Posted by Jeffrey G. Funk P.A. on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 12:23pm.
Just a few minutes from downtown Clermont, Lake Hiawatha Preserve is one of those hidden gems that shows off exactly why people fall in love with the Florida lifestyle. The 220-acre preserve is situated on the west bank of Lake Minneola and is a perfect way to get out and explore. The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week and is accessible by car or by biking the South Lake Trail, which connects with the West Orange Trail.
As you pull up to the Preserve from 12th Street heading north, parking is easy to spot after you take the 2nd exit on the roundabout. For those wanting closer access to the Dog Park, head to the parking section on the right, and for those seeking to explore the Hiawatha Preserve amenities, head to the left.
Directly in front of the semi-circular parking area is a public restroom and an extensive playground for kids to get out and explore. There are plenty of benches to hang out while the kids play, and nearby are covered picnic pavilions with charcoal grills available for an afternoon barbecue.
Additional picnic tables are scattered around the preserve under the cover of a canopy of towering Live Oak trees. We recommend grabbing your favorite lunch and heading over to the park to take in the quiet outdoors, all while catching a glimpse of disc golfers at the on-site Champions Pointe Disc Golf Course. The course spans the length of the preserve and features 18 holes and is currently ranked #8 in the state of Florida. Best of all, it's free to play!
Across the street from the preserve, you can meander down the wooden pier to take in beautiful views of Lake Minneola.
While many know Central Florida for our world-class theme parks, shopping, and tourist attractions (that we all know and love), there is so much to explore outside. With many seeking an escape from the northern states' winter weather, these outdoor spaces remind us how much we appreciate the Florida lifestyle and the chance to get out and quite literally touch grass. Clermont is known as a sports and training mecca, and the access to outdoor adventures is ideal for anyone looking for an escape of the day-to-day.
Southwest and West of Orlando has grown so much over the past several years, and there are many opportunities for home ownership in both new construction communities and established neighborhoods nearby. For those looking to be close to Lake Hiawatha Preserve, Lake Minneola, and downtown, be sure to check out these nearby communities in Clermont and Groveland.
Whether you're thinking about making a move to Central Florida from out of state or from across town, having the right local experts makes all the difference. The team at The Funk Collection have been helping buyers in sellers for years, and are here as your trusted resource for Southwest orlando real estate.