Mary Holland Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Mary Holland Park is a popular destination for tourists in Bartow, Florida.
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Summary
The park offers a variety of recreational activities and beautiful scenery that attracts visitors from all over the state. Some good reasons to visit the park include its many amenities, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The park also features a scenic walking trail that winds through the lush landscape and offers a close-up view of local wildlife.
One of the most popular points of interest at Mary Holland Park is the historic L.B. Brown House, which dates back to 1886. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the house and learn about the fascinating history of the area. Another highlight of the park is the Polk County Historical Museum, which features exhibits on the local history and culture.
One interesting fact about Mary Holland Park is that it was named after Mary Holland, a prominent Bartow resident who was instrumental in the development of the park. The park was established in 1939 and has been a beloved gathering place for the community ever since.
The best time of year to visit Mary Holland Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is at its most beautiful. Summer can be quite hot and humid in Florida, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. Winter can also be a good time to visit, as the weather is generally mild and there are fewer crowds.
Overall, Mary Holland Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bartow, Florida. With its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history, the park offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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