This Quirky Florida Town Near Miami Has 50 Murals and an Actual Clown School
Lake Placid, Florida might not be on every tourist’s radar, but this charming small town has quietly become one of the state’s most creative destinations. With over 50 colorful murals decorating its streets and a world-famous clown school that has trained performers for Ringling Bros. and Disney, Lake Placid offers visitors something truly different.
Whether you’re an art lover, a curious traveler, or just looking for a unique day trip from Miami, this quirky town delivers surprises around every corner.
A Colorful Small Town Just a Short Drive From Miami
Tucked away in Highlands County, Lake Placid sits about two hours north of Miami and offers a refreshing escape from the crowded beaches and bustling city life. With a population hovering around 2,360 residents, this peaceful town feels like stepping back in time to a simpler Florida. The drive takes you through scenic central Florida landscapes, past orange groves and quiet lakes that remind you why people fell in love with the Sunshine State in the first place.
Once you arrive, the town’s laid-back atmosphere immediately puts you at ease. Main Street stretches through the heart of downtown, lined with historic buildings, mom-and-pop shops, and those famous murals that have put Lake Placid on the map. Unlike the high-rises and traffic of South Florida, here you can actually park easily, stroll without crowds, and chat with friendly locals who genuinely enjoy sharing their town’s story.
The town also sits among 27 lakes, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Why Lake Placid Is Known as Florida’s “Town of Murals”
Back in the early 1990s, Lake Placid faced a challenge many small towns know too well: economic decline and empty storefronts that made downtown feel forgotten. Rather than accept defeat, community leaders came up with a brilliant idea to breathe new life into their struggling business district. They decided to transform blank walls into canvases, inviting artists to create large-scale murals that would tell the story of Florida’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
The project started modestly but quickly gained momentum as word spread about the incredible artwork appearing on building sides. Local businesses, residents, and visitors rallied behind the initiative, and soon Lake Placid had earned its official nickname: the “Town of Murals.” Today, the town proudly displays over 50 murals, each one carefully chosen and approved by a special committee.
This artistic transformation didn’t just make the town prettier—it brought tourists, revived businesses, and gave residents a renewed sense of pride in their community.
The Stories Behind the 50+ Hand-Painted Murals
Walking through Lake Placid feels like flipping through a giant history book painted in brilliant colors. Each mural tells a specific story about Florida’s past, from Native American settlements and Spanish explorers to cattle ranching and the citrus industry that shaped the region. Artists from across the country have contributed their talents, creating works that range from realistic portraits to whimsical scenes bursting with personality.
You can grab a free mural map from the Chamber of Commerce or city hall and spend hours hunting down your favorites throughout downtown.
Yes, There’s a Real Clown School—and It’s Famous
Most people think you’re joking when you mention that Lake Placid has an actual clown school, but the Clown College of America is absolutely real and surprisingly prestigious. Founded decades ago, this unique institution has trained hundreds of professional clowns who have gone on to perform with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney theme parks, and entertainment venues worldwide. Students learn everything from makeup application and costume design to juggling, physical comedy, and the psychology of making people laugh.
The school operates out of an unassuming building in town, but its impact reaches far beyond Lake Placid’s borders. Graduates have brought joy to millions of children and adults across the globe. While the school isn’t always open for public tours, you can sometimes catch performances or special events where students showcase their newly learned skills.
What to See and Do Beyond the Murals
While the murals are the main attraction, Lake Placid offers plenty more to fill your visit. The town sits surrounded by 27 beautiful lakes—hence the name—which provide excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Lake June and Lake Placid itself are particularly popular spots where you can rent a boat or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the water watching the sun reflect off the calm surface.
Downtown boutiques and antique shops invite browsing, with friendly owners who actually remember your face when you return. Several local restaurants serve up classic Florida comfort food, including fresh catfish, citrus-infused dishes, and homemade pies that taste like grandma made them. The Caladium Festival, held each summer, celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with live music, craft vendors, and displays of those stunning ornamental plants.
For history buffs, the Lake Placid Historical Society maintains a small museum packed with photographs, artifacts, and stories from the town’s early days as a frontier settlement.
When to Visit and How to Explore the Town
Lake Placid shines brightest during Florida’s cooler months from November through April, when temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s and humidity drops to pleasant levels. Summer brings heat and afternoon thunderstorms typical of central Florida, though the town stays quieter and less crowded if you don’t mind the weather. The annual Caladium Festival in July attracts the biggest crowds, while the Mural Festival in December celebrates the town’s artistic identity with new mural unveilings and artist demonstrations.
Exploring Lake Placid is wonderfully simple since everything clusters within a walkable downtown area. Park your car once and spend a few hours strolling at your own pace, camera in hand. The Chamber of Commerce provides free mural maps that mark each artwork’s location and describe its subject matter.
Why Lake Placid Is One of Florida’s Most Unexpected Gems
In a state famous for theme parks, beaches, and neon-lit entertainment districts, Lake Placid stands out precisely because it offers something completely different. There are no roller coasters or resort hotels here—just authentic small-town Florida where creativity and community spirit transformed potential decline into genuine revival. The murals aren’t slick commercial advertisements but thoughtful artistic statements that honor history and celebrate local identity.
The presence of a professional clown school adds an element of delightful absurdity that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Where else can you admire outdoor art galleries, learn about caladium farming, and potentially spot future circus performers all in one afternoon?
Lake Placid reminds us that Florida’s most interesting destinations often hide in unexpected places, waiting for curious travelers willing to venture beyond the obvious tourist trails and discover something genuinely special.
