A Tour of Kissimmee’s Heritage

Local historical landmarks include a quirky monument, noteworthy buildings and the Silver Spurs Rodeo.

One of Kissimmee's most recognizable landmarks is the 21-tier Monument of States, located at Kissimmee Lakefront Park and constructed by Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis as a symbol of national unity after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. It contains a horde of offbeat objects donated by governors, a prime minister, a U.S. President and tourists. Look for the embedded buffalo horns.

If you’re into historical buildings, pay a visit to The Osceola County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the state’s oldest operating courthouse in continuous use since its opening in 1890.

The Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek with an old Cracker house, citrus packing house and blacksmith’s shop will also be up your alley. And the Seminole Indian Homestead will give you an idea of how the Seminole tribe lived before the European influence.

Quaint and all-American, Historic Downtown Kissimmee bustles with boutiques and restaurants. Fueling its beauty is the Annual Kissimmee Sculpture Experience—outdoor artworks loaned by the artists and available for purchase through September. Pick up a brochure and map at the Kissimmee Main Street Welcome Station at 421 Broadway.