On July 21, 1821, Florida was divided into two counties, named Escambia County to the west and St. John's County to the east. In 1824, the southern part of St. John's County became Mosquito County, with Enterprise as the county seat. When Florida became a state in 1845, Mosquito County was renamed Orange County. In 1844, Brevard County was carved out from Mosquito County. On May 12, 1887, Osceola was named a county, having been created from both Orange and Brevard Counties. Osceola County reached all the way down to Lake Okeechobee until 1917 when Okeechobee County was formed.  -- click Orlando airboat tours to our airboats.

Historic Downtown Kissimmee has been at the centre of life in Osceola County since the early 1890's, and today it continues to grow with the surrounding community while staying deeply rooted in the past. Lake Toho and cattle were at the centre of Kissimmee's beginning, and both are still a vibrant part of Historic Downtown Kissimmee.
Tree lined streets are part of our National Register Historic District, a pedestrian friendly downtown area featuring antique shops, western wear, clothing stores and restaurants; a play area and beautiful Lake Toho all combine to offer something for everyