Explore the Unique History, Heritage and Scenery to Discover Sumter FL!

Sumter County, FL, is a distinctive sector of the Sunshine State, offering visitors plentiful opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors away from major cities. This region is best enjoyed outside, and a wealth of events happening this summer will help anyone Discover Sumter, FL!

From exploring the wildlife and scenery of Lake Panasoffkee and Withlacoochee River, to learning about the area’s history at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, visitors can discover Sumter County’s charm in a fun variety of ways.

History & Summer Events at Dade Battlefield

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park honors the Dec. 28, 1835, battle at the start of the Second Seminole War between Native American warriors and U.S. soldiers under Major Francis Dade.

Dade Battlefield is alive with events during the summer months. Open 365 days of the year and featuring an admission charge of only $3, it offers a variety of programs and classes.

Dade Battlefield’s upcoming events in August include:

• Palm weaving class (Friday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to noon): Learn how to make palm/palmetto frond crafts with expert instruction from experienced weavers
• Quilling class (Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to noon): Expert volunteers teach visitors the historic art of quilling
• Early American pie-making class (Saturday, Aug. 23, 1 to 3:30 p.m.): Staff and volunteer teach participants the historic process of early American pie-making with wild berries
• Wild fruit jelly/curd or wild pickle making class (Sunday, Aug. 24, 1 to 3:30 p.m.): Utilizing wild foods found in the park, visitors will cook up wild jelly and make curd or pickles from harvested fruit as available.
• Campfire dutch oven cooking (Sunday, Aug. 30, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): Cast-iron dishes will be made and sampled in this Dutch oven cooking class

Note: All events listed are $10 per person, in addition to the park’s $3 per-vehicle admission fee.

Summer Nature Experiences in Sumter County

The 62-mile Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway is an excellent way to experience rural Florida’s scenic beauty, history and heritage. The drive offers a close-up look at the composition of Sumter County, from cattle ranches and horse farms to hardwood forests, cypress trees and quiet country towns like Sumterville, Bushnell and Webster.

Other immersive nature experiences in Sumter County include:

• Exploring the unique scenery and wildlife of Lake Panasoffkee via an airboat tour. See Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Rides to speed across the lake, take in the beautiful interior Florida views and embark on exotic birdwatching trips. Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures can also assist in exploring Lake Panasoffkee, including an alligator tour and water safari.
• Bass Conservation Center in Webster is one of Florida’s largest hatcheries, supplying largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and more to the state’s waters. Insight into Florida’s fisheries and wildlife management practices can be found here from Monday to Friday.
• Withlacoochee State Forest and the Richloam Wildlife Management Area offer excellent options for experienced and beginner hikers. A wide array of wildlife can be observed in its 58,000 acres.

Share Your Event in Sumter County!

Discover Sumter FL is encouraging the promotion of local events, whatever they may be! Whether it’s an outdoor festival, gathering for family and friends, historical re-enactment, youth workshop or something in between, adding an event to the Discover Sumter calendar will make a big difference from a promotional standpoint.

Doing so is quick and easy. After navigating to the Discover Sumter homepage, click on the ‘Submit an Event’ tab on the right side of your computer screen or just to the left of the website search bar. From there, add in your event’s key details (such as its title, address, start/end time, cost, description, your contact information, plus any relevant accompanying images). That’s all it takes to get additional eyes and ears on your event in Sumter County.

Explore the Outdoors in Sumter County!

From families and individuals to couples and retirees, visitors enjoy exploring Sumter County in the summertime. Visit Discover Sumter FL to learn more about all the ways to enjoy this truly unique slice of Florida!