Lake Morton

This scenic 40 acre lake is named for John P. Morton who used to own land around the lake. Morton was the brother-in-law to Lakeland founder, Abraham G. Munn. Both business men came to Florida from Kentucky and Morton was a wealthy publisher. His company, John P. Morton and Co., was one of the largest book publishers in the South, specializing in textbooks and blank books. Morton died just a few years after Lakeland's official founding in 1885. He passed away in 1889 at the age 82 in Louisville but his prolific publishing house continued operation until 1943.

Surrounding Lake Morton is a passive park area with benches and picnic tables. Bordering Lake Morton is the South and East Lake Morton Historic District Neighborhoods. Development of these neighborhoods began around 1906 with most of the bungalow and Mediterranean styles houses built during the Florida Boom between 1920 and 1926.

In 1926 the City of Lakeland had 20 swans. They became a beloved part of the city and a Swan Department was even created to tend to the birds. By 1954 the last swan passed away leaving Lakeland very sad. Mrs. Robert Pickhardt, a Lakeland native living in England was familiar with the royal flock of swans on the Thames which were descended from the original pair given to Richard, the lion heart. She inquired about purchasing a pair for Lakeland and Queen Elizabeth offered to send swans if the city would pay the cost of capture, crating, and shipping at an estimated $300. The city was able to raise the money and the pair of White Mute Swans from England were released on Lake Morton on February 9, 1957. The swans became treasured celebrities and are the mascot and symbol of the city. The swan is in the city's logo, and in the names of businesses, neighborhoods, streets, and events.

The best place to see the black and white swans of Lakeland along with other birds like anhinga, ducks, wood storks, egrets, herons, ibis, and pelicans is on Lake Morton. I loved watching the beautiful swans glide through the water along with all of the other birds on the lake. The only other place I can think of where there are swans like this is on Lake Eola in Orlando.

Lake Morton is also home to the Mayfaire by-the-Lake, an art festival which takes place on Mother's Day weekend each year along the shores of the lake. It typically features more than 140 artist booths and is one of the oldest and largest art festivals in Central Florida.

Super cool place to visit in the heart of downtown Lakeland. There are always some different kinds of birds to see and take pictures of if that's your thing. ( is mine lol). There are some picnic tables around to sit and chill. They also have a few bird food feeding stations around that accept quarters. Get some food and let the kids feed the different birds.

A huge beautiful lake located in downtown lakeland. You can see all types of birds from swans to beautiful white pelicans. The walk around the lake is breath taking

Love this place. Hubby and I come from Winter Haven to have Pizza at Palace and enjoy the swans at Lake Morton. It is amazing all the different birds. Thanks Lakeland

Not quite as majestic as Lake Hollingsworth about a mile south. Still, a very pretty lake with a lot of beautiful water fowl. Some of the swans that live here are huge! Plenty of black swans and various ducks and cranes, too.

This is a good place to have a picnic as there are plenty of tables and benches lakeside. I would just be careful around some of the birds because they can be really territorial and aggressive (watch your kids).

I like how this lake is in downtown so it's surrounded by local businesses plus the library and museum. You're only a few blocks from City Hall and shops and eateries on Kentucky ave.

My only complaint would be that there's no path around the lake for running and walking like at Hollingsworth. You'll have to run in the street or the sidewalk - but there's a lot of driveways and and ground is not flat at all. Also, there's a homeless gentleman that loiters around here.

This place has a lot of potential. It's in an excellent location. There's just nothing going on here. It's just a small lake bordered with grass, & a couple of benches. Parking isn't clear, at least for an out-of-towner like myself. There is no walking path, except the sidewalk on the other side of the busy street. There is no playground, no gazebo, no dock, no grills, no activities (i.e. canoeing, paddling water bikes ect.), and it doesn't seem to be well maintained. There was one pavilion, but it was in rough shape, and didn't have much seating.

Now for my opinion:

If they were to drop a little money on this place, it could be a major attraction. At a minimum, I think this place needs a way to walk around closer to the water. Nobody likes fireant bites. For those who like it just the way it is, my apologies.

Lake Morton is located in the heart of Lakeland, FL. This is the lake to visit when you want to grab a bench and watch the birds: Ibis, woodstorks, egrets small and large, herons, ducks, and a beautiful gathering of white and black swans. The flock is well maintained, and well-mannered.

I don't typically like to feed wildlife, just observe it. I can come to Lake Morton and eat my Mister Fish sandwich mostly in peace here - no duck mobbings or mean geese.

If you wish to walk around the lake, your best bet is the sidewalk on the opposite side of Lake Morton Drive. Unfortunately that means that you are hitting an intersection every block. This is more of a "come visit the lake" spot than it is a hiking or exercising spot. This lake is all about the sitting and observing. The birding here is fantastic.

Such a beautiful lake with a variety of birds! I love seeing the swans at this lake! This area seems very well maintained. The wild life is for sure the best part of this Lake!

This is a beautiful lake and home to the City swans, symbol of Lakeland. Danni's review says it all. Great for photographers or a quiet sit on a bench. They do have a picnic pavilion. Fences go up during cygnet (baby) season to help protect the nesting process. Mayfaire-by-the-Lake occurs Mom's Day weekend and is a great art show around this lake.

Please DON'T bring bread, crackers and cereal to feed the birds! There has been much publicity on its killing our birds. There are options for proper feeding installed at the lake. Please help us take care of all our birds!

I love this lake.

It's so beautiful and picturesque.
I especially like the white swans.