Polk County Surprise

Located in the center of a state known for beautiful sunny beaches, being landlocked would be a drawback for most places, but not Polk County. Encompassing Lakeland, Bartow and Winter Haven, Polk County offers much more than one would think.

 

Recently, I traveled there to attend a Florida Outdoor Writer’s Association conference, which was being held at the West Gate River Ranch in Lake Wales. My route was surrounded by beautiful rural areas with some rare Florida rolling hills that add to the beauty. With miles upon miles of open meadows housing cattle and many citrus farms, this is without a doubt, Florida ranch land. As I drove through Lake Wales I soon arrived at my destination, but not before I took in the sights of Bok Tower Gardens and the panoramic views from the Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida.

 

Situated on 1,700 acres, West Gate River Ranch Resort claims to be the world’s largest dude ranch. It is indeed large, boasting amenities such as a marina, conference center, restaurant, lodge, airport, saloon, and chapel. The ranch even has a western themed “downtown” area with a large and well-stocked general store and café, not to mention the video arcade for the kids and a fitness center.

 

Here, there is a wide variety of activities to suit just about anyone, including horseback riding trails throughout the ranch that extend into the adjacent 7,000 acre KICCO Wildlife Management Area. From the marina, there are boat rentals and fishing guides ready to help you explore the Kissimmee River or the nearby Lake Kissimmee, known for world-class bass fishing. There’s also a multi-lane, full service skeet range and a 9-hole golf course with a pro shop and driving range. On Saturday nights, the ranch really comes alive with an after dinner hay ride, and an authentic rodeo followed by a country dance. This real-life rodeo features trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and rodeo clown antics.

 

Accommodations fit a wide range of options, including lodge rooms, villas and cabins, most of them within walking distance to all the activities offered. My check-in was convenient and my room was clean and well appointed. After checking out the room, I spent the afternoon exploring the property with the help of the resort map. The grounds are very nicely landscaped and shaded by beautiful large oak trees. Later in the evening was the conference dinner and auction, so I ventured to the Conference Center, which was very large with a beautifully exposed beam ceiling. The meal was catered by the resort and the food was great!

 

Early the next morning, I headed down to the marina to participate in the conference fishing tournament. The marina is connected by a short canal that runs directly into the Kissimmee River. My guide was Jason Young, an accomplished professional guide and tournament angler. We left the marina as the sun rose and fished along the scenic river toward the lake just north of the resort. After traversing a lock we entered Lake Kissimmee and the scenery was equally as beautiful as the river! I found myself more interested in gazing across the water then catching fish.

 

As noon approached, we headed in for lunch which was again catered, but this time located at the resort’s Smokehouse restaurant. The food was outstanding and the waterfront views were beautiful, as the restaurant is right on the marina. To complete the trifecta, the service from the resort staff was very friendly!

 

Later that evening, I attended the FOWA Conference Banquet. This was yet another catered meal by the resort in the beautiful Conference Center which of course they exceeded in every respect. Courtesy of Citrus County, we were started off with appetizers of shrimp, oysters and stone crab claws, and they were excellent! Throughout the night there were presentations made in the comfortable ambiance and no one left hungry.

 

The next morning I went to the Smokehouse for breakfast before heading home. This was not a catered event, but I was curious about what a “regular” meal would be like at the ranch. The breakfast buffet was very good and the omelet station was manned by Pierre, an artist in his own right! Following suit, the service was very professional and courteous.

 

As I left the resort, I once again took notice of the size and vast number of amenities that the ranch offers. My short stay at this Polk County gem was pleasing to say the least, and the outdoor opportunities offered make this ranch more than worth the trip.