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.
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.
Kissimmee is often called a "gateway" city to Everglades National Park. This park is the only tropical wilderness in the country, covering over 1.5 million acres of land. Many people come to the Everglades to see the natural landscape of Florida. In the park, you can find American crocodiles, West Indian manatees, and Florida panthers. You can camp in the backcountry, hike along a trail, or schedule an airboat tour through the mangrove forests in this national park.
If you want to stick close to a city, check out Biscayne National Park. This oasis is an excellent spot to enjoy the crystal blue waters and stunning coral reefs. Much of the park remains underwater, making it a great place for snorkelers and divers. If you want to stay on land, look for the pelicans and bottlenose dolphins near Biscayne Bay.
Dry Tortugas National Park is another hidden gem. However, to get to this park, you must take a seaplane or ferry. This national park is home to a 19th-century stone fortress and a historic lighthouse. If you get under the waves, you may see the large population of sea turtles floating in the blue waters.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is a natural spring in the middle of Central Florida. For many years, people have come to this spot to paddle in the crystal blue waters or swim in the natural springs. Wekiwa Springs is the oldest tourist attraction in the area.
Lake Louisa State Park is another great Florida natural wonder. This spot is home to five lakes, making it an excellent place to swim or kayak.
If you want to learn about Kissimmee's cowboy heritage, take time to visit Lake Kissimmee State Park. This park is a cow camp living history site, and you can travel over 13 miles of trails, many of which are open to horses.
Walt Disney World is one of the best-known theme parks in the United States. It is considered the top vacation destination in the state and one of Florida's top landmarks. The Walt Disney World complex includes four theme parks, 27 resorts, two water parks, a golf course, and a large shopping area.
If you want to step back in time, visit the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek Regional Park. You can see the fully restored dwellings of the county's early settlers, which have been furnished to reflect the lifestyle of the late 19th century.
The Kissimmee Air Museum is home to vintage aircraft dating back from World War II to the Vietnam War. Along with those displays, visitors can see the museum's restoration efforts of several vintage aircraft.
Many travelers come to Kissimmee to stay while they visit the local attractions. You can find many clean and comfortable RV campgrounds. The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness are excellent choices if you want to stay on Disney property. If you want to be several minutes from other famous attractions, the Orlando/Kissimmee KOA is an ideal spot. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake is a small campground surrounded by palm trees and live oaks.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Kissimmee, FL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Kissimmee?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Kissimmee from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Kissimmee?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
