Historic Downtown Arcadia

Stroll the streets of downtown Arcadia, often called one of the friendliest small towns in the US, and marvel at classic “boomtown” architecture and stately buildings dating back a hundred years. Active on the Registry of Historic Places since 1985, the antiques shopping district in Arcadia is consistently voted the best in the state by Florida Monthly magazine. Within the easily walkable half-mile on and around Oak Street you’ll also find a surprising variety of dining options, from Mary Margaret’s Tea and Biscuit to the Oak Street Deli to the Last Chapter Bookstore and Coffeehouse, with the venerable Wheeler’s Café, a local institution since 1929, heading the list. Relax on a bench in the shade of the Tree of Knowledge, a colossal Oak planted in 1889. Hosting an antiques fair the fourth Saturday of every month, the Watermelon Festival in May, an old fashioned fall festival each October and a holiday tour of classic homes in December, downtown Arcadia is a quaint and pleasant destination year round.

www.arcadiamainstreet.com

www.arcadiaflantiques.com

Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

Cowboys, cowgirls, and fans of “wild west” adventure surge into Arcadia from all over the country for its famous championship rodeo.  Held for the first time in 1929 and known as “the granddaddy of ‘em all,” Arcadia’s is the oldest organized rodeo in the state of Florida.  The rodeo is DeSoto County’s top tourist attraction and draws huge crowds to its two major annual events on the Fourth of July and the second weekend in March. 

www.arcadiarodeo.com

Canoe the Peace River

Fossil Hunting

RV Griffin Reserve

Vast prairies, pine woods, oak hammocks--- 2,485 acres of pristine southwest Florida land are open to the public.  Hike, bike, and horseback ride across 21 miles of multi-use nature trails.

www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/rvgriffin.html

Brewer Sports Complex

Play ball!  Regional tournaments, local school sports and a skate park get the adrenaline pumping while community basketball courts and soccer fields, walking trails, playgrounds and picnic pavilions are open to all.

www.co.desoto.fl.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=143&Itemid=293

Turner Agri-Civic Center

This full-service arena is DeSoto County’s community headquarters for concerts, parties, craft shows, conferences, circuses and holiday events.  Also on the extensive property are an exhibition hall and two large barns for animal events or outdoor festivities.  Private rentals of all buildings are available.

www.turnercenter.com

Attractions

DeSoto County Historical Society
P O Box 1824
Arcadia, FL 34265
(863)244-9638

Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
124 Heard St. 800-749-7633 or 863-494-2014, http://www.arcadiarodeo.com

Brownville Park, Morgan Park, DeSoto Park
Picnic facilities, nature trails, fossil hunting and river access. 863-993-4800, http://co.desoto.fl.us/prk/

Canoe Outpost-Peace River – 2816 N.W. County Rd. 661
Florida’s oldest and largest canoe outfitter offering half-day, full-day, and overnight wilderness paddle trips on the beautiful Peace River. 800-268-0083 or 863-494-1215, http://www.canoeoutpost.com

Canoe Safari – 863-494-7865, open seasonally, http://www.canoesafari.com

Adventures Museum – 1220 W. Imogene.
863-494-9558

DeSoto County Courthouse – 101 E. Oak Street
Built 1912-1913. 863-494-4033

DeSoto County Library – 125 N. Hillsborough Ave.
863-993-4851

Historic Arcadia – 2 West Oak Street
Historic sites and buildings in downtown Arcadia.863-494-2020,http://www.arcadiamainstreet.com 

Historic City Hall – 121 W. Hickory Street
Historic stucco building, circa 1923. 863-494-4033

Historic Depot – 4 W. Oak Street
Restored historic train depot, circa 1911.

Historic Parker House B & B – 427 W. Hickory Street
863-494-1060, http://www.historicparkerhouse.com

Time Kayak and Canoe A kayak and canoe rental operation on the lower Peace River located on the property of the Nav-A-Gator Bar and Grill, Desoto Marina. 941-255-3686. http://www.itstimekayakandcanoe.com.

Heard Opera House – 102-112 W. Oak Street
Two-story historical building with original stage and antique stores.

J.JMcSwain Park/Historic Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Arcadia. 863-494-4033, http://www.desotochamber.net

Nav-A-Gator- 9700 S.W. Riverview Cir. 863-627-3474 or 800-308-7506, http://www.nav-a-gator.com

Peace River State Canoe Trail-Peace River runs through Hardee and DeSoto counties. Canoeing, fossil hunting and fishing. 850-245-2052 or 877-822-5208, call for directions.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/westcentral/trails/peace_riv.htm

Cemeteries from the 1800s
http://www.rootsweb/~fldesoto/desoto.htm.

