Relax in the fields of Loch Haven Park and enjoy its museums, theatre and science centre. The 45-acre (18-hectare) space is situated between three lakes and is one of Orlando’s most popular cultural destinations.
Go to the Mennello Museum of American Art that sits on the shores of Lake Formosa. Tour the lakeside sculpture garden and study the permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. He was a 20th century folk artist who was inspired by the sea and coastal landscapes. After your visit, walk or cycle along the trail that starts on the museum’s grounds and encircles the lake.
Treat the family to four floors of experiments and interactive exhibits at the Orlando Science Centre. While you are here, watch wildlife movies on the 8,000-square feet (743-square metre) CineDome and 3D natural history programmes in the Digital Adventure Theatre.
Behind the science centre is the Orlando Fire Museum that covers the history of the Orlando Fire Department. Children in particular will love its firefighting collections that include restored fire engines from the early 20th century.
Take a break from your cultural activities with a picnic on one of the lawns. Then explore more of what the grounds have to offer. Photograph The Mayor, a large oak tree that’s believed to be more than 300 years old. Appreciate the colourful flowerbeds that are maintained by the Orlando Garden Club.
Loch Haven Park is home to a number of performance spaces. Watch plays and musicals at the Orlando Repertory Theatre and at the Shakespeare Centre. During the year, Loch Haven Park hosts a variety of events, festivals and concerts. One of the most popular is the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival in May. This two-week celebration of theatre, music, dance and art lays claim to being the longest running Fringe Festival in the United States.
Loch Haven Park is about 3 miles (5 kilometres) from downtown Orlando and is on local bus routes. Drivers can park for free in the large parking lot in front of the Orlando Repertory Theatre.
