15 Best Things to Do in Inverness, Florida

By VacationIdea Staff on September 28, 2021 - Updated

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Situated in central Florida’s Citrus County, Inverness is a sunny city surrounded by vast groves of citrus trees, verdant forests, tranquil lakes, and beautiful landscapes that provide a wealth of outdoor recreational activities. The pet-friendly Fort Cooper State Park offers fishing, canoeing, camping, hiking, and swimming, while the Liberty and Wallace Brooks Parks are located along the year-round Withlacoochee Trail. Other fun attractions in and around the city include the Citrus County Speedway, historic Citrus County Courthouse, the 1926 Valerie Theatre, and the Whispering Pines Park with three walking trails and an Olympic size swimming pool.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Withlacoochee State Trail, Inverness, Florida

The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile long paved multi-use trail with numerous access points and is suitable for all skill levels of hikers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists. The trail extends along US301 in Pasco County through several towns, including Trilby, Istachatta, Inverness, and Citrus Springs to the northern trailhead near Dunnellon. A dirt track runs parallel to the Withlacoochee State Trail for horseback riders, and facilities along the trail include restrooms with drinking water, picnic spots, ample parking, as well as parking for vehicles with horse trailers at the Citrus Springs, Ridge Manor, and Gulf Junction trailheads.

Withlacoochee State Trail, Brooksville, FL 34602

2.Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, Inverness, Florida

Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Inverness, the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum is dedicated to the art, culture, and heritage of Inverness with an array of award-winning exhibits that focus on the pioneering days of the city. Permanent exhibits in the museum include artifacts and displays devoted to the history of Citrus County and the impact of the citrus and film industries on Central Florida, highlighting Elvis Presley’s visit to Citrus County to film Follow That Dream. The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum also hosts special events and programs such as monthly concert series featuring acoustic, blues and jazz, and a Coffee and Conversations Series.

1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450, Phone: 352-341-6428

3.Cooter Pond Park, Inverness, FL

Cooter Pond Park is a lovely urban green park within walking distance of the downtown historic district and the Historic Courthouse. Named for the Cooter turtles which reside in the park’s pond, Cooter Pond Park features grassy lawns and a pavilion for picnicking, scenic overlooks with benches, and a boardwalk with interpretive signage along the way. There are several nature trails around the park, and the pond is home to a variety of fish species, turtles, alligators, and several bird species that nest around its edges. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.

181 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450

4.Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness, Florida

Fort Cooper State Park is a 710-acre nature reserve that is home to Lake Holathlikaha and a diverse array of fauna and flora. The lake provides a wealth of recreational activities from canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, and fishing, and swimming is allowed when water levels are high enough. The surrounding terrain offers excellent hiking on numerous self-guided trails, and some of the best bird and wildlife watching in the county. Other facilities in the park include a recreation hall, a primitive group campground, several lovely picnic sites, and seasonal boat-borne nature tours.

3100 South Old Floral City Road, Inverness, Florida 34450, Phone: 352-726-0315

5.Things to Do in Inverness, Florida: Shirdi Sai Center of South Florida

The Shirdi Sai Baba temple of South Florida is a religious institution that facilitates worship services similar to those held in Shirdi, India. Established in Lake Worth, the temple was opened in Florida in 2014 and features the main prayer hall for the deities, a meditation hall for meditation and reading sat Charitra, classrooms near the temple, and a multipurpose building with a kitchen and dining hall. The temple offers prasad to devotees on Thursdays, and hosts special events, religious festivals, and functions throughout the year.

4761 Myrtle Dr, Lake Worth, FL 33463, Phone: 561-619-8598

6.Holder Mine Recreation Area, Inverness, Florida

Located southwest of Inverness, the Holder Mine Recreation Area is a vast nature reserve that forms part of the 50,000-acre Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The area offers a wealth of recreational activities, ranging from camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as seasonal hunting in the Citrus Wildlife Management area. The Holder Mine campground offers 27 campsites with electricity, water, and sewerage hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, as well as a covered pavilion, two bathhouses, and an RV dump station.

4399 Trail 10, Inverness, FL 34452, Phone: 352-797-4140

7.Olde Inverness Antiques, Inverness, Florida

Olde Inverness Antiques a multi-dealer mall in historic downtown Inverness that offers a large variety of antiques and collectibles. Owners Steve Barnes and Cindy DeVries bring old things back to life in well-displayed stalls that showcase a wealth of interesting, eclectic, and vintage furnishings, objects, artworks, jewelry, glassworks, ceramics and china, clothing, and collectibles. Vintage-lovers, bargain hunters, and people wanting unique and one-of-a-kind gifts will love this treasure trove.

104 N Pine Ave, Inverness, FL 34450, Phone: 352-344-0333

8.Florida Best Blueberry Farm, Inverness, Florida

Florida Best Blueberry Farm is a family-owned and operated working blueberry farm that produces fresh, Florida-grown blueberries for commercial markets. At the end of the season, the farm is opened for the public to pick their blueberries and purchase by weight. Florida Best Blueberry Farm also sells a variety of blueberry-related products such as Blueberry Jam, Honey, and frozen blueberries, which can also be found at the Inverness Farmer's Market. Florida Best Blueberry Farm is open for picking Tuesday through Sunday.