RVGriffin Reserve – Hwy. 769 N., Lake Suzy
800-423-1476

Silver Pines Preserve – Hunts: Quail, Osceola Turkey, Wild Boar, Deer, Duck. Lodging and accommodations available. 863-465-7767

Accommodations

Bed & Breakfasts

Historic Parker House
427 W. Hickory Street
Arcadia, Fl 34266
863-494-1060
Fax: 863-494-2499
www.historicparkerhouse.com
Visit Website | Get Directions | Make Reservations

Hotels

Best Western Arcadia Inn
504 S. Brevard Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4884
Fax: (863) 494-2006
www.bestwestern.comarcadia inn

DeSoto Motel
1021 N. Brevard Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-2992
Fax: (863) 993-1501

Hi-Way Motel
P O Box 2078
Arcadia, FL 34265
(863) 494-5455

Holiday Inn Express
2709 SE Hwy 70
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-5900
Fax: 863-231-0219

Campgrounds and RV sites

Craig's RV Park
7895 N.E. Hwy. 17
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-1820
Fax: (863) 494-1079
www.craigsrv.com

Cross Creek Country Club
6837 NE Hwy 17
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-7300
Fax: (863) 494-2994
www.crosscreekrv.com

Lettuce Lake Travel Resort
8644 SW Reese St
Arcadia, FL 34269
(863) 494-6057
Fax: (863) 494-4254
www.desotochamber.net/cgi-bin/directory.pl

Live Oak RV Resort
12865 SW Hwy 17
Arcadia, FL 34266
(800) 833-4263 or (863) 993-4014
Fax: (863) 993-0940

Peace River Campground
2998 NW Hwy 70
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9693
Fax: (863) 494-9110
www.peacerivercampground.com

Riverside RV Park
9770 SW Cty RD 769
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-2111
Fax: (863) 993-2021
www.gocampingamerica.comarcadia

Toby's RV Park
3550 NE Hwy 70
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-1744
Fax: (863) 494-2944
www.tobysrv.com

Annual Events

Rodeos
There are three regularly scheduled events each year, which take place the second weekend in March, July 4 and the Fall. Please call with 1-800-749-7633 any questions or ticket requests
www.arcadiarodeo.com/

Arcadia Main Street Program
2 West Oak Street, Unit C
Arcadia, FL 34266
863-494-2020
Arcadia Main Street Program's goal is to preserve the downtown much the way it was in the past. They host 3 events each year, The Watermelon Festival in May, the Fall Festival in October and the Tour of Historic Homes in December; as well as other events.

January
DeSoto County Fair & Livestock Show
DeSoto County's annual fair: livestock shows consisting of swine and cattle, presented by the local FFA and 4-H.

Cultural Attractions

Art

Art Creations of Arcadia
201 W Oak St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-0202

Arcadia Antiques & Fine Art
39 W Magnolia St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-6003

Sports

Canoe/Kayak

Canoe Outpost - Peace River
2816 N.W. County Rd. 661
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-1215 or -- 1-800-268-0083
Fax: (863) 494-4391
www.canoeoutpost.com

Canoe Safari
3020 N.W. County Rd. 661
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-7865
Fax: (863) 494-5562
www.canoesafari.com

Golf

ARCADIA VILLAGE COUNTRY CLUB
2692 NE Hwy. 70, #532
Arcadia, FL 34266
1-800-538-2590

City of Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
1769 NE Livingston St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4223

Kingsway Country Club
13625 SW Kingsway Circle
Lake Suzy, FL 34266
(941) 625-1985
www.kingswaycountryclub.com/

Sunnybreeze Golf Course/The Veranda Grill
8135 SW Sunnybreeze Rd
Arcadia, FL 34269
(863) 494-2521 or 1-888-663-2420 toll free
Fax: (863) 494-4377
www.sunnybreezegc.com

The Bluffs Golf Course
8037 US Hwy 17 South
Zolfo Springs, FL 33890
(863) 993-4310 or (863) 735-2363

Historic Sites

Historical attractions

DeSoto County Historical Society
P O Box 1824
Arcadia, FL 34265
(863) 244-9638

National Register of Historic Places –
Arcadia Historic District (added 1984 - District - #84000842)
Roughly bounded by Lee and Miles Aves., Imogene, Cypress, Pine, and Magnolia Sts., Arcadia

Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Multiple
Architectural Style: Late Victorian, Other, Classical Revival
Area of Significance: Agriculture, Military, Transportation, Education, Politics/Government, Exploration/Settlement, Architecture, Commerce
Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Private , Local Gov't
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Domestic, Government
Historic Sub-function: Business, Single Dwelling
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Domestic, Government
Current Sub-function: Business, Single Dwelling

