alligators, numerous birds, turtles, armadillos. Will absolutely return here before leaving Winterhaven.

This is a beautiful place to get to know the flora and fauna of central Florida! We were thrilled with the photo opportunities around every trail..
We are a retired couple and found that there were trails for every fitness level (or time restraints-they actually let you know about how long a trail will take).

First we really enjoyed this reserve. Gorgeous and full of wildlife, and I highly recommend coming here!

I am dealing with cancer treatments and have varied tolerance for walking (1-3 miles typically) and we asked the lady at the discovery center how long the paths were, and she told me about a mile. THIS IS INCORRECT

In fact it is about 2.5 miles to take the popular alligator alley trail and then come back up the shortcut to the visitor's center and there are very few benches, and mid day, very little shade.

The map is correct- if you actually look at it, but alligator alley (1.2 mi) is just part of the trail. To get to it, you have to take the shady oak trail (.7 mi) and to get back to the center you have to take Heron Hideout trail (.3 mi). AND on the map, a trail that follows the Shady Oak trail is FUCHSIA which looks nearly red and is easily confused to be a different part of the Alligator alley trail.

This was a "1.5 mile day" for my tolerance and I was really struggling, looking eagerly for the cut back up to the visitors center for a long while.

I hope this helps others wanting this experience. There is no shortcut for alligator alley from what I saw.

One option I see is to take Heron Hideout trail from the center and go as far as you want as it meets up with Alligator alley, turn around and head back for a loop instead of the circle that is 2.2 miles.

A fun and free experience. We walked the Heron Hideout, Marsh Rabbit Ron, and Eagle Roost trails Lots of wildlife including Snail Kite, Alligator Snapping Turtle, many herons and ibises, and 50-60 alligators. The Visitors Center is also nice and fun to browse.

We spent several hours here walking the trails and watching the birds, turtles, alligators, lizards, and even an armadillo! Great place, beautifully maintained. Would highly recommend!

I'm from inland (up north) and I walked for five minutes and added 10 birds to my life list in less than 10 minutes. Unbelievable birding right from the trail.

Awesome nature walk for free! I went to the nature center to get a map and they told me the best trails for a first time visit were Shady Oak and Alligator Alley. I returned to the center by way of Heron Hideout. There was a large variety of birds, many alligators, and turtles. Bring your camera! The walk took longer than the distance would indicate because I kept stopping to take pictures. The wildlife is close and easy to see. The other walkers were friendly and showed you where the wildlife was when it was somewhat hidden. Bring water, sunscreen and good walking shoes. You should consider bringing a picnic for before or after your walk. I spent half a day here. This place exceeded my expectations.

Circle B is an amazing free wildlife reserve. We visit every time we are in Central Florida. Today we took a President's Day hike through the park, near the lake and down the Alligator Alley trail. Even though the park is closed on Mondays, the trails are still open.

Today, we were thrilled to see many, many alligators (some right next to the trail), raccoons, turtles, and many types of birds. We saw more wildlife at Circle B today than on our trip to the Everglades. Highly recommend this park!

We just learned of this place a couple of years ago, but never had the chance to go see it. I tried once to get a tram ride, as neither hubby or myself can walk very far. The tram was already full.
My bff of 65 years was coming down from Cleveland, for a visit. I decided this would be a unique place to take her. I called early, and reserved the tram for the 3 of us.
Circle B is amazing. It is so huge. I never imagined Lakeland to have such a beautiful area. All the different trees, grasses, and birds. All the wild life is free to roam where ever. No cages or constraints of any kind.
Unfortunately, we did not encounter much wild life on our excursion. We spotted a couple allegators, partly submerged in water. Birds everywhere.
Our tour guide was extremely knowlegable. She readily answered every question.
I was hoping the weather in Oct would be a little more pleasant,but it was a pretty hot day. The tour lasted about an hour and 20 minutes. The tram is the way to go. We passed a lot of people walking tho. We passed one couple who must have looked pretty tired, to our guide. Since we had a couple of empty seats, she had the driver stop and offered them a ride. They gladly accepted. I am in awe of having such an amazing place, practically right in our back yard. I am really surprised and happy, that it is totally free of charge. I will be back.

I go here pretty regularly, and it's really nice, it's clean, I will say, if there have been a lot of heavy rains, you may want to stay clear, there is a great opportunity to see wildlife, so I recommend bringing a camera are keeping her cell phone nearby. I also recommend not starting the trails to late in the day because it gets very dark very quickly out there and there isn't any lighting. I see comments about keeping your dog on a leash, the fact is, is do not take a dog out there, you're putting the dog at risk, others at risk in yourself at risk, and I'm pretty certain, if I recall correctly that it says no pets allowed. I always feel very safe while I walk out there, although I don't like to walk alone if it's desolate. However, very seldom is it desolate, there are usually a lot of people out there taking pictures. It's a beautiful place to spend an hour or 3 or 4 hours.

What an amazing place if you want to visit what old Florida used to look like in the wild. And if you’re a photographer there are just a multitude of things to photograph. Alligators, snakes, varieties of birds, swamp areas and cypress trees great for B & W photographing.

We went on a little hike in Mid February. We took the Alligator Alley trail and saw several gators. We also saw a large variety of birds - anhingas, herons, cranes, ospreys. Some were 5-10 feet away. We also saw 2 or 3 raccoons close to the path. Some parts of the path are shaded and some are in the sun. The Nature Center has a lot of good information and is fun for kids. They have tram tours, but they were sold out when we went and the next ones available were in March.

We spent an entire morning hiking and exploring the nature preserve. This is a very well maintained park. Even in near 100 degree heat we were able to see numerous alligators, birds and other animals in their natural habitat. If visiting the Lakeland area, I highly recommend visiting.

this place is awesome! tons of wild life to see one of the best places i have visited so far in flordia! couldnt believe a gator walked right in front of me and the squirrels will sit right on your foot! best place ever!

We showed up on a Saturday. The apparently once-weekly tram tour was about to begin. We couldn't get on because you needed to make reservations during the week. Then they felt sorry for us and let us on. Florida nature at its absolute finest. I've seen all the birds, I've seen the alligators, I've seen the different environments - but here they all were in the same little tram ride. Go here if you like to hike and take photos, or find out about the tram ride otherwise.

Be prepared to walk a few miles! Take your time, stroll, look for turtles, fish, birds and gators. If you keep your voice down, walk slowly and LOOK, you will not be disappointed. We have visited there 3 times and see more things each time. Never know if you will see a gator on the path, right next to the path, or out in the water. We were there on 4/24/19 and saw a gator take a small duck for lunch and saw one of the eagles flying overhead.

We did the 3+ mile walking trail.....must see so glad we went. Gators galore. Will definitely come back.

Real alligators moving along in front of you, lots of beautiful birds, turtles, fish, butterflies, the experience was just amazing. You can do short walks or long ones, you can even find some geo-caches if this is your thing. As a Brit I have to say that this nature reserve its absolutely brilliant - so much nicer seeing nature as it should be.

Warning - if you put the address given elsewhere into your GPS, you might end up at a village wondering just where it is. If that is the case, go ahead and, at the thrid traffic light, turn left and it's just a minute or so down the road on the left.
Judging by other reviews I expected this place to be a stand out. It didn't disappoint. There are a few things you should know. First, I couldn't help but notice there weren't any children around on my two walks. Second, I read another review which noted no rubbish lying around. That's because some volunteers pick it up most days. Thirdly, the Alligator Way trail is now re-opened. Fourth, it's a haven for bird watchers. I'd guess that twitchers made up three quarters of the people I saw, perhaps more. It's a friendly place, most will readily chat with you.
I didn't actually get very far the first time, I was too busy taking photographs! Most birds were unfamiliar to me so I had a ball. I have to add that it was hot out in the open and would be unbearable in the middle of summer.
I loved it because there are no fences - just you and nature. The second time an alligator was sunning in the middle of the trail and I had to turn back after waiting a few minutes but then a couple on bikes with flashing headlights came along and he bolted back in the water.
Also, I couldn't help but notice there were no mosquitoes. They've been replaced by a thousand colourful dragonflies.
If you're into nature, this place is a must and I still find it hard to believe it's free.

Every time I visit Circle B, I see a wide variety of wildlife, and I always leave the reserve feeling more in tune with nature. It is the perfect place to see all of the beauty and wildlife that natural Florida has to offer, from wading birds like Great Blue Herons to wild hogs and their piglets. This place is great because they charge no admission and have plenty of trails to explore! A must to check out when visiting Lakeland.

Handicap people can even see nature here. Walk as far or little as you want. I see people with roller coolers rolling behind them so they can set on the cooler and have drinks along the way. Realize this is not a movie or Disney. Animals come and go. But as a rule the birds and other animal life are active in the morning. The Owls that usually are here are active and night which is great for us because they set in the trees all day for you to see or photograph.
We do when we can which is sometimes in the afternoon and have a real successful day. Every day is different, but everyday is a success. We always pack a lunch and take water. The pavilions with picnic tables are great for a lunch or snack. Enjoy!!

TIPS: Bring your roll of toilet paper for the outdoor jons. Sometimes there is none.
Weekends have more people, less parking.
Visitor center is open 9-4:00 Mon. through Sat,- Sun is Noon to 4:00.
Visitor center has flush toilets and drinking water.

