Welcome to Bartow a friendly Southern community that has preserved much of its rich history and heritage. It is located alongside the Peace River, about 44 miles southwest of Orlando, and only 12 miles south of Lakeland Incorporated in 1882, Bartow is Polk County's second oldest city, and serves as the county seat.

With a population of 15,000, this small city is a mixture of the traditional and urban. Bartow features hundreds of large brick or frame houses lining shaded streets. Spanish moss festooning grandfather oaks completes the picture of a sleepy Deep South town. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Bartow welcomes you.

Experience the history and visit several homes on the National Registry of Historic Places. Bartow features a municipal golf course, two swimming pools, and several recreation centers and parks. The Mary Holland Park is on 116 acres, and has 18 picnic pavilions with grills, 69 picnic tables, three soccer fields, two restroom buildings and a state-of-the-art playground. Heron, Cardinal and Purple Martin lakes are connected and fishing is allowed from shore, piers and boats (no gasoline engines permitted).

Paddleboats and canoes may be rented for $2 per hour from the boathouse. The Bartow Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal golf course with driving range, putting green, and enclosed pavilion with a barbecue pit, Pro shop, cart shop and sandwich shop. It is home to the annual invitational Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa Classic.

For a delightful afternoon, the Bartow Park offers three girls' softball fields, two men's softball fields, one Pony League field, one Colt League field, one football/soccer field, three concession stands, two restroom buildings, a picnic pavilion with 12 picnic tables and a barbecue grill, a small playground, remote control car race track and two basketball courts.

The Art Guild and Imperial Symphony Orchestra provide cultural activities on a year-round basis. For shopping, the Bartow Center, Downtown, and Bartow Village are available. There are a number of major food chains, as well as locally owned establishments that provide nice dining.

Bartow is a town you will enjoy and remember.