Historical markers

* Title: FORT OGDEN
Location:U.S. 17 in front of Post Office
County: Desoto
City: Fort Ogden
Description: As white settlers moved into Florida, demands increased for the removal of the Seminole Indians to a western reservation. The Seminoles failed to cooperate, and in 1835 the conflict known as the Second Seminole War began. By 1841, the Indians were still entrenched in central and south Florida. Campaign plans for that year aimed at clearing Indians from the area between the Withlacoochee River and the frontier and then attacking Indian bands in Big Cypress Swamp. To sustain the wide-ranging troops, detached camps were established at various points. Camp Ogden, named for Captain Edmund Ogden of the 8th U.S. Infantry, seems to have been established in July, 1841, as an advanced position for the Big Cypress campaign. In addition, 55 canoes were constructed for the next winter's Everglades expedition. Before the camp was abandoned in the fall, an influential Indian leader, Coacoochee, visited Camp Ogden. The community of Fort Ogden developed in this citrus and cattle region in the last part of the 19th century and took its name from the Second Seminole War camp. Fort Ogden's post office, established in 1876, is the oldest in DeSoto County to be in continuous service.
Sponsors: sponsored by fort ogden civic club in cooperation with department of state

* Title: OWENS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Location:Arcadia
County: DeSoto
City: Arcadia
Description: The Owens Community School was built1916-1918 in the once thriving community of Owens. The community and school were named for Owen H. Dishong (1850-1902), the first sheriff of DeSoto County, serving 1887 to 1893 and 1897 to 1901. He was a charter member of the first church and donated land for the first schoolhouse. The community was situated between the Peace River and Horse Creek. It flourished through the mining of pebble phosphate. The community consisted of a post office, general store, railroad, citrus packing house, Owens Community School, and Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church. The frame school is the only remaining building of the original structures of Owens. It was last used as a school site in 1946, but some original school furnishings remain intact. It has continued to be used as a polling place over the years. In 2000, the School District of DeSoto County refurbished the school and began using it for school district training and recognitions, and historical society and humanities presentations.
Sponsors: SCHOOL DISTRICT OF DESOTO COUNTY AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE

* Title: DE SOTO COUNTY
Location:U.S. 17 at courthouse
County: Desoto
City: Arcadia
Description: Named after the great Spanish conquistador and Florida explorer Hernando De Soto, the county was created out of Manatee County in 1887. The area's original inhabitants were Caloosa Indians. In early Florida history the region was the scene of numerous Indian battles. The county's 416,640 acres offer a diversified economy of citrus, cattle, agriculture and industry. Arcadia is the county seat.

Natural Attractions

County parks

Brownville Park / Boat Ramp
1885 Ne Brownville St
Arcadia, FL 34266
This county park offers artifact hunting, trails, picnic tables, restrooms, and camping.
Gates are open from 7am till 5pm.
For more information call (863) 491-5333

Deep Creek Boat Ramp / Park
Fort Ogden, FL
This county park offers only a boat ramp. Future plans include picnic tables, restrooms and additional parking.
For more information call (863) 993-4800
Deep Creek Boat Ramp / Park is located at the East end of River Road off of County Road 769, a couple of miles south of County Road 761

Desoto Park / Boat Ramp
30 W Hickory St,
Arcadia, FL 34266
This county park offers picnic tables and large open areas used for festivals and other local events.
For more information call (863) 993-4800
Desoto Park is located just west of the Peace River Bridge on Hwy. 70

Morgan Park
This county park offers trails, picnic tables, pavilion,and restrooms.
Gates are open from sunup till sundown.
For more information call (863) 993-4854
Morgan Park is located just east of the Peace River Bridge on Hwy. 70 behind DOT facility.

Hargrave / Esmeralda Park:
The Brewer Sports Complex
1099 Se Hargrave St
Arcadia, FL 34266
This county park is under construction. It will be an athletic complex Offering baseball, softball, football, soccer, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking paths.
For more information call (863) 993-4800
Directions for Hargrave / Esmeralda Park:
on Hwy. 70 East of Arcadia
turn South on Airport Rd.
turn West on Hargrave. (park will be on the left)

Nocatee Boat Ramp / Park
This county park will offer picnic tables in the future.
For more information call (863) 993-4800
Nocatee / Boat Ramp Park is located on Hwy 17 in Nocatee, go west on Hwy 760 to the Peace River Bridge.

Lettuce Lake Boat Ramp / Park
This county park offers picnic tables, restrooms in the near future.
For more information call (863) 993-4800
Lettuce Lake Boat Ramp / Park is located south of Fort. Ogden on Hwy 17
Go to Hwy 761 to Lettuce Lake Rd.
South to Reese St.

Liverpool / Sunnybreeze Boat Ramp / Park
This county park offers picnic tables under a pavilion.
For more information call (863) 993-4800
Liverpool / Sunnybreeze Boat Ramp / Park is located South of Fort. Ogden on Hwy 17
Go west on Liverpool Rd. To Riverside Dr.

