RV Rental Kissimmee, FL

Explore Kissimmee, Florida in an RVshare RV Rental

Today, Kissimmee is well-known for its proximity to all Central Florida theme parks. However, this city has a long and storied history. Originally, the town was known as Allendale, named in honor of Confederate Major J.H. Allen, who operated the first steamboat down the Kissimmee River. In 1883, Allendale was incorporated and officially renamed Kissimmee. During this time, Kissimmee was a small steamboat transportation hub, and the South Florida Railroad expanded its operations to the city. Kissimmee would continue to be a transportation center, with steamboats and railroads carrying freight and passengers throughout the city. Unfortunately, the city's economy crashed in 1895, and many of these industries relocated to South Florida. As a result, Kissimmee's economy became dependent on open-range cattle ranching and a few citrus groves. 

Ranching was vital to the local economy until Walt Disney opened his Magic Kingdom in 1971. The Disney Company secretly bought local orange groves and land for its new "Vacation Kingdom." Once the local community learned of Walt Disney's plan, the city of Kissimmee started to see a boom in construction. After the theme park's opening, tourism would replace cattle ranching as the most significant factor in the local economy. Kissimmee went from a small town to a destination that hosts thousands of tourists annually. Since the 1980s, Kissimmee has marketed itself as a location close to all of the Central Florida attractions, making it the ideal spot to kick off a vacation. As a result, Kissimmee is filled with plenty of restaurants, stores, and resorts that cater to both residents and tourists. 

Events Near Kissimmee, Florida

• Country Thunder Florida - If you love country music, you will not want to miss this annual music festival. Country Thunder Florida takes place during the last week of October. 

• Osceola County Fair - This fair is the largest one in the state of Florida, and it starts on the second Friday in February. There are plenty of family-friendly activities at the fair, including amusement rides, animal exhibits, live entertainment, and food booths.

• 4th of July at Lakefront Park - You can celebrate America's birthday at Lakefront Park. This annual event is considered one of the largest fireworks displays in the Central Florida region.