This historical marker about Kissengen Spring is located in Mossaic Peace River Park across from…read morethe restrooms. Once located about a mile north of the park, Kissengen Spring was a natural flowing spring outside the town of Bartow, the county seat of Polk County. Sadly it no longer exists. Floridians love their springs. There is something so tranquil about their cold crystalline waters. Many Native People thought of the waters as being sacred and having healing properties. They established villages near the springs. One such natural spring used to exist n Polk County at the basin of the Peace River. It was originally named DeLeon Springs after famed Spanish Fountain of Youth explorer, Ponce DeLeon. In 1883 the springs were purchased by medical doctors named Huddleston. They wanted to turn the springs into the kind of spas and therapy facilities you see in Europe. The name "Kissengen Springs" was taken from the baths in Bad Kissengen in Bavaria, Germany. The spring produced more than 20 million gallons of water a day that discharged into the Peace River and it became a natural attraction to the people of southern Polk County. People with ailments would seek the spring where they enjoyed picnicking, boating, and swimming. There was a pavilion for parties and dancing. In the 1930's political rallies were held here. After WWII soldiers came to the spring to recuperate. In the 1950's the spring stopped due to phosphate mining in the area. Mossaic Peace River Park is on the land that used to be the phosphate mine. The springs of Florida are such a treasured resource that is truly terrible to learn about the destruction of one. There is a moving song about the demise of the spring. https://youtu.be/J5GWp2x6xik The song is performed by Dennis Mader, a member of People for Protecting Peace River.

Dj was a great guide for our group. Went into detail about all the different species, had…read moreextensive information on a few of them and he seemed to enjoy his job. This was a great experience with some opportunities to hold some of the stars at Croc Encounters. I definitely would recommend.

Loved our tour with DJ. He was a great guide and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this…read moretour. I would take other guests again.

Opened in 2011, Heritage Peace River Landing is a park that was created as part of a plan to…read moreincrease the public access to bodies of water all over Polk County. The park is located on the east side of the Peace River south of County Road 640. It was added to already existing boat launches in Bartow and Fort Meade. This park provides access to the upper Peace River. The idea for putting a boat launch here dates back to 2003. It was finally accomplished through a public and private partnership. Clear Springs LLC lent heavy equipment and brush was cleared by ACT and the Dick Pope Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. A boat launching area was then created and a pier was added. The creation of this boat launch helped to extend the paddling trail on the Peace Rive, north from Fort Meade to Bartow. With more people using the river for recreation it is hoped that they will want to protect the river. During the Seminole Wars there were many settlements along this section of the river and to this day it attracts a great variety of wildlife. The river provides drinking water for people downstream and it contributes to the health of the Charlotte Harbor estuary. Heritage Peace River Landing is open 7 days a week from 7 am to 7 pm. In addition to the boat launch and fishing pier there is also a parking lot and picnic shelter. Admission is free. Come out and enjoy the natural beauty of the area by paddling down the Peace River.

This place is tucked away from everything making it a great spot for a picnic, fishing, or just sit…read moreand enjoy nature. Unfortunately there is trash lying around including a bloody looking shirt. People parked on the boat ramp made it inaccessible. There was also a man asleep at the wheel in his truck with his door open and constantly dinging. What could be a beautiful spot is a little to "creepy" for me. We did enjoy hearing two barred owls calling to each other while briefly there and watching a hawk flying overhead.

My family and I took a beautiful boat ride with Captain Dennis and his first mate Dennis Jr. They…read morewere pleasant, professional and fun! We saw all the gulf beaches and Dennis pointed out attractions and restaurants to enjoy during our visit. Their rates were fair and the scheduling experience was easy. We will be back for sure!!

From the owner: We offer private boat charter trips to Egmont Key, Shell Key, Passage Key and Intercoastal…read morecruising. We also offer inshore fishing charters , Captain Dennis is a master captain who has been boating the area for over 40 years.

Bryce made our day. I thought I knew a lot about Florida, but Bryce filled in the gaps. Great…read morepersonality, wonderful trip.

We went on this boat, the boat tour guide guy was great, and friendly.. had a great time on the…read moretour.. hope to come back soon..

These guys showed is SO MUCH Hospitality!! Had a blast and saw like 30 gators!! Would definitely…read morerecommend!!

Captain Mike is AWESOME! He's born and raised in the area and is very knowledgeable. We really had…read morethe best time and are so glad we chose him!