At the heart of Downtown Orlando, in between the Business District and Thornton Park (residential area), lies amazing Lake Eola Park.
It feels like a City park and has many attractions for families and visitors looking to stay for an hour or two.
The land was purchased by Jacob Summerlin in 1873 - he was reported to be the first child born after the land was ceded by Spain and grew up to become a cattle rancher. He acted as the first Orlando City Council President and donated various parcels of land in Central Florida with Lake Eola being one of them.
It wasn’t long after Summerlin had bought the land that a massive sinkhole nearly 24 ft deep and 23 acres square appeared. It quickly filled with water from a natural aquifer together with the addition of rainwater.
It soon became an attraction for the locals who cooled off there and became known as Sandy Beach. It was in 1883 that he donated the land and lake for public use and it was named Lake Eola (reportedly after a deceased girlfriend).
In 1888 it became an official City of Orlando public park, after it being agreed that the City plant trees and build a path around the lake, with the stipulation that the park be maintained and kept beautiful.
Today, as well as many locals and visitors to the Park, the lake attracts a decent amount of wildlife. The infamous swans were introduced in the early 1900’s when Charles Lord brought over 2 pairs of swans from Britain. They didn’t get along and so one pair were transferred to Lake Eola. Many more pairs have come and gone since then (one menacing one, named Billy was preserved and is now on display at the Orange County Regional History Center just a few blocks away).
There are now several species of swan, including black and mute, and there are feeding stations around the lake to buy special food as bread and popcorn isn’t good for them.
Many turtles, wading and waterfowl can be found here too and many like to nest in the roots of the cypress trees or on the small island on the lake.
The path around the lake is around .9 of a mile long and you can find many locals walking their dogs or jogging briskly during the day.
There are several points of interest and pieces of art around the area too.
One of Orlando’s more famous icons is the Linton E Allen Memorial Fountain, built in the deco-style in 1957 and was refurbished in 2011. It now shoots water to a light and music show at night.
The Mediterranean Revival style historic Eola House was built in 1924 and is open to the public (when not being rented out for small private functions) from 11am-6pm.
A large pagoda (the Chinese Ting), was originally built in Shanghai, dismantled and rebuilt here, and a Japanese rock garden sits next to it.
On the west side of the lake lies the Walt Disney Amphitheatre where live performances and free concerts take place.
Across the lake from here you can find a large playground for the kids, with the restrooms located conveniently next door.
One of the most favorite draws of the area are the Swan Paddle Boats which hold up to 5 people and can be rented out for $15 per ½ hour.
The Park has a wonderful farmer’s market every Sunday morning and is also host to a number of public events throughout the year, including a July 4th Firework display and some amazing Christmas lights and huge tree on display. Find out more about events like this here
I hope you enjoy this park as much as we do – there are several nice restaurants on or near the lake too, as well as a Publix supermarket.
Metered street parking is available around the park.
Lake Eola can be found at 512 E Washington Street, Orlando FL 32801