Go on a Self-guided Tour of Lakeland’s Black History Discovery Trail

The City of Lakeland invites you to learn about local Black History on the Discovery Trail.

From February 7 – 25, 2022, you and your family can go on a self-led adventure to learn more about some of the people, places, and events that shaped our community. Along the way, you’ll visit City of Lakeland facilities to learn more about black pioneers in the Lakeland Community.

Black history is rich with stories of celebrated individuals who made their mark on the world. Athletes, artists, scholars, changemakers… all who helped make America what it is today. Over time, these heroes become icons to new generations but there are local pioneers who helped pave the way in race equality.

The Discovery Trail is the City of Lakeland’s way of giving these local heroes notoriety for their accomplishments. There are five locations along the Discovery Trail, and you can participate by visiting any or all of them.

How to Explore the Black History Discovery Trail in Person

• Begin at any trail stop (list below) to get your own Black History Discovery Trail Activity Card (1 per person).
• At each location, participants will get a sticker for their activity card.
• Bring your completed activity card to any City of Lakeland Recreation Center or Swimming Pool for a FREE visit.
• The first 100 completed cards presented at Simpson Park Community Center will receive a commemorative bag filled with goodies from City Departments.

How to Explore the Black History Discovery Trail Virtually

For those unable to visit the locations in person, an online option is also available. Learn about Lakeland’s Black History pioneers through photos and interactive content.

Participants that provide an email address will receive a certificate and the opportunity to redeem a free visit to one of the Recreation Centers or Swimming Pools at a future date.

Visit the website www.lakelandgov.net/discoverytrail for an online option. 

Black History Discovery Trail Stops

Lakeland Police Department Lobby
219 N Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801
Open 24 Hours
Combined stop for Police Department & Lakeland Fire Department

Lakeland City Hall Lobby
228 S. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. –  5 p.m.
Combined stop for City Hall & Lakeland Electric

Jackson Branch Library Lobby
1700 N Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805
Monday –  Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. –  5 p.m.

Simpson Park Community Center Lobby
1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805
Monday –  Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Coleman-Bush Building Lobby
1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn more about the Black History Discovery Trail at lakelandgov.net/discoverytrail.

Black History Discovery Trail Map