It took 2 months to get a date for the free, two hour tram ride. The guides were very knowledgeable and you even can get binoculars to view the wildlife. The Discovery Center and hiking trails are wonderful. It was a great experience!

We love going here for quiet walks and viewing nature. Alligators, wild pigs, all sorts of birds, flowers and plant life. Plan on making several more trips back here.

This is my favorite place to walk when visiting with family in central FL. I can hardly wait to go back!

We really enjoyed our walk. It is perfectly safe if you stay on the trail. We were thrilled to see 12 alligators! Bring water and a hat as some areas are quite sunny. Parking and entrance is free.

Not to be missed if you are in Lakeland and like walking / short hikes. Lot of birds, plants and the more than the occasional gators. Get a good idea of what Florida would have been prior to all the suburban sprawl.

This park is amazing. We enjoyed 5 miles of trails and saw dozens of gators and so much wildlife. We did get a little freaked out along one trail where gators were resting right next to the path. Also, be careful where you stop to observe. We got nailed by fire ants.

We were on our way to Safari Wilderness and our tour guide recommended stopping here first since we had the time. What a pleasant surprise! We did a short hike to the lake. Saw beautiful birds and alligators in the swamp. Very picturesque place.

We love this place, and yesterday had another great experience watching birds and other wildlife. We saw too many bird species to list mainly on the alligator alley trail with several on the heron hideout trail. Egrets were most abundant with a lot of anhingas as well. An easily observed barred owl was a special treat. The only disappointment was we saw no roseate spoonbills. There were a number of alligators including a couple of very active young ones observable along the trails. Numerous turtles were seen as well. I wish we lived closer so we could visit more frequently.

Went with a group on a trolley ride through the reserve with a narrator. Very interesting as saw several birds new to us and learned names of all we saw. Of course Alligators were interesting, especially the baby ones.

Was a former cattle ranch and property acquired by Polk County. Was flooded from nearby lake to provide wetland environment.

Wonderful to see properties like this available to the public especially at no fee so everyone can enjoy. A beautiful nature center is also part of the experience.

Highly recommend a visit. Reservations for tour must be made well in advance.

See their website.

If you want to go and see the real Florida Wildlife in its natural surroundings, You Need To Visit this place, Just beautiful and peaceful, There’s a visitor centre which is worth checking out before you start your walk. I really didn’t think I would see that much, How wrong! Alligators a few metres away in the lake, Then on the opposite side Alligators very close on land, Just Amazing, At the same time doing cautious! Various Herons, Hawks, Turtles, Raccoons, Snakes & Fish!
If you want to get away from the Disney ‘Bubble’, Visit this beautiful place.....It’s totally free!!!

This place was amazing. We went on a Monday so none of the buildings or tours were operating. There was no admission charge. We saw so many different birds, boars and alligators right up close. Just the walk among the trees and bushes was nice. I don’t think we even saw all there was to see. Great place, would definitely visit again if in the area.

Found this place online and wanted to visit after reading reviews. Part of the trail was closed due to Gators breeding, including the famous monster that made national news 2 years ago. Look it up if you don’t know about it. But we did see Gators in the lake, wild pigs and many birds including a Bald Eagle. The round trip was about a mile and a 1/2 and was easy, flat land. Highly recommended for any nature lovers in the area.

Love Circle B! It is a great walk and along the way keep your eyes out for gators, armadillos and hogs! They are in their natural habitat and make for a terrific outing!

A must if you enjoy nature walks and photography. The nature center is very educational. Wildlife at its finest!

This place is a hidden gem.
Absolutely the best nature walk we have been on with more to see and if gators is what you want you won't be disappointed seen so many big and small with a big one startled me just 10 feet off the walking path

Wow! This place is amazing! I'm not from Florida so had never been to a place like this before. My brother and his wife took us here recently because we all enjoying walking trails and they thought we'd enjoy seeing all of the interesting birds here. They warned us there is a path referred to as "Alligator Alley" but I was really excited to check it out!

As we walked, we did see, and were amazed by, a wide variety of beautiful birds - like White Ibis, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets. But we all stood in awe as a regal Bald Eagle flew overhead! And as we gazed out into Lake Hancock, which the trail ran along, we started seeing more and more alligators lurking about.

At one point the trail narrowed and was sandwiched between the lake on one side and a marsh on the other. It truly felt like we were experiencing something pre-historic! And yes, we were about to enter Alligator Alley! Gators are known to cross this path and if they decide to hang out in the middle, trail walkers must wait until the gators are ready to move along. It was really exciting to come across a gator (looking very well-fed) doing just that! We could see a couple ladies a ways back on the other side of this guy that had been waiting 15 minutes. But luckily we only had to wait a couple minutes before he decided to leave.

Parking is free and so is access to the paths. I would love to come back here again!

NOTE: You need to book your tour at the beginning of the month! If they have extra space you can join but it is by reservation first.

The driving tour goes through three different environments and offers a lot of plant and wildlife. Try to go when it's less hot because the entire tour is outdoors and the do stop driving so there is no wind.

The guides teach about the local plants and we were able to get maybe two feet from a huge gator!

I can't sing the praises of this reserve loud enough. It is a must-see for nature lovers visiting central Florida. A former ranch, it boasts a range of wonderful and easily doable hiking trails. Alligator Alley is a good trail with pretty scenery, trees, plants, gators, birds, etc. But do not miss the Treefrog Trail. Not a lot of wildlife but just a gorgeous saunter through massive live oaks, fast becoming one of my fave types of forest to walk through. The Marsh Rabbit Run is also a treat...we saw some MASSIVE gators along this trail, as well as some baby sandhill cranes. In open areas, keep your eyes peeled for wild boars off in the distance. You can see signs of their rooting in many places.

If you love seeing gators of every size, this is the place. There are always gators to be seen in the lakes and marsh areas. Exotic birds, Turtles, bobcats and gorgeous tropical plants and flowers. The information center is very well done.... good for adults and children alike. With resources for identifying plants and animals that you may see while walking the trails. Should not be missed. I took friends from the Netherlands, and they couldn't believe that all the animals were just out in the wild.

So, my wife humored me when I said that I wanted to see gators in the wild. The rest of our family spend $65 to go on a airboat ride through the swamp. She was a little shocked when we saw multiple BIG gators. They were extremely close to us with no barriers. We even got to see one catch a fish and eat him. VERY COOL!

Florida nature at its best, free to enter, lots of trails. Highly recommended, especially for bird watchers.

So much to see, alligators, turtles, varsity of birds and so much more. Went on a trolly tour ones as well and so educational!

Circle B Bar Reserve is a great environment for the whole family. With approximately 4,000 wild alligators and many native and migratory birds, it is a photographer’s paradise. There are several trails to walk and first come first serve covered picnic shelters. There is a Nature Discovery Center with exhibits, A/C, restrooms and cool drinking water. The NDC is open Tue thru Sat from 9-4 & 12-4 on Sunday. Circle B itself is open daily year round from dawn to dusk, and everything is free. Tram rides are available by calling or signing up at the desk starting on the 1st of each month. Y’all come.

We frequently come here to walk in nature. It is a magical place. It is never dull and wildlife is all around you. We have had a racoon walk towards us on the path by Lake Hancock. A great blue heron walked towards us. We have seen alligators, a great blue heron playing with a water eel, osprey, anhinga, bald eagles...it goes on and on.

Great place to watch a wide variety of wildlife, particularly birds and good sized alligators. Very walkable paths, spend as much time and walk as long as you want.

Experience the real Florida - heat, humidity and wildlife. Fantasic for photography.
From the Discovery Centre (with restrooms, water and air conditioning) venture out into the lovely wooded areas and onto the lakeside. We saw plenty of wildlife - alligators, racoons, cormorants - but this is not a plastic experience like much of Florida. We were three-quarters around our planned track when we came across a gator sunning him(her)self on our track. We had no alternative but to backtrack.
Although there are rangers around this is a big reserve. Take plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy footwear and head covering. There are parts of the walks where you are in direct sunlight with little shade.
Well worth a visit and highly recommended. Entry is free and there are BBQ areas near the Discovery Centre.

Walk or hike the trails its also a great place to take family photos! Be aware of all the alligators In the area do not let young children wander off.

The views & wildlife were amazing!! I took tons of photos & my husband & I would definitely do it again 😊

Had a quick trip around the trails here just before closing. With the time change and getting dark earlier the gates close at 6:30pm as of Nov 4. Was our first time here and we have to thank the awesome family for giving us a ride back in the dark from "the center" to where our car was parked by the main entrance, otherwise we would have been sleeping in our car and would have wasted our $100 on a hotel room !!! Other than that excitement and feeding the mosquitoes with it being dusk and then dark, we had a fantastic walk. We saw at least 8 gators, 2 cranes (very close up) many G.B Herons, Little Herons, Great Egrets etc ... We will have to come back here again when we have more time. It does look like it would be a killer to do on a hot sunny day as most of the trails we hit were in the open. Thank you again to the great family for saving our bacon !!!

had an afternoon at this reserve, wonderful. Ever turn was something new from wild pigs, a crossing ,snake ,,and birds and butterflies aplenty, Gator shooting season was in , so some paths closed. Well worth an afternoon visit.