11135 E. Nottingham Dr. Inverness, FL 34450, Phone: 813-928-9028

9.Dillon's Cinnamon Sticks Restaurant and Bakery

Located on the U.S. 41 South in Inverness, Dillon's Cinnamon Sticks Restaurant and Bakery are a friendly, family-owned restaurant and long-standing institution for hearty breakfasts and tempting lunch and dinner menus. Patrons pack in for breakfast, which boasts various skillets, eggs Benedict, homemade corned beef hash, crepes, parfaits, omelets, and the signature stuffed strawberry and cinnamon swirl pecan pancakes. The lunch and dinner menus won’t disappoint with classic dishes like Pot Roast Puff, Mama’s Meatloaf, chicken tender, hush puppies, oven-roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing, and seafood baskets. The restaurant has comfortable tables and booths, and a lovely outdoor patio for alfresco-style dining. Dillon's Cinnamon Sticks Restaurant and Bakery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, daily.

727 S US Highway 41, Inverness, FL 34450-6031, Phone: 352-419-7914

10.Stumpknockers on The Square, Inverness, Florida

Stumpknockers on The Square is a bustling eatery with nautical-themed décor and a friendly, welcoming vibe that serves Florida specialties such as catfish and gator. Established over 20 years ago by Inverness natives, Tim and John Channell, the family-friendly restaurant specializes in unusual and unique Floridan dishes like frog’s legs, catfish, sea scallops, alligator, and sizzling beef steaks. Named after the Stumpknocker fish that are found in submerged cypress stumps along the scenic Withlacoochee and other Florida rivers, the restaurant is small and hidden but full of life and well worth a visit. Stumpknockers has a second location at the Withlacoochee River Bridge and both are open for lunch and dinner, daily.

110 W Main St, Inverness, FL 34450, Phone: 352-726-2212

11.Angelo's Pizzeria & Ristorante, Inverness, Florida

Angelo's Pizzeria & Ristorante is a casual, family-owned establishment that brings the tastes, flavors, and friendly vibes of Italy to Inverness with an array of authentic Italian fare and traditional wood-fired, New York-style pizza. Established in 1996, the long-standing institution serves delicious house-made, wood-fired pizzas with an array of toppings prepared with quality ingredients, as well as other Italian dishes like lasagne, Spaghetti Bolognese, fresh seafood, veal dishes, and fresh salads. The food menu is accompanied by a bar list of casual wines from Italy and other wine-growing regions around the world, craft beers, imported spirits, and classic cocktails. Angelo's Pizzeria & Ristorante is open for lunch and dinner, daily.

301 W Main St, Inverness, FL 34450, Phone: 352-341-0056

12.Whispering Pines Park

Located just 5 minutes from downtown Inverness, the Whispering Pines Park covers 290 acres of green space, offering visitors and locals an enviable city recreational area. Ideal for the whole family (and the dog), the park is filled with fun activities for all ages. You can go walking/hiking along a 4 trails or bring your mountain bike and cycle the 2.5 mile mountain bike trail. Swimmers will enjoy the large swimming pool which is equally ideal for lessons or for fun. Other sporting facilities include tennis, racquet ball and basket ball courts, pickle ball and disc golf. Younger children will love the playground and the “Puddle in the Pines” splash pad.

Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive, Inverness, FL 34453, 352 726 1995

13.Potts Preserve Trail

Pott’s Preserve is located close to Hooty Point, where it has been established to preserve groundwater, surface water and a wetland. The preserve offers more than 20 miles of walking/hiking trails which are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers. The River Trail meanders alongside the river offering excellent wildlife sightings and wild flowers in spring. The lower part of the trail is subject to swamping after rains and you will need to come prepared with suitable footwear. You also need to bring your own drinking water and insect repellant. There are a number of primitive campsites along the way if you would like to set up camp.

Potts Preserve Trail, 2988 N. Hooty Point, Inverness, FL 34453

14.Wallace Brooks Park

The Wallace Brooks Park has been a popular meeting place for Inverness locals since it was dedicated in 1968. After a recent renovation, the park offers a wide variety of recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy. The water-side park has an attractive boardwalk for walking or cycling and a small fishing pier. The swimming pool is a great hit during the hot summer months and there are showers and restrooms. You can bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn or at one of the picnic shelters. A children’s playground, walking trail, bike trail, shuffleboard and tennis courts complete the picture.

Wallace Brooks Park, 328 E. Dampier Street, Inverness, FL 34450, 352 726 3913

15.Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary

Ziggy’s Haven is a sanctuary for lost, discarded or unwanted parrots and other exotic birds. The sanctuary strives to educate the greater public and children in particular, about the joys as well as the responsibilities of owning and caring for exotic birds and other unusual pets that are often abandoned once the novelty of ownership wares off. The sanctuary is also very involved in fining new homes for birds in need and assisting owners to continue to take care of their pets. You can assist by visiting the sanctuary and taking a tour. In addition to birds, the sanctuary also takes care of an assortment of other animals in need.

Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary, 80 N. Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34453, 352 419 4086