Although a small area, there are many fun and free things to do in Inverness, FL! This area is located in central Florida, close to the west coast and just north of Tampa. Read on to find some inexpensive things to do while visiting or passing through the area!
1. Wallace Brooks Park – FREE
Located right in downtown, this recently re-done park provides a relaxing place to spend the day with family or with pets. The park is clean and well kept up. There is a path for exercise and enjoying a nice view of Lake Henderson, where you can spot some of the beautiful birds that live in the area. They have recently put in an workout area as well. The park also offers shuffleboard courts, three different boat ramps, and several places to fish from.
2. Fort Cooper State Park – $3 per vehicle – correct change only
One of the best free things to do in Inverness, is Fort Cooper State Park. This park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. It offers a 5 miles of shaded hike through a canopy of trees. What a peaceful area to take a walk out in nature! The park has a playground and small picnic area. If you follow the paved pathway off to the side, it will take you to the Withlacoochee State Trail (listed below) a paved multi-use rail to trail that runs for about 46 miles! It is one of the longest in Florida. Don’t miss this stop if you enjoy biking, walking, running, and skating.
3. Withlacoochee State Trail – Inverness Trailhead – FREE
Pick up the trail at Ft. Cooper state Park or at the Inverness trailhead located near the downtown area of Inverness (see map below). As stated above, this trail runs for 46 miles and is a paved multi-use trail. Close to the trailhead at this point, you can catch views of Lake Henderson from the trail.
4. Ziggy’s Parrot Sanctuary – Suggested $5 Donation
Ziggy’s Sanctuary is a non profit no-kill parrot rescue center. A small, family owned business, dedicated to helping the birds and other animals in the area. As parrots often outlive their owners, the sanctuary works hard to find new homes for parrots who have no where to go. You can visit the center from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday.
5. Manfield & Jeep Cave Hiking Area – FREE
For the adventurous types, you may want to check out one of the caves in the area. Nestled deep in the Withlacoochee Wilderness Area, you can hike to Jeep Cave. To find the cave requires you to hike for a few miles in the woods for a while, and to have knowledge of maps before doing so! This site here tell you where to park and how to get there. The cave is one of the more secret and interesting locations in the Inverness area. During hunting season, be sure to wear orange or yellow as it is a hunting area out there. . If caves are your thing, you can also find several more caves further south in the wilderness area. See link here.
6. Citrus County Speedway – $10 adults, $5 kids
As it name suggests, this is a speedway where you can watch the cars race around a modified track. The benefit of this is that you can see the whole track from the stand! The website lists several special events that they host as well. Their normal races are $10 for adults and $5 for anyone 17 and under. Just as with any other speedway, be sure to bring earplugs or noise cancelling headphones as it gets loud!
7. Strawberry Festival at Floral City – $5 Adults
If you happen to be in the area in the beginning of March, one of the highlights during this time of year is the strawberry festival. Listen to live music, join the pie eating contest, and visit the kid zone for face painting and bounce houses. And of course, eat some strawberries!
That wraps up our fun and (mostly) free list of things to do in Inverness! Looking for more? Visit our page on nearby Crystal River and Homosassa Springs!