I've been coming here for numerous years now, but never left my review. This place has grown into a very popular outdoor park with new activities, buildings, & other unique things. Parking is easy, nice drive through the woods, very nice buildings filled with knowledge, and the overall area is well kept. A great note is: FREE parking & no fees!!

Some places charge a fee to experience the nature due to the work involved keeping the place up to par. However, this place does not charge. There are numerous trails on this property that will keep you busy for hours. You will see alligators, birds, snakes, boars, & wildlife animals out here. There are warning signs up to keep you informed about the wildlife. There are no gates or fences blocking you from the wildlife at here. You can get very close to an alligator out here. I strongly advise caution though.

You can walk or bike on the trails as well. I enjoy walking slow because you can find gators hiding in some areas in the lake and ponds. One trail has an old windmill off to the side. This is the perfect place to catch some fresh nature air, look at wildlife, share moments with your family, talk about the animals, & get some exercise as well. Each experience will be different because you do not know what to expect from mother nature.

One time I seen a mother soft shell turtle laying her eggs right on the trail! She didn't move or fight me off as I watched her. Another family was explaining to their child the facts of life.

Come on out here to experience once in a lifetime moments.

Absolutely, one of the best locations to photograph wildlife in Florida. As you can see, it has a #1 ranking of "Things To Do" in Lakeland so it attracts an abundance of tourists and the crowd grows as the day goes on. If you are a serious photographer, get here early (think sunrise) and avoid the weekends.

Wow. This place is a treasure. We saw so many waterfowl along Alligator Alley. I was a bit nervous to walk where alligators live but the 6 we saw were well off the walking path. We spent a couple of hours and didn’t see everything. We will be back.

Wonderful walking trails where you see alligators and more in their natural habitat. There is also a nice check in area with tons of information and photos

See alligators for free and all in bird life as well as turtles. Drive to the site at the visitor center and go down the path by the mobile toilets directly down to the alligator path. Start by going left and then return to where you left TV. Then go th and see the remaining alligators.
Bring drinks in a rucksack and good trainers and a cap as well as sunscreen.
Remember sandwiches from home as no kiosk. There are good benches/tables in the shade.
Good trip

Beautiful park full of nature. we enjoy birding here. A majority of people go here to see alligators. While that is not our cup of tea. There are plenty of alligators to see. The park is very busy and visitor chatter can get quite loud which can affect wildlife viewing. Be sure to take valuables with you while you walk or lock your vehicle to be safe as there have been problems with vehicle break-ins.

Great hike through a true old Florida setting. Use bug spray. You will see gators, if u hike any where close to the lake.

This was the first chance we have had since Iram damaged this reserve so much. It's getting there slowly but they are getting there, plenty of bird life,all and 🐢 turtles to see and they seem very relaxed with humans, but remember this is their territory not yours.

Just outside of Lakeland, FL on Winter Lake Rd you'll find this gem of a park. It's great for young and old (as long as they can walk). Have your camera ready for the many species of wildlife you'll see as you walk the trail. Many trails to take so if you live in the area don't try to do them all in one day.

A pleasant walk through cypress, life oak, and flowers of all sorts adorned with spanish moss. The birds are wonderful, and very unafraid. We got lots of pictures, and were enchanted by the many views of all kinds of southern nature.

We truly enjoyed our visit here, and realized that we didn't allow enough time. We spent the morning walking around and could have easily stayed a couple more hours. Lots of birds, fish, and gators!

This is a free reserve with a great nature center.
We took the trail by the lake and saw a ton of birds, about 8 gators and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Great place in the area- highly recommend it!

We took our 14 yr old grandson to FL for his Christmas present. On 1/3/20, we hiked a loop from the Shady Oak Trail to Alligator Alley Trail to Heron Hideout Trail. Wildlife was awesome!

Saw probably 20 alligators ranging from ~18in to 8ft, a raccoon running down the trail in front of us, turtles, fish, black snake, herons, egrets, anhingas, moorhens, whistler ducks, heard an osprey,etc.

We came upon a group of photographers who had just witnessed a large alligator catching and eating an anhinga. One photographer showed us his footage of the action that we just missed.

Would definitely go back again and recommend this park to others.

Note: One or two mosquitoes bit when we first got out of car. However, a good breeze was blowing all late morning into early afternoon which I believe helped with keeping them away and we had no trouble during our hike.

What an unexpected surprise, so enjoyed our walk/stroll along alligator alley. We can’t call it a hike because we had to stop so frequently to enjoy the abundant wildlife. Beautiful area, wear good walking shoes and pay attention to the sides of the trail and it will be an outting to remember

This is a great place to walk with the family and explore nature. There are many trails and you could spend hours exploring. The little museum was very informative with displays of all the nature in the park. My wife and I took a long walk and some of the trees covered with Spanish moss reminded her of the movie Avatar. We didn't see any alligators but we saw lots of birds.

We came on a Monday and the nature center was closed but you could use the trails. We walked to the lake .6 miles each way. The trails were 75% shady, which was nice. Saw some wildlife. Armadillo, woodpecker and others.

This place is amazing. So much wildlife, clean bathrooms, and maintained trails. We make weekend visits from Jacksonville just to visit this park.

We saw so many Gators here! Keep your hands out of the water! Beautiful natural Florida- no commercialism . This place is a treasure- bring your cameras!

We took the Lake Trek trail mid-morning this week. There were lots of birds also raccoons and by the lake we saw a lot of alligators. Some close by but it is very safe since you are well up away from the water. This was the best walk of our trip!

The Polk's Nature Discovery Center had some cool hands-on exhibits and lots of information on the wildlife in the area. There are several trails to choose from depending on what you would like to see and distance you want to walk. We thought Alligator Alley would be a good hike to see an alligator. We weren't disappointed! We saw a momma with her hatchlings. Our kids were so excited! We also saw a big gator chomping a turtle! It was a little scary because he was only about 5 feet from where we were standing! Though the alligators were the highlight for us, we saw all sorts of birds, a wild hog, and lots of squirrels. It was a great place to spend an afternoon, and it was free!

The theme parks have their attraction, but if you want to see the real wild Florida, this is the place.
Plenty of alligators to look out for because they will bite.
Plenty of birders as well and they don't bite.
The best is it's free.

Superb, well maintained reserve. Excellent birding. Most water birds seen every trip, dozens of smaller warblers. Two nesting pair of bald eagles. Nice pavillion on lake that allows viewing/photography of birds fishing the lake. Many alligators visible. Multiple trails through different types of surroundings. This reserve is a destination every time we are in central florida.

Our tram tour of the Circle B Bar Reserve was very peaceful and informative. Eric, our guide was a former educator and made the hour plus ride go by quickly. He told us how the area was a cattle ranch in the past and in the year 2000, it was purchased to restore the main wetland now known as Banana Creek Marsh. The restoration project is ongoing. All the changes create new food sources and habitats for thousands of wildlife and migrating birds. On our adventure ride, we saw a Great Blue Heron, Anhinga, White Ibis and a Bald Eagle. We even saw a glimpse of few alligators lurking in the beautiful, clear blue water. The reserve also has The Polk Nature Discovery Center, which provides information about Polk County’s natural resources and water. They also have monthly activities and nature workshops there. If you just want to hike the trails, you have a choice of Alligator Alley, Eagle Roast, Heron Hideout, Lost Bridge, Marsh Rabbit Run, Shady Oak, Wading Bird Way, Windmill Whistle and Treefrog Trail. It was an awesome way to spend the day, exploring all the nature that this former ranch has to offer.

This is a great place to spend time. Nice walking trails and a lot of wild life, especially birds. I took a friend from out of state so he could see some alligators. We weren't disappointed. We returned a couple of times during his stay.

Circle B is a beautiful sanctuary. It is well managed and never disappoints. This trip we saw and heard a bull gator give a 5-minute mating growl that froze us in our tracks. Looking forward to migration season to see lots more birds.

Great preservation area. Good place for birding and nature walks. A lot of alligator sightings. On a beautiful day an awesome place to go.

This Reserve is truly exceptional! Tons of wildlife to see - gators, turtles, fish, and tons of birds. No facilities along the tra so plan accordingly.

Beautiful wildlife preserve. We saw numerous wading birds, hawks and osprey, not to mention alligators, big and small, feral hogs with young. A great place for professional photographers and hobbyists. I can’t wait to go back

I am a lover of wildlife and I enjoy taking pictures of said wildlife. I am so happy that I found this place while visiting my parents. I was alone, but felt very comfortable walking the trails by myself while enjoying the abundant wildlife. I just wish I had more time to visit this beautiful place.

Saw 6 or 7 alligators ranging from young small ones to large adults. Also saw a lot of birds, some turtles, and really big grasshoppers. Really awesome place to visit.

Great place to visit with others, by yourself, or with kids. We walked about 4.5 miles along the paths and saw nearly a dozen gators and other wild life along the way.

We visited the reserve in August in the heat of the day and the advice from the super friendly staff at the visitors centre was that most wildlife would be hiding due to the heat. But we ventured out on foot anyway. Within minutes we saw our first alligator just a few feet from the path, in the water keeping cool. It was amazing. Second later we saw a turtle and the bird life was insane, herons, osprey, eagles, and all sorts of new birds we couldn't even identify. It was a magical and peaceful way to spend the day. In truth I'm the only person in the family super interested in nature but even the teenage boys we engaged and excited by all the amazing wildlife. And the best bit....... Completely free of charge and not a queue in sight!!!!

Visited this nature reserve and booked the 90minute free tram tour.Our guide and driver were excellent pointing out the flora and many birds and alligators.
The area a former cattle ranch is well kept with walking trails and a discovery centre

Highly recommended

You will definitely see wildlife, especially if you take your time and are observant. I have not taken advantage of any of the guided sessions but I'm sure they are excellent. The trails are a variety of scrub, swamp, and lakefront providing variety. The visitor center is air conditioned and informative.

I took my aunt while she was visiting Polk County. She is a birder, and was thrilled to spot limpkins, a species she had never observed and she was able to add them to her life list. I am not a birder, but I found our walk very enjoyable. It is a beautiful place, there were all kinds of birds and wildlife in the various habitats and I will certainly take visitors there again. It is a slice of real Florida.

My wife and I recently visited the Circle B with her sister. We found the education center (air conditioned) and reserve impressive. However, we should have visited the reserve at an earlier time when it wasn’t so hot which was 90+ by the time we got there. Some of the trails were closed due to storm damage and an alligator watching out for her young who would have been nice to have seen from a distance. We did see some beautiful butterflies and I was able to get a close up picture of and an Osprey with a fish, but didn’t see many land or lake critters. They were smarter than us and avoided the heat of the day.

Amazing place to hike and definitely worth going to Winter Haven for. We saw many gators and bald eagles, wild boars, as well as other wild life.

Definitely can get close enough for comfort with the animals at a safe distance. Don’t bring your dog!

This is a great venue for doing a little hiking and observing nature. The waterfowl population is fabulous to see and there are plenty of alligators to see in their natural habitat. A great family adventure awaits you!

If you want to see alligators in the wild, this is the place. I have visited on several occasions and have never been disappointed with the wild life. I have seen alligators on every visit, especially in one of the larger lakes in the area of which there are many. I have also seen wild pigs, armadillo and raccoon, but the birds are especially great. Several easy trails let you see a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Outstanding reserve for just about everything, hiking wildlife viewing. Please take bug spray because the insects are annoying however I have seen worse.

Beautiful park with lots of walking trails and wildlife - particularly waterbirds and alligators. Picnic and BBQ shaded areas available.

Great place to walk or ride hy-brid bike. (connects to Fort Frazier trail,also). Taking pictures. Nice locals.

Even if a trail was closed, we had a great time. In the middle of summer, we saw many alligators (many more than in the Everglades), armadillos, snakes and wading birds. Lots of parking spaces and free and free access.

Went with members of our 55+ park. When the tram stopped three of us walked along the river and the tram took off and left us. We had to do some pretty fast hiking to catch up with it again. Good thing the two older men were in pretty decent shape. They should make sure everyone is aware they will leave you behind. Other than that is was a fun time had by all.

A huge nature reserve which us adjacent to Lake Hancock. A former cattle ranch which has a beautiful eco center and educational programs for youths. Multiple looping trails which are flat and easy to walk/hike. Well labeled trails and informative sign boards abound. Free admission with donations gladly accepted. Will be a frequent visitor.

This is a wonderful reserve. Easy hiking trails and a large variety of animals (birds, waterfowl, turtles, alligators, wild pigs and armidillos). Many areas are heavily wooded to offer shade from the hot Florida sun. A good place for a peaceful, calming walk.

What a great place to visit - we did a group tour, the guide was outstanding - these are all volunteers. Tons to see - animals like eagles, alligators, birds on many kind. A great two hour tour.

The two-mile hike along the lakeside is well worth it. The beautiful lake, the flocks of birds, possums, and native flowers make it well worth it. I hear they also have Tram Rides for those unable to walk or hike.

This is the third time I have visited the park and I have never been disappointed. They have a variety of walking trails and if you arrive when the Discovery Center is open, a volunteer will give you a map and recommend the trails to take depending upon what wildlife you would like to see. There are usually regular walkers on the trail that will tell you what is on the trail that particular day if you ask them. Make sure you take water with you because some of the trails have little or no shade and it can get very warm walking on a sunny day. You will also want a hat and camera. There is no restaurant or food vending machines, so if you want snacks or lunch, make sure you pack that with you when you come.

Spanish Moss, Cool Trees, Armadillo,lots of birds. We just parked and did the short loop to the lake and back. It was a nice break. Trails are wide, but lots of roots ... you have to have the right shoes. The price was right(free).

Local residents shared this beautiful free nature experience with us during our working visit. What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. They had to hurry us along. I could easily have tarried there for several hours. This is a little piece of heaven. If you enjoy nature - it is a MUST SEE!

This reserve offers so much if you want to experience natural Florida the way it was before all the millions of people moved in! Numerous trails take you through wetlands to view trees, plants, and many types of animals. Alligators were everywhere, birds of all types, bunches of turtles, and an occasional raccoon and rabbit even appeared. I really enjoyed the photo opportunities and the beautiful views.

I have been to Circle B at least 5 times, and it never gets boring. Wonderful trails, not overly crowded and such great views of numerous kinds of birds, and of course alligators. There are several different trails, of varying distance. My favorite is partly along a lake, and includes Lake Trek, Alligator Alley and Heron Hideout. The total for that trail is 2.5 miles, and it is a loop that takes you back to the visitors center. The center is not open Mondays; when it is open, it has lots of information, and a great area for children. There is a large tree to climb, and several education displays about flora and fauna.

This is the best place to go in Polk County if you love the outdoors. There is an abundance of wildlife. Very serene. You will love it here.

What a nice park to visit with family. Trails are easy to navigate. Where else will you see alligators, turtles and birds in their natural habitats. Wheelchair visitors would need assistance on many trails; however, the trails are mostly flat. Adequate parking is available. No entry fee is a plus.

This is one of the first parks I visited when moving to the area. Best times to go is November thru March as it doesn't get as hot and the mosquitos stay away. There is a visitor center and a little train tour which you have to go and check their website for times and days. This is one of the few places where you can be one on one with nature. Be it taking pictures or hiking its a great place.

While visiting my parents who live about an hour south of Lakeland, I try to make sure to visit this preserve a few times. I love to photograph wildlife and this is the pert place to do that. I’m usually alone and I feel perfectly safe. There are many other people hiking and checking out the wildlife, so it’s not like hiking in the deep woods alone. I highly recommend this preserve if you love wildlife.

We had the pleasure to visit this place. We really enjoyed seeing the wildlife and walking the trails. Birds are abundant and we saw several alligators fairly close up, many turtles. One trip we saw wild pigs! A Sand Hill Crane practically came up to us at the picnic area.

It’s FREE - which makes it really nice to take the kids or just for a nice walk about. There’s a nice Visitor Center with activities for kids, as well as learning opportunities for adults. One thing to note - the Visitor Center is closed on Monday. There was a Porty Potty if visiting on a Monday. Also the one trail says it might be under water- the day we tried it, it was!

This is an easy to get to, massive and well maintained wildlife preserve with gorgeous scenery and countless wildlife encounter opportunities. If you want to see birds and gators, you’re in luck!

Nice nature walk. Plenty of alligators we went early before it got too hot. Counted16 alligators just be very careful and stay on the path. Saw some strollers on the path it is dirt so a little bumpy. Always take someone with you for safety. Its free and there is a nice little museum for kids .

We were traveling through the area in January on our way to Orlando from Clearwater. It looked like a nice stop to stretch our legs and enjoy nature on a beautiful day. Our two 21 year old sons loved the unobstructed views of the various birds and gators. Enter at your own risk, because there is no barrier between you and the wildlife.....that is what they enjoyed the most! We saw lots of interesting birds and many gators of various sizes, even some wild pigs. There is a nice visitor's center with restrooms. It's free and very much worth a stop.

Gina was our tour guide; she was absolutely wonderful. So knowledgeable, and the Park co-operated with a beautiful show, complete with birds and alligators! Thank you Gina!

Went with friends it was a nice place to take a walk out in the open space and see lots of wild life .

Best park in Lakeland, heck best park I have been to! Free parking, free entry, picnic area, educational area, tours via cart (look up days and times), they host tree planting days, invasive species days (you pull out the plants/weeds), etc. They are open ALMOST year round (check times but usually open in summer/early fall 5:30-8:00 and adjust a bit in winter).

Quite a large park, around 1200 acres. It used to be a cattle ranch and you will always see birds, (99% chance of seeing at least 1 alligator) in Lake Hancock. At times you may have a HUGE alligator run (slowly walk in front of you...the 2nd time we were here a 13 foot alligator walked in front of us and just his tail popping back into the water...was cool but also made you think the amount of weight!!!!!)

Circle B Bar Reserve is a nature reserve (rules; No pets, No balloons, No music and don't be a Darwin Award Winner...don't go within a few inches of the water to get a better photo of the gators, don't throw food at the Gator to try and get it to react, don't send your grandkids down closer to the water for a better photo (OMG grandpa what were you thinking), well, you get it...as my 2nd cousin from Boston would say, "don't be a freakin' igit"!

