Need a peaceful escape or outdoor adventure in Central Florida? Head to Inverness! Surrounded by lakes and trails, this small town offers nature, charm, and Southern hospitality. Whether you love biking, boating, or browsing downtown shops, Inverness is a laid-back getaway with hidden gems to explore.
Inverness, FL Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Explore the Withlacoochee State Trail – Bike, hike, or skate along one of Florida’s longest paved rail trails.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Historic Old Courthouse Heritage Museum – Dive into local stories and step into scenes from Elvis’s 1961 movie “Follow That Dream.”
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques in Downtown Inverness – Shop for antiques, art, and unique finds in charming storefronts.
- For Couples: Stroll Liberty Park and Lake Henderson – Enjoy peaceful lakeside views, fountains, and scenic boardwalks.
- For Families: Play and picnic at Whispering Pines Park – A local favorite for its playgrounds, trails, and sports courts.
Best Time to Visit Inverness, FL
The best time to visit Inverness is from October to April when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor recreation, festivals, and exploring nature without the intense Florida heat.
How to Get to Inverness, FL
- If you are traveling by car: Inverness is easily accessed via U.S. Route 41 or State Road 44, about 75 minutes from Tampa and 90 minutes from Orlando.
- By Air: The closest major airports are Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), both within a 2-hour drive.
- By Bus: Regional bus services connect Inverness with nearby towns, but a car is recommended for easier access.
Where to Stay in Inverness, FL
- Recommended for Families: Lakeside Vacations Inverness – Spacious vacation rentals with full kitchens, near trails and lakes.
- For Couples: The Central Motel – Clean and cozy retro-style motel right on the Withlacoochee State Trail.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Florida Cracker Kitchen & Lodging (Brooksville) – Rustic boutique inn with Southern charm, about 30 minutes away.
Best Things to Do in Inverness, FL
1. Withlacoochee State Trail
Rating: ★★★★★
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
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
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Cooter Pond Park
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.
181 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450
4. Fort Cooper State Park
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
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Holder Mine Recreation Area
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
6. Olde Inverness Antiques
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
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