Golf course designers have always stood in amazement as they looked out over the rolling hills, winding streams and sparkling lakes of Lake County. Here, the possibilities of creating magnificent golf courses are endless. Eighteen beautiful courses now offer some of the best golfing in the South, and more are in the works. You'll find all the challenges you're looking for, no matter what level you play. Beautiful courses and an atmosphere that says we're glad to have you as our guest ? that's golf in Lake County. For a round, for a weekend, for a week ? if golf is a big part of your leisure time, Lake County, Florida is the place to be.
Towering forests and quiet lakes greet golfers at the Mission Inn Golf and Tennis Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills , which features 36 holes of 
championship golf and rare 85-foot elevations tee to green. Rated in the top 20 of Florida's 1,100-plus golf courses, Mission Inn boasts two courses: the El Campeon, one of the south's oldest golf courses built in 1926 by Charles Clark of Troon; and Las Colinas, whose signature 12 th hole is a par 5 with a narrow tree-lined fairway requiring accuracy from tee to green.
Deer Island Golf & Lake Club in Tavares is a course so stunning, you may find it difficult to keep your head down. Nestled among lakes and nature preserves on a 400-acre island, presents a spectacular setting for its 18-hole championship course. Situated across Lake Dora from lovely and historic Mount Dora, the course masterfully intertwines a pristine environment with unsurpassed golf. When you play here, it's easy to see why architect Joe Lee calls Deer Island "The most unique course I've ever designed."
One of the newest golf courses in Central Florida, Black Bear Golf Club in Eustis is the place for golfers who "eat, drink and sleep golf." One of the highly praised P.B. Dye layouts, this "do or dye" course has the designer's trademark touches, such as sandy waste bunkers, undulating greens and dramatic fairway elevation changes. The 18-hole championship course has six sets of tees measuring from 5,000 yards to 7,000 yards to challenge golfers of all abilities. Call (800) 4-BEAR ?18 for more information.
Other highly acclaimed courses -- private, semi-private and public -- include Clerbrook , Green Valley Country Club , Palisades Country Club and Swiss Fairways Country Club in Clermont; Bella Vista Golf & Yacht Club in Howey-in-the-Hills; Country Club of Lady Lake , Hacienda Hills Golf & Country Club and Harbor Hills Golf Club in Lady Lake; Cranes Roost and Pennbrooke Fairways in Leesburg; Country Club of Mount Dora and Mount Dora Golf Association in Mount Dora; Mount Plymouth Golf Club in Mount Plymouth; and Bay Tree Golf Course , Deer Island Golfers' Club and Village Green Golf Course in Tavares.
With over 200 square miles of lakes, any watersport is plentiful supply in Lake County. Fishing, Waterskiing, Canoeing, Pleasure Boating, and many other activities are available. Lake County also boasts a large number of marinas for your watercraft's needs. 
Participating in numerous amateur bass fishing tournaments in Lake County throughout the year, anglers can join the competition or simply fish for fun. Lake County hosted the first annual Florida State Freshwater Fishing Championship in 1997 and the Lake County Governor's Cup Bass Fishing qualifying tournament in Spring 1998.
In addition to bass, the lakes have a plentiful supply of blue bream, shellcrackers, stripers, speckled perch and catfish. Bait and tackle shops dot the water's edge and fish camps provide rural accommodations and country cooking.
A canoe trip down Alexander Springs in Altoona is an excellent way to see subtropical plants, bird life and other animals against a backdrop of palm, hardwood swamp and sand pine ridge.
Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest, bordering Lake County to the north, covers 383,573 square acres. It is a playground for naturalists, campers, fishermen, hikers and off-road enthusiasts. It contains 100 miles of horse trails, 67 miles of scenic hiking trails and dozens of crystal clear spring-fed lakes and ponds.
Sections of the Ocala National Forest are open to off-road vehicles. This is one of the best motorcycle / ATV areas in the state. There are hundreds of miles of trails within the designated areas. The U.S. Forestry Service - a segment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - controls activities within the forest. Unlicensed Vehicles are not permitted on improved roads and a spark arrestor is required.
Some areas are off-limits in order to protect endangered species. Information on which areas are off-limits can be obtained from forest rangers, who will gladly give you a map showing these areas.
One of the most popular family visitation sites in the Forest is Juniper Springs National Park. Juniper Springs is the site of an old mill where you can swim in a natural spring. The seven-mile canoe run from Juniper Springs is one of the best canoeing opportunities in central Florida. The canopied creek winds through dense, primeval forests that seem untouched by man ? on weekdays, anyway. Come early in the morning and you'll paddle through dappled light that filters through the trees down into crystalline water.
The forest is dotted with crystal clear spring-fed lakes, most of which offer fishing in these pristine waters. Picnic areas are numerous and the many forest trails are a nature lovers delight.
Lake Griffin State Park consists of over 460 acres of woodlands and freshwater swamp. Developed in the late 1960's, the park has 40 campsites with water and electrical hook-ups, a boat ramp, picnic area, picnic shelter and nature trail. While not directly on Lake Griffin, the boat ramp provides access to the lake via power boat or canoe. Swimming is not permitted in waters within the park. The park is home to the state's fifth largest live oak tree. Located near the entrance of the park, this mammoth tree measures over 150 feet tall and 10 feet in circumference. Be sure to visit this natural wonder.
This 4,372-acre state park lies on the shores of Lake Louisa in the northeast corner of the Green Swamp. It is one of 13 in a chain of lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water.
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
Central Florida nature can be found in its purest form at this 17,650- acre preserve which borders more than six miles of the St. Johns River and four miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek. |