Trails
Shady Oak Trail — (1.3 miles, Easy, Shaded)
This trail takes you through an oak hammock, where you can watch for cabbage palms wrapped in trumpet vines, live oak branches covered with resurrection ferns, Spanish moss + the butterfly orchid. Might see a rabbit, boar or take a photo or two..nice in the shade😉

Lost Bridge Trail — (0.5 miles, Easy, Mostly Shaded) This trail leads you through an oak canopy to a long boardwalk that gives you a feeling of 'walking on water' through the swamp.

Alligator Alley — (1 mile, Easy, Mostly Shaded) This trail leads you through an oak canopy and wonderful for family photos!!

Marsh Rabbit Run — (0.7 miles, Easy, Partially Shaded) This trail takes you past a shallow marsh where you MAY see spoonbills, white ibis + red-bellied woodpeckers. Watch for otters + turtles

Heron Hideout — (0.5 miles, Easy, Little Shade) This trail crosses the marsh + can either return you to the Discovery Center or provide the shortest way to the marsh (in summer...take the short path unless you want to lose 4 pounds in water weight)!

Eagle Roost — (0.7 miles, Moderate, No Shade) This trail takes you through an uphill habitat under restoration with planted longleaf pines and wiregrass. Reptiles + birds. Moderate for Florida but easy incline but OMG in summer bloody hot after 8:30 am🔥

Wading Bird Way — (0.7 miles, Moderate, No Shade - blue herons + white pelicans

Windmill Whisper — (0.4 miles, Moderate, Some Shade)
This trail takes you through an oak hammock that connects to Wading Bird Way and Shady Oak.

Otter Trail — (0.2 miles, Easy, Shaded)
This trail you may find owls be on the lookout!

Wildlife; according to the literature..I've seen a few and the lovely people who give tours point these beautiful creatures out!

alligators, eagles, osprey, red shouldered hawks, wild turkey, barred owls, wood storks, white ibis, sandhill cranes, moorhens, pied-billed grebes, black-necked stilts, red-bellied woodpeckers, bobwhite quails, eastern meadowlarks, savannah sparrows, American kestrels, great blue herons, American white pelicans, sandpipers, spoonbills, great egrets, ducks and other waterfowl and wading birds.

You might also see otters, bobcats ( I have been here 60 times a have not seen a bobcat, a family from London came 1x and BAM - saw a bobcat right near the parking lot - hate them just a tiny bit🙃)...

grey fox, armadillos, squirrels (gray and fox varieties), frogs, turtles, black racer snakes, five-lined racerunner lizards + other reptiles.

Go, enjoy the heck out of it, bring water, a hat, watch for thunderstorms and know in summer you will sweat! But it is a wonderful and beautiful place!💕💕💕

Very much worth a visit. Lots of wildlife, especially birds. Beautiful scenery. Could spend a full day out here. We will return.

We took a 2 hour tram ride around the reserve. Our guide Barry was very informative and took pictures of birds over the years and shared them with us. We saw a bald Eagle, alligators and herons. It was relaxing and educational.

We went for a birthday trip for my Mom and Daughter. They both loved it,even the grandkids enjoyed themselves. Finally seeing alligators not enclosed was a great experience, even walked beside one that was right off the path.

A nice place to walk and see wildlife the park was just open after hurricane not yet as was still accessible it's free and plenty of packing place bring plenty of drinks and food if I'm around I'm definitely going to go back again

Easy walking trails through natural habitat. Plenty of alligators in the water on each side of a raised trail, and lots of shore birds. Be careful which day you go, if you might need a bathroom. All buildings were closed on the day we went, and there were no bathrooms available. Just a heads up. Otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

In Lakeland, and its FREE, free, free. If you are into nature, wildlife or birds you know this, but hikers, families, and more people need to know. Peek season is spring, and summer, and fall. They have miles of hiking trails with wildlife, bald eagles,, white pelicans, pink spoonbills, sandhill cranes, carry your camera. They have a nature center with exhibits.

There are several trails to hike (and a tram for those who don't) and see numerous wild birds and alligators. We visited on a weekday and the number of visitors was not large, so one felt un-crowded. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, bug repellent and enjoy the sights. Water and a camera will be handy! Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.

This place was straight up amazing. Free of charge, a great variety of trails through the woods and marshes. Saw so much wildlife including 6 gators and all kinds of birds. Very quiet during our morning visit, just the sounds of birds. The small visitors center had informative displays, trail maps, a reference library, clean restrooms/water, and very helpful staff. Definitely worth a half or full day trip.

We've been traveling in Florida for a couple of months and have been back here 5 times. It's free, several different trails, nice and flat and lots of wildlife to see.

Fun area to hike under mossy oaks or along the lake.. lots of critters . No pets allowed due to gators.

Went to this park with my 12 year old son and friend who was visiting. We walked the first trail upon entering the park and oh boy were we in for a treat! We saw all kinds of wildlife, while admiring the moss trees and scenic views! We also encountered several alligators along the trail!! Pack a light backpack for water and snacks , grab your family and friends and enjoy nature at its finest. It was very peaceful

Great walking on tracks in wetlands, most of these paths are around 3 miles out and back, many birds, alligators, dragonflies to see. You can well scale length of the walk anc combine various tracks.

Had a limited amount of time to visit gator lake (circle b bar reserve) therefore only spent about an hour. Saw a beautiful owl, lots of birds and a momma alligator with several babies. Natural vegetation, waters and trees with gorgeous views. Lots of walkways (not paved but easily walkable) can be found in every direction. Fun for families and folks of all ages. A must see and, it’s free!

We visited Circle B Bar Reserve on a Sunday right as the busy March tourist season is getting underway. We arrived at 9 am which was good timing- we got a great spot in lot by visitor center (which was closed- maybe because it was Sunday?). By 11:30 the parking lot and trails were very full. It was also a cold morning, so it was good timing for seeing gators, since they don’t like cold or wind much. It was getting warmer out by the time we arrived. We did miss the bobcats though- sounds like you may need to come early to see them.

We had a great time and saw all kinds of wildlife- gators (close up and out in the water) bald eagles, osprey (one eating a fish in a tree), ducks, turtles, sand cranes, red shouldered hawks, and way more birds than I can name. The gators do sometimes lay by the path and cross or block the path, so you do want to be on your toes and don’t do anything dumb. Leave them alone and be kind and they will do the same.

This was our first visit and we were lucky enough to run into a local who was more than willing to tell us and even show us most of the ropes. We did alligator alley and the marsh trail.

Absolutely loved our time! If you love nature or are just looking for an interesting place to walk, don’t miss this FREE stop. We had two 40 somethings who walked 5 miles and two 60 somethings who walked 2.5 miles- we both saw a lot of wildlife!

A beautiful place to view nature and wildlife. The birds seem to enjoy posing for photos. We saw many different species up close. The trails are well maintained and there are places to sit and rest. One issue was that the trails are pretty extensive and we would have dressed more appropriately and allowed more time. Bring binoculars.

This is an amazing place to get close to nature. All kinds of animals that you will see. Great place to bike and meet other bikers. You can walk for miles and not have to worry. Just a fun place that is close to nature.

This place could easily keep you busy and roaming around for a whole day. Lots to explore and see. It's free to park. The trails can be pretty rugged, so not the best for a stroller. So much wildlife to see! You won't be disappointed by beautiful location next to a huge lake.

We love to visit Circle B Bar Reserve. There are a lot of things for the kids to do during the day when the centers are open. The trails are made for walking or biking. There are short trails as well as long trails.

They DO NOT allow any pets, but that is what makes it so special. The wildlife is out and about. We have seen pigs, gators, bobcats, owls, otters, birds, racoons, and so much more.

If you enjoy nature it is a great palce to go. Photographers of all levels flock there to get the perfect shot.

To best enjoy it, be respectful of others and the wildlife. A good quiet walk is best to see more animals.

Hiked here many times, always see something new. Saw that old grandaddy gator, saw wild pigs, saw every kind of bird you could ever hope to see.

This is the best place to see Florida wildlife in Lakeland. It's a natural habitat for everything you'd expect to see, but still very accessible. I've seen as many as 50 alligators out in her in one hike, ranging from babies to over 10 feet. You just need to make sure your head is on a swivel when you're on a couple of the trails. I go out every so often for a hike and usually spend about 2 hours out there.

Great reserve! Highly recommend this to everyone who loves nature! Well marked trails, got to see all kinds of water birds even a newly hatched baby sandhill crane! Also got to see a couple wild pigs and some alligators, at a comfortable distance! Our friends got to see a Racoon, eating alligator eggs! They also have a Beautiful learning/visitor center!

A trip to Circle B never disappoints. No two trips are alike and there is something to see on every visit. From giant gators to colorful buntings, you will find them here. In fact most of those videos you see on the news of giant gators crossing the hiking trail have usually come from here. Highly recommend the alligator alley trail. Use caution because this is nature at its finest and you are in their home. Watch from a safe distance and use common sense.

