Polk County Historical Museum

The silver-domed building that houses the Polk County Historical Museum is one of the most striking sights in the county. The inside is just as compelling for those with an interest in the county's past.

One exhibit highlights the Native Americans who originally inhabited the territory that would become Polk County. The display includes a dugout canoe found in the bed of a local lake.

Florida's Natural World, a room covered in murals, displays the state's varied habitats, ranging from wetlands to the sandy Lake Wales Ridge.

The museum occupies parts of the first and second floors of the Old County Courthouse in downtown Bartow. Two courtrooms from the 1908 building have been preserved.

One of the museum's permanent exhibits includes a display titled "Land of Heroes," which recounts the history of military activity in Polk County.

The exhibit, occupying 1,700 square feet on the second floor, covers events stretching from the First Seminole War in 1817 and 1818 through the present.

The gallery features weapons, uniforms and other artifacts from various eras, as well as a video loop of footage shot by Thomas Edison in Central Florida during preparations for the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The other permanent galleries focus on the pioneer experience, statehood and industry.

A children's discovery room features a child-sized Florida Cracker cabin and a miniature Seminole chickee.

Polk's General Store Gift Shop is also part of the museum.

The Historical Museum's Gift Shop offers a wide variety of books, specialty food items, and souvenirs.

The Polk County Historical Museum, 100 E. Main St. in Bartow, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 863-534-4386 or visit the museum's website at www.polkcountymuseum.org.