Winter Haven, FL (WTH)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2011

$1,170,964

Station Ridership

FY 2011

26,188

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

The Winter Haven station was built in 1925 by the Seaboard Air Line railroad. This Mediterranean Revival structure had limited renovations in 2007 at a cost of $42,000.

The original American settlers in this part of central Florida arrived in the 1860s, making their living growing strawberries, eggplant, guavas, tomatoes, peaches, and peppers. The area that would become the city was platted by Blount and Whitledge in 1884. Though the town was called Harris’ Corner, after the owners of its first mercantile store, the official name was chosen as “Winter Haven” in 1885 after a suggestion by P.D. Eycleshimer, describing its balmy climate. At the turn of the 20th century, local agriculture had expanded to include citrus groves, floral nurseries, a canning factory, and headquarters of the Florida Growers Association. Winter Haven incorporated as a city in 1911.

Winter Haven encompasses two strings of fresh-water lakes connected by a canal which was constructed in the 1920s. This project was begun with the organization of the Twenty Lakes Boat Course Club in 1915; this system of more than fifty lakes is the reason the city is nicknamed, “The Chain of Lakes City.”

The city’s waterways are also the setting for Florida’s first and oldest theme park, Cypress Gardens, which opened in 1936. Tourism since became a mainstay of Winter Haven. With its botanical gardens, Cypress Gardens became known for its boat rides and southern belle hostesses as well as family entertainment. Performance waterskiing also originated at Cypress Gardens in 1941. The park has recently been closed for renovations, having been passed through several sets of corporate hands since the original family sold it in 1985. It is advertised as reopening in March of 2009.

Amtrak provides both ticketing and baggage services at this facility.

Winter Haven is served by four daily trains.