This is one of many of Florida's jewels. A free nature preserve full of wildlife, beautiful plants and peaceful, easy walking trails. Next to Lake Hancock there are many trails of different lengths and all are well marked. The Nature Center was full of information and helpful staff members. There were several covered shelters with picnic tables and grills so you can pack a lunch and spend more time there. Some important things to know: I did not see a place to purchase snacks/drinks so come prepared with your own. Trails will be muddy in rainy season. Many signs warn about wildlife, do NOT feed or tease them. Also, Florida friends - heat, bugs, humidity and bugs, big ones! Don't forget your camera, come prepared and enjoy - I know I did!

One of our most favorite nature sites in Florida. Amazing birds, alligators and other wildlife. We come every year.

Beautiful reserve with trails along the shore; saw herons, egrets, ibis, and owls. Very close to Lakeland.

The best way to get a look at the real Florida. I can’t believe they let you get that close to wild animals, alligators, boar, eagles and other majestic birds.

I’ve lived here for over 12 years and delighted in the discovery of this gem too! There’s so much natural beauty and nature that is truly overwhelming within this area!

The wildlife and beauty of this park can’t be beat. I will come back again and walk all the trails. We visited on a rainy day and that didn’t discourage us from puddle jumping. Alligator Alley didn’t disappoint. We saw at least 4 alligators swimming in the lake and another in the marsh. I can’t believe this park is free.

Amazing place- been there five times and it never disappoints- did the free guided tour on a a Sunday morning and our guide was as good as anyone I’ve ever heard at any of our national parks- absolutely love Circle Bar B!

We visited Circle B Bar Reserve during a stopover in Lakeland. We read great reviews about this place on Trip Advisor and went to see it for ourselves. What a gem! The park is amazing. We did not have time to see it all, but we will be back. We saw tons of alligators and several bird species, including a bald eagle. The trails were easy and well maintained. We could not believe there was not an admission fee for this amazing place. Can't wait to visit again. A must see.

Love the trails and all of the wildlife that you see here! Watch out for the gators 🐊 there are huge ones that love here!

Amazing place! We got to see so much wildlife. The kids had so much fun. There are a lot of different length trails so it’s great for a short walk or complete them all for a long hike!

If you want to see native Florida, this is an excellent example. A wide variety of wildlife, including ENORMOUS alligators. Well marked and well maintained trails. Easy parking and nice visitors center.

I would love to keep this place a secret, but the word is out! If you are a nature lover (birds & gators) and you are in the area (I drove 9 hrs to go), visit this place! And if you like nature photography... it is a must! Now you must note, this is a "wild" nature reserve! it is HOME to alligators, beaver, raccoons, wild pig and countless birds. THERE HOME! You are a visitor. If you get freaked out by nature. maybe this isn't the place for you! But I promise you, if you enjoy the wild... you are going to love it here! And it is FREE!!!!!! (though donations are welcome)

This is a nice place to just walk around just for the sake of getting a little exercise. Take a walk down alligator mile ( I believe that’s what it’s called ). Lots of gators and birds to see. I love the big old trees, so pretty. A nice relaxing day

This is a well maintained area where you can see lots of birds and alligators. The paths are wide enough to ride bicycles. There is no fee to enter this park and worth a hike just to observe nature and some really old interesting trees.

Every time I travel to Lakeland, Florida to visit my in-laws, we go hiking at Circle B Bar. Although the Allogator Alley path has been closed since hurricane Irma, the other trails have plenty of alligators. We hiked about a 2-3 mile loop and saw about a dozen. Most were 10-20 yards away in the water, a few were closer. It's safe as long as you stick to the trails and can move faster than the slowest person in your group. (Joking). My kids, age 15, 14 and 10 enjoyed it.

We came upon wild pigs hogs, gators, eagles, turtles, and too many birds to name! My teenaged sons always ask to go when we visit nana.

This is a beautiful, old Florida spot to hike & be in nature, as long as you don't get anxiety seeing huge aligators sunning or in the water. There's lot's of other animals to see like water fowl & beautiful birds.
It's a popular spot for nature photography, long walks, & it's peaceful.
We enjoyed an afternoon walk & it was very pretty.

Was very interesting,workers very pleasant. We went on the gopher turtle 🚎. But ended up seeing gators,Eagles, hawk, along with turtles,many many birds.

If you want to see old Florida, and appreciate the beautiful trails and scenery this is a great spot for you. Walk carefully as numerous alligators and snakes share the space as well as water birds, armadillos and raccoons.

Nice hiking trails with a lot of animals.we saw gators, turtles and a lot of birds! Parking is for free and there are several trails to walk.

Love Circle B! A great place for a walk and be around nature! You can see gators, owls, and lots of native birds. Bring comfortable shoes and water. You'll love it!

Real Florida at its best!! This is a great place to go for a hike or bike ride. You will see plenty of wildlife and birds. Go early or late to beat the heat and be sure to take a drink. No pets allowed because of the native animals. Lots of gators, water birds, eagles, owls, song birds, butterflies, wild hogs, rabbits, armadillos, possums, racoons. Make sure to bring your camera! Keep your children under control and with you at all times! Use your inside voice so everyone can enjoy the nature!

Best place to see BIG gators within a few feet. The trail is relaxing and well mark with lots of nature.

This is nature at its finest. Birds, alligators, tons of paths., so relaxing, so much to see. ( PS- don’t assume a sleeping gator in your path can’t hurt you, they can, so skip the selfies !)

Nice location for wildlife photography, especially waterfowl. Lots of long trails, gators, birds, beautiful trees and Spanish Moss.

Lots of birds and wildlife including alligators. Definitely must respect their right of way. Some paths are paved, others just cleared and if rainy may have puddles. Bring water and hat for shade. The lake is a must-see!

Went to Circle B for the first time today. It’s a very large reserve yet very peaceful. We explored two different natural trails and seen plenty of wildlife. Beautiful place to relax and just be part of nature. Entrance and parking are free. Loved this place and can’t wait to go back.

Great place to drive through or walk the many paths. All kinds of wildlife, including alligators, many kind of birds, wild pigs etc. There is also a guided tour on the weekend. Really great of wildlife in it’s natural habitat.

We love walks and hikes here even with our little ones. Worth noting; the bird watching here is excellent but so are the gators. Be prepared to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, you never know what smiley reptile may cross your path. The trails are nice, some shaded some out in the sun. We’ve taken several friends from out of town here and it’s always been a hit.

I have always drove passed the park and I never knew it was there. I had to go for school purposes and I wasn’t dissatisfied. It was very beautiful going in. There lots of Oak trees everywhere, which makes tons of shade. We had made a reservation with a biologist for our research and was filled with information. If you want to go deeper on the purpose of Circle B, I suggest to book a reservation. It’s great for hiking, walking, running, picnics, school trips etc. It’s also free.

4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803

Spent 3 hours walking the variety of paths and there were many people of all ages there. Even families with strollers and some people in wheelchairs. We saw a variety of birds, alligators, a raccoon, so much wildlife.

Circle B is our favorite place to go for a walk with the family. We take our Labrador and the teens drive their bikes freely through the park. This place is a peaceful and beautiful touch of nature. We definitely recommend this nature heaven to nature lovers.

This is a former cattle ranch. It is now a preservation area. Full of wildlife. On the shores of Lake Hancock. There's a great visitor center. Nature trails to hike. Scenic vistas everywhere. It's an amazing place. You'll be likely to see feral pigs. And alligators galore. All kinds of birds.There are picnic shelters scattered about. Make sure to use the restrooms. Before, you head out on the trails. Because there aren't any restrooms out on the trails. Most of the trails can be handled by wheelchair. This place is not far from Lakeland. Bartow. Or Winter Haven. It's a pleasant alternative to theme parks. And not very far from Lego land. I highly recommend a visit. Go only during daytime hours. Because it is closed at night time. Located on State Route 540. Between Winter Haven and Lakeland. There's a large sign on the South side of the road. That marks the entrance.

this is a great day hike for everyone. also a great place to run cross country, good footing. gators are out so stay alert. Im a Floridian so they don't bother me. but keep your dog on a leash as suggested for this reason. its a beautiful piece of property and such a gift! thank you Mr. Circle B

I could go here for a walk every day! What a wonderful place and it's free! The trails are well maintained and full of wildlife, a paradise for bird watchers and alligator enthusiasts.

This place is great. Get your good hiking shoes on and take a walk. For us older tykes, they have a trolley ride with a guide that can teach you so much about the preserve. If nothing else take the children out to their visitor building and let them explore while you learn about the preserve. We had one 70+ child climbing through the log in the lobby and another had to climb into the lobby tree. Lots birds and animals at this place.

We visited the Circle B Bar Reserve for the second time this winter, but this time were lucky enough to book a spot for the Alligator Talk and Tram Tour. The only problem with their tram tours is that they have to be booked in advance and getting a spot is difficult. Reservations are done in person or by phone, starting on the first day of the month and they fill up fast! We struck gold when we got Steve as our guide. These guides are all volunteers who are passionate about the Reserve. Steve gave us a very informative talk about alligators, complete with props, before heading out on the tram. Along the way, he continued to teach us about invasive plant species, trees, wildlife..... the man is a walking encyclopedia. We saw alligators, herons, bald eagles, egrets, spoonbills- it was amazing. All of this is FREE but the donation box at the front desk was rewarded . We had walked the Alligator Alley trail on our first visit and it was equally enjoyable. Polk County has done a wonderful job with the reception center- clean washrooms, informative volunteer staff, maps..
Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water, a hat and insect repellent.

By far, the most scenic trail experience with amazing wildlife and scenery. We saw multiple gators on Alligator Alley. Some were soaking up the sun on the bank, in the water, and a very large one crossed our path.

According to one of the informational signs, April is courting time for gators. (May is mating, June/July is laying eggs, and August and September is hatching and protecting time.). Extra caution was advised.

As we were walking on a trail near Alligator Alley, we heard this low rumble. Honestly, if you've seen Jurassic Park, then you'll be able to relate the sound you might hear, and although it sounds like a dinosaur, it's an alligator.

We saw numerous birds, beautiful dragonflies, other insects, and a raccoon along the picturesque trails. Live Oaks with draping Spanish Moss made the trail seem magical.

Due to time constraints, we did not complete all of the trails in the reserve and hope to go back some day.

We had a lovely, sunny day, which made the hike through Circle B Bar Reserve throughly enjoyable. Herons, egrets, anhingas on full display. The only alligators we saw were babies, but momma couldn't be far away. One snake sunning itself on a log (at a good distance from the walking path).
A tram is also available for those not up to the hike.

Definitely a must see if you are in the area. Abudant wildlife and hiking opportunities that allow for up close wildlife viewing. If you are a photographer this is is the place to get the shot of a lifetime. The reserve has a visitor center with exhibits and information. Make sure to bring a picnic lunch as there are tables where sandhill cranes and sometimes owl are close by. There is some walking necessary or you can make reservations on their tram. Wild hogs greeted us as we drove into the reserve and the bird life was magnificent in the marsh area as well as many gators. We went the first week of February when the temperatures were cooler. The winter months are the best time to go for wildlife.

Great place to see natural central Florida habitat. Has several trails. We went on the lake trail and saw a raccoon and a wild pig with her baby. Usually a great place to see alligators, but most of this trail was closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma. Their is a nice Learning center with information on the local flora and fauna.

My daughter went nuts she and I walked one of the many paths, hung out took pictures, came out to the gorgeous dock. She had a blast. It’s free take a picnic lunch, everything you need for your family’s idea of fun hiking and have a blast. We have been 3 times still many spots for us to look into!!

Lots of trails so lots of walking depending on which trails you desire. Not for children if have to walk. Lots of trees and variety of plant life which are nice looking but density prevents any kind of breeze so even with temps in low 80s it was very warm. Variations of sun and shade. We walked 3 trails in the morning and didn’t see any wildlife.

Start at the center and get a map. We parked at the first available parking spot and started hiking. Little did we realize we were about a mile from the center and maps. We went on one of the coldest days of the year. We saw a lot of birds but no alligators. I would imagine they have found warmer water because the air temp (even in the sun) was colder than usual. We saw a lot of birds. Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, etc. Great place to take pictures of nature. Great trails. Very flat with a few roots sticking up that you could trip over, but not really a problem. You should consult the nature center about wheelchair access. Some of the trails may not be suitable because of said roots.

Been here several times and love it all the more each visit. So many paths to walk and lots of wildlife to see. Recommend going in cool weather - Oct-May. I will be going again this fall. Highly recommend it.

Nice tram tour. Saw lots of birds and a very good guide on the tour. A great place for the nature lover and/or bird lover.

I love walking here. Great paths, beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife. The first time we went I saw a gator up close, way too close. The birds are fascinating to watch and there is lots of land to explore. Always see something different when we go.

We were in town to visit theme parks in Orlando and stopped with our kids (9 & 11) to stretch our legs. What a delight to have a little haven of nature among all the development in southern Florida. We were amazed by the beautiful arching oaks over the walkway, armadillos!, and closer to the water, all the alligators and birds. A gem of a place and is worth a stop.

Wow! I would suggest to anyone that short 5 km trail that included Heron Hideout, Eagle RoostWading Bird Way and Windmill Whisper. We could observe several bird species and almost tripped on 3 alligators keeling themselves Nice and warm in the December sunshine. Very pleasant.

Free and ample parking, toilets and lovely walks. We did see alligators but not as many as we thought we would. We were told it was because it was nesting/hatching season and were lucky enough to find a mama with her babies and still some eggs to hatch. Loads of birds too. There are wild pigs but they were hiding from us. Plenty of walkers and joggers. Lovely place, going back soon.

Having to use a mobility scooter to go long distances can be a challenge to say the least. Wanting to get out and explore and see nature can be almost impossible. But, at Circle B Reserve near Lakeland, Florida, it makes doing just that a joy.
At Circle B you will find Florida wildlife viewing at it's best.
The trails are NOT paved, only just around the parking area has paved trails, BUT, they are compacted enough that I am able to take my mobility scooter (with some caution) and make it down the trails and enjoy nature viewing, bird watching and maybe see a gator too !
The trials are great for bike riders too.
So head out to Circle B, you will not be disappointed.

great nature park with plenty of wildlife to see. on this visit, we saw a family of Raccoons which happily walked passed us while we where on the trail, plenty of birds spotted including an osprey sitting in a tree eating a fish

My wife and I visit this place periodically. We bring in visitors from out of the country, who are very impressed with the Learning Center and the walking trails of the Reserve

I took my 30 something niece and her family to Circle B Bar instead of boating due to the weather and gusting wind. We walked by the lake and it was just beautiful. It was great to do something low tech and free yet we had a lovely time.

So many different animals to see. Alligators of all sizes baby up, Roseate Spoonbill, turtle, eagle, sand hill cranes, blue herons, anhingas and much more.
Went into the Nature Center. Climbed the tree house, learned so much about nature. Worth the time.

We had a great time hiking the trails and seeing the wildlife. Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen. Some trails are shaded, but most are out in the full sun.

We stopped here for starters because we were looking for a nice place to take a little hike. And it was free!
We hadn’t even walked a few feet when we encountered an armadillo. How exciting! The birds are everywhere. And so beautiful and close! Very cool to watch them do everyday bird things like eat or preen.
I returned a few days later and was hoping to encounter an alligator. Well... I did and it was an experience not to forget! The alligators are animals that are scary yet intriguing. They are so very close.

I have to say thee as t both times I visited there were so many people there visiting. The parking lots were full. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did and kept nature natural.

Thanks for this amazing nature reserve.

Great place for hiking and observing Florida's nature including reptiles and birds.

Be careful to respect their habitat as you hike through the Reserve.

Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and above all take your camera.

They have picnic tables located at the Discovery Centre.

Took the kids here to see some gators, but had no idea the incredible wealth of birds here! Enjoyed our hike here very much. Saw 7 gators, took tons of pictures, and met a surreal number of photographers there for the wildlife.

Will definitely be back here next time we're in the Orlando or Tampa areas. Was about a 40 minute drive from Davenport where we were staying. GPS said it'd take an additional 20 minutes, but it must take into account hiking in from the parking area? Not sure why, but it was a nice surprise to have it not take as long. Not sure if others experienced this.

Today’s trip took us to Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. It’s a great place for bird watching and alligator spotting. We even had a raccoon cross our path.

There are a bunch of different trails, some go to the lake, others to the marsh.

Park at the last parking lot and bring your walking shoes. It’s a little over a half mile to the lake, less than that to the marsh.

Watch out for tree roots. They are all over the paths.

Nice day exploring.

Very nice and large visitor center, "Polks Nature Discovery Center". Many possibilities to follow trails. I cannot comment on all trails, because we only did a small piece because of the heat.

I went to Circle B Bar Reserve to take photos of birds and wildlife. It was a magical place, featuring several different biomes. I went twice on my last trip, and I hope to go again.

Free and very accessible. Natural setting up close to alligators, mammals and various birds in their own habitat.

Our friends took us here as part of our recent Florida trip. We started with a walk toward the lake nearby but unfortunately the trail was closed. Noticed it was very clean and no garbage etc which was great! Then we walked another couple paths and saw alligators(including a very small one) and turtles and even large gray birds walking with what we called the “Ginger baby”(totally different colour) and many other things including birds and flowers. The visitor centre was a good place to start and end the visit with replicas of what we would see(and then did see several things from it). It was a great morning there!

We arrived before the sun came up and started walking the Alligator Alley Trail. This place is amazing! We saw so many birds and gators. The sounds of all the birds as you walk through makes you feel like you are in a tropical jungle. The trees with all of the moss are stunningly beautiful. I wish we would have spent our entire three days here as the other two places we went for birding were very disappointing. This place should be at the top of your list if you are in this area and want to be out in nature.

My group went here thinking we might spend an hour or so, but we got so immersed that we spent the whole afternoon. This place is stunning and FREE. The trails are well maintained and you will get to see an array of native Florida wildlife. It was a wonderful place to visit!

Why does one of the lake piers have to be closed off?? We walked like 2 miles to get to the lake, only to be greeted by a locked "no tresspassing" sign on the only pier in sight...

