The town was founded in the early 1900s as a colony for elderly Civil War soldiers, eventually became an agricultural hub and now serves as an overflow tourist destination from its neighbors to the north, Walt Disney World® Resort and Orlando. The former Union fighters, many 70 years or older, were recruited for the area's purported climatic and health benefits. The 3 Cs of Florida farming—cane (sugar), cows and citrus—helped the area prosper until agriculture gave way to a tourist economy.
The St. Cloud Heritage Museum, located in the Veterans Memorial Library at 1012 Massachusetts Ave., offers a vast collection of pieces chronicling city history as well as the stories of its founding individuals and organizations. Exhibits include area artifacts, articles, books and such items as historic records, photographs and postcards. The building was home to St. Cloud's first library and was built in 1922. For further information, phone (407) 957-7587 or (407) 414-2682, after hours.
Lakefront Park, 1104 Lakeshore Blvd., has a beach, fishing pier, marina and performing arts pavilion as well as bike and walking paths extending from Louisiana to Mississippi (avenues, that is). The 58-acre Peghorn Nature Park and Trail, 2101 Peghorn Way, offers nature programs; Hopkins Park, 620 E. 17th St., is home to a butterfly and vegetable garden. For program schedules and further information about these and other city parks, phone the St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 957-7243.
Visitor Centers
St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce 1200 New York Ave. St. Cloud, FL 34769. Phone:(407)892-3671