Cattle Drive, Cow Camp Rededication and Festivities at Circle B Bar Reserve on July 1

Published: June 11, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (June 11, 2026) – To celebrate America 250 and Polk County’s 165^th anniversary, Polk County staff and the Polk County Cattleman’s Association will host a special cattle drive and Cow Camp rededication ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.

This is family-friendly, free event will highlight Polk County’s ranching heritage and recognize the cattlemen and women whose work helped shape this region’s history and landscape. Following the cattle drive, visitors will have the opportunity to watch a live-podcast panel hosted by Mason Gravley, host of “Florida Uncut”, and participate in cattle-themed Nature Fun Day activities until 1 p.m.

Visitors planning to attend are strongly encouraged to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to secure parking and viewing locations before road closures take effect. Access to the park via Discovery Drive and Windmill Whisper will be limited from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate cattle movement and event activities.

“We invite our community to join us in honoring the cultural and agricultural history of Polk County and the 250^th anniversary of the country,” said Parks and Natural Resources Director Tabitha Biehl. “Florida has one of the longest histories of ranching in the United States, and with this event we’re able to celebrate the connection between that early way of life and preservation of our natural lands.”

Those planning to attend the event should register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-event-circle-b-cattle-drive-tickets-1990584210960?aff=oddtdtcreator.

For a location map and additional information on Circle B Bar Reserve, visit https://www.polk-county.net/park/circle-b-bar-reserve/. Those interested in obtaining additional information on trail closures should contact Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at (863) 668-4673.

Polk County Government owns and manages many environmental land sites throughout Polk County. The primary purpose of acquiring environmental land is to protect the water, wildlife, and wilderness and to manage these resources. Circle B Bar Reserve is a 1,267-acre property owned by Polk County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The site is located on the northwest shores of Lake Hancock in Central Polk County. Nature-based recreation opportunities are available on many of these sites and trails are an important amenity for visitors to environmental lands. Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division staff monitor trails regularly and may periodically close them for management and safety reasons.

SEE ALL NEWS