This reserve is so beautiful and was the best place for wildlife viewing that my husband and I have ever found. The trails are very well maintained and you are sure to see a variety of beautiful birds, not to mention gators, raccoons, and even occasional snake! We saw beautiful eagles, owls and even an osprey eating a large fish! I would literally return to this area just to revisit this amazing park, and we live 10 hrs away! And it is all free! We were unable to go on one of the tours, as they were all booked up, but would have loved to go.

Today was my 2nd time visiting the park and we were run off by rain and STILL managed to see awesome wildlife.
My 1st visit we saw a raccoon raiding a nest right by the trail and later a squirrel raiding a nest. Today we saw a family of wild boars with babies. And always gators, of course.

I love being there.... can be busy but love walking the trails. Animal life is everywhere. But please be kind to environment, it’s precious to us here in Florida!

Super hike. Wildlife galore - alligators (Alligator Alley was amazing), birds of all types, little critters too. The forest canopy by itself was utterly beautiful. Note: alligators like to sun on the trail when it is less than 88 or 90 deg F (or so we were told in another area - and it seemed to hold true). We went at 1 pm on a hot day and they were nicely in the lake so we didn't have to backtrack at all. Probably our favourite walk during four weeks in central Florida.

Hiked four miles over a few trails. Half of it is in full sun so check weather. Fantastic wildlife. Raccoon, birds galore and gators.

Great outdoor experience. Saw lots of wildlife and easy walking. Long or short distance choices. Gives everyone an experience that fits their abilities.

Love this place. I've been with my parents when they visited as they love to go on nature walks. Beautiful, peaceful and you will see lots of animals

If you want to see alligators this is basically Jurassic park. It’s also just a beautiful location in general.

Had never been out to Circle B before, but was invited by a friend. I had no idea that this beauty was so close. They have a nature center where you can view exhibits and get a map of all the trails. We had a great walk, spotted a lot of birds that you don't see around town and before you know it had walked about 4 miles. The trails range from short to pretty long so everyone can pick out one that they can handle. There is no admission and you can bring a picnic lunch. But bring your camera!

My family and me went on Father's day to celebrate all the dad's. It was a great place to explore and spend time together as a family. Would recommend highly.

visited yesterday and walked several trails and all were awesome. We did the windmill trail, to wading bird way, marsh rabbit run, and heron hideout to the nature center saw owl, egrets, white ibis, anhinga, great blue heron, and the roseatte spoonbill, 4 alligators and the breeze was great to help keep the bugs away. Most of the trails were level and easy to walk on with only a few spots where there were roots you had to be careful of.

This reserve is a great place for walking. Trails are awesome and you may even come across Goliath the huge alligator who makes the Circle B his home.

Great hiking and wildlife observations. Lots of gators in all sizes. Birdwatching is fun with a large assortment of birds.

I always enjoy my time at Circle B. I am fortunate enough to live nearby so I try to go as often as I can.

Love going out to Circle B. It's beautiful and great photo ops. Unfortunately Alligator Alley is closed due to damage from the hurricane but I hear it will be back open next year.

Circle B Bar Reserve is one of my favorite places in the world to photograph birds. I've spotted barred owls, painted buntings, and many different warblers during the migration season. The trees are magnificent, too. I love this place.

So much to see on miles of great trails. Went at 9am on an overcast morning and spent over 3 hours walking 5 miles of trails. Saw herons, osprey, ducks, alligators, raccoons. Heard alligators grunting.

We walked the trails and took wonderful pictures. Their were some people also walking and they were very friendly and shared where birds and animals could be seen. My favorite was a hole log filled with singing ducks. Pink feet and beautiful brown with colors bodies. The reflections on the water were exceptional. We started around 4 as it had been closed during the day for a children’s event.
The gate keeper suggested we go around the corner to Hancock Reserve, have lunch and come back at 4. Many people including us did just that. I wouldn’t bother with the Hancock Reserve, most of the animals seem to prefer Circle B.

Free parking, no entrance fee to the Reserve, beautiful weather, nice walk on the different trails. Saw armadillos, lots of different types of birds, small and large gators (amazing) with no fence nor protection between us but never felt unsafe. Didn't understand why bicyclists were allowed on the (at times) narrow walking path with pedestrians...seems like an accident waiting to happen but overall the reserve was a nice, quiet spot to observe nature.

This is a wonderful place to walk or bike. Beware though if you walk, you might encounter some of parks more famous inhabitants as in alligators, water moccasins and wild boar just to name a few.
Be careful and wear comfortable clothes and carry a BIG stick.
***Caution, harming the animals is prohibited***

The paths were clearly marked and the birds were abundant. It was a beautiful place to observe nature. There were people of various ages, but everyone seemed courteous to one another and respectful of the wildlife. It was a relaxing, peaceful place.

I live a couple miles from here. We use the trails/reserve on a regular basis, especially during the fall and winter. We went a few weeks ago and I couldn’t believe how much the trail connecting Circle B and the Fort Frazier Trail had grown up. Luckily, we were on bikes. It needs to be better maintained and even mowed so we can get through I know it’s nature, but there are a ton of snakes and I love to run out there, but won’t until the paths are trimmed/cleared a bit. It’s just too dangerous. Everything looked like it had not been maintained in months, especially on the the southwest side of the park. Hoping to see changes soon!

What a great place to see birds (lots), gators, turtles and lots of educational opportunities. The lady at the visitor center was wonderful, great to talk to and knowledgeable. Loved Circle B!

So happy to have visited this place. Love the many trails to choose from & was so pleased to see all the wildlife. Very clean, only had to pick up a stray tissue here & there. Hope they keep the park as is!!

Visiting Circle B Bar Reserve is a wonderful day trip for those who enjoy seeing lots of wildlife and original Florida scenery. Try to go early in the morning or late in the evening for the best animal viewing and temperatures.

This was a recommendation from a tennis friend. Did not realize what an experience that we would encounter Probably the best nature walk that we ever experienced Two volunteers said that there are probably 400 gators in the area. Only saw a handful of the total, but we got some great pictures of them. The herons and other birds that we encountered almost posed for the pictures. Don't miss spending a few hours here.

Circle B, as it is known locally, is an easily accessible entry into the flora and fauna of Old Florida. The site is located directly off of SR 540 (Winter Lake Road) which is an exit off the Polk County Parkway. It is 20 minutes from Legoland and about 45 minutes from the Orlando attractions.
The Nature Center presents an overview of Florida wild life (the four legged kind). From the Nature Center, several hiking trails lead to various vistas of Lake Hancock where many species of native wild life can be safely viewed. Lake Hancock is said to have the greatest gator density per mile of shoreline than any other lake in Florida. During mating season, several of the trails are closed to provide unlimited access for the male gators to find their paramours. If you have mobility issues, Circle B offers several free tram tours that are guided by very knowledgeable docents.
If Legoland just cost you a bazillion dollars, spend a day with your kids for free seeing nature close up.

It is so nice to walk along this park. There were a lot of birds. En if you walk down alligator alley you will defenitly see some alligators.
We had a great time there.

Went here the other day. Nice path to 2alk on. Saw several birds and some wild hogs. Nice peaceful walking area.

We have visited the Circle B on several occasions and have really enjoyed the beautiful walks. We saw a bald eagle during our first visit last year and, this time around, we saw four Great.Blue Herons, two gaters, and many cormorants, ehingas, and egrets.

Very enjoyable and great for taking family and friends.

This place is awesome. Yes it gets crowded and parking fills up quick but it still is a wonderful place to see wildlife and get the nature feeling. Nice hiking trails with signs.Saw gators, birds eating fish, snake, raccoons, armadillo, eagle, hawks, owl and had a Bobcat run right towards a group of us. Polk county deserves a big thank you and it is free.

We took a lot of photos. There were a lot of different types of birds and lots of alligators. The trail that we walked was level and quite close to the lake in a number of places

Fantastic place to see Florida wildlife in its own beautiful environment and its free, this was the highlight of our 2 week holiday to Florida and we went for the theme parks

Just another beautiful day near Lake Hancock, enjoying the trails with the little. Did a little mommy & me yoga on the dock and we say lots of birds, a raccoon, a snake and a mommy hog w/ baby!

Spent ages walking around ( signs are misleading), only animal we saw was a stick insect, can’t understand all the positive reviews as ( although picturesque) , it’s not all it’s cracked up to be

So... beautiful reserve but we are from Colorado where there are no bugs to speak of. I was standing there minding my own business and something bit me in the neck. The nature center said it was probably a wasp but it hurt like bloody heck!!! Then a little later on i was looking at a baby alligator and felt stinging on my legs!! Stepped in tiny fire ants!!
After this exciting 7 mile hike we decided to head for olive garden for lots of salad and sangria to sooth my wounded morale
Lisa Reinicke author

Can see 20-30 species of birds, alligators, turtles...all in one 2-3 hour visit. Also a pleasant place just to hike.

You just gotta do it! The gators are the stars of the show, and rightfully so, but it’s a lovely hike full of lots of wildlife. Plus you’ll be about 15 feet from gators, which evidently isn’t scary at all!

Great spot to get away from the city and parks for a awhile. Saw lots of alligators including one that decided to walk across the path in front of us. Lots of birds and baby gators as well. Would highly recommend.