Living and Playing

Kissimmee: Cattleman Traditions

Osceola County's rich heritage and creative talents can be discovered throughout the area, from its distinct downtowns to beautiful lakefront parks to the enduring Silver Spurs Rodeo that celebrates its Cracker Cowboy roots.

The Silver Spurs Rodeo offers a glimpse of Osceola County's rich cattleman traditions in action. The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River and a Central Florida tradition since the 1940s, the Silver Spurs Rodeo brings cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the United States to compete in events such bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and more.

The area's pioneer and cattleman history comes to life at the Osceola County Historical Center and Museum. The Center preserves the heritage of the area with a collection of original buildings dating from the 1800s, museum pieces and more. Among the major sites are a primitive “cow hunter” campsite, an 1889 homestead, a one-room 1800s schoolhouse, and a citrus packing house. Guided tours are provided by staff members and volunteers who can uniquely tell the tales of early Osceola County that include history plus interesting asides that only locals would know.

St. Cloud: Soldier City

The city of St. Cloud also honors its rich history as a "Soldier City", established in the early 1900s as settlement for Union veterans of the Civil War. Its Veteran's Memorial Park is a quiet respite from the bustle of the nearby highway and features monuments honoring war veterans. It also hosts community events on its grounds and in its band shell. The St. Cloud Heritage Museum at the Veterans Memorial Library offers a glimpse of the city's founding and its evolution over the last century.

Osceola County Arts Scene

The artistic talents of Osceola County residents, nurtured by a strong arts center and a performing arts magnet school, also are on display in street exhibits, in downtown shops and restaurants and in public buildings.

Historic downtown Kissimmee is home to various sculptures, murals and monuments located throughout the downtown streets and Lakefront Park. Also found in Downtown Kissimmee is Gallery One, a studio featuring paintings, sculptures, pottery and more on display and for sale, all created by local and regional artists. Gallery One hosts a monthly public reception showcasing a featured artist.

For several decades, the Osceola Center for the Arts has offered a variety of events, including visual and performing arts classes, theatre performances and an art gallery. The Osceola County School for the Performing Arts also presents professional performances in addition to highlighting the abilities of area students.