Boat Ramps

Brownville Park / Boat Ramp
1885 Ne Brownville St
Arcadia, FL 34266

Deep Creek Boat Ramp / Park
Fort Ogden, FL

Desoto Park / Boat Ramp
30 W Hickory St,
Arcadia, FL 34266

Nocatee Boat Ramp / Park

Lettuce Lake Boat Ramp / Park
Fort Ogden, FL

Liverpool / Sunnybreeze Boat Ramp / Park
Fort Ogden, FL

Campgrounds

Craig's RV Park
7895 N.E. Hwy. 17
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-1820
Fax: (863) 494-1079
www.craigsrv.com

Cross Creek Country Club
6837 NE Hwy 17
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-7300
Fax: (863) 494-2994
www.crosscreekrv.com

Lettuce Lake Travel Resort
8644 SW Reese St
Arcadia, FL 34269
(863) 494-6057
Fax: (863) 494-4254
www.desotochamber.net/cgi-bin/directory.pl

Live Oak RV Resort
12865 SW Hwy 17
Arcadia, FL 34266
(800) 833-4263 or (863) 993-4014
Fax: (863) 993-0940

Peace River Campground
2998 NW Hwy 70
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9693
Fax: (863) 494-9110
www.peacerivercampground.com

Riverside RV Park
9770 SW Cty RD 769
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-2111
Fax: (863) 993-2021
www.gocampingamerica.com/arcadia

Toby's RV Park
3550 NE Hwy 70
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-1744
Fax: (863) 494-2944
www.tobysrv.com

Dining

As Giant Sandwich
Number of seats: 64
301 N Brevard
Arcadia Fl 34266-4550
863-494-7707

Oak Park Deli
Number of seats: 49
26 W Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266-3964
863-494-3898

Bullz Eye BBQ
Number of seats: 30
118 N Brevard Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-809-5291

Burger King Restaurant
Number of seats: 90
1016 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266-8924
863-494-6671

Chilis Grill and Bar
Number of seats: 150
2703 SE Highway 70
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-3471

China Kitchen
Number of seats: 8
5 N 10 Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-3889

China Wok
Number of seats: 10
2733 SE Highway 70
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-814-5830

Clock Restaurant
Number of seats: 105
1121 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266-8904
863-494-4404

Dominos Pizza
Number of seats: 0
1332 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-3737

El Charro Mexican Restaurant
Number of seats: 76
420 N Brevard Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266-4504
863-494-7891

El Morro Cafe
Number of seats: 60
2053 E Highway 70
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-491-5100

El Pirata Mexican Restaurant
Number of seats: 64
1715 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-2203

Fortune Chinese Restaurant
Number of seats: 75
1725 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266-8925
863-993-4003

Hardees
Number of seats: 67
128 Brevard Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-1314

KFC
Number of seats: 63
161 S Brevard Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266-4304
863-494-0737

King Buffet
Number of seats: 108
1319 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-3599

McDonalds Restaurant
Number of seats: 124
1203 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266-8903
863-494-1312

Mi Cocina
Number of seats: 24
6785 SW Enterprise Blvd
Arcadia Fl 32469
863-494-4256

Nancys Restaurant
Number of seats: 168
9 W Magnolia St
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-494-9910

Nav-A-Gator
Number of seats: 90
9700 SW Riverview Circle
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-625-4407

Pit Stop Cafe
Number of seats: 175
6785 SW Enterprise Blvd
Arcadia Fl 32469
863-494-6500

Pizza Hut
Number of seats: 104
916 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266-8964
863-993-1193

Reef and Beef
Number of seats: 185
2079 SE Highway 70
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-990-1433

Slims Bar-B-Q and Grill
Number of seats: 74
319 S Brevard Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-494-2332

Sonic Drive-In Restaurant
Number of seats: 46
2729 SE Highway 70
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-1699

Subway Restaurant
Number of seats: 40
2715 N E Highway 70
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-993-1511

Taco Bell Restaurant
Number of seats: 49
1329 E Oak St
Arcadia Fl 34266-8902
863-993-4404

Taquera El Mexicano
Number of seats: 8
428 S Brevard Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-494-9451

Wendys Old Fashioned Hamburgers
Number of seats: 94
2719 SE Highway 70
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-997-8999

Wheelers Goody Cafe
Number of seats: 48
13 S Monroe Ave
Arcadia Fl 34266
863-286-8213

Shopping

Antiques

Cherry Hill Antiques
120 W. Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-2344
www.CherryHillAntiques.com

Glass Antique or Not Two
219 West Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
863-491-0100

Glass Antique or Not
219 West Oak Street
Arcadia, Fl 34266
863-491-0100
Fax: 863-494-4524
www.antique-or-not.com

Isabelle's Antiques
104 W. Oak Street
Arcadia, Florida 34266
(863) 491-1004

Mainstreet Memories
25 West Oak Street
Arcadia, Fl 34266
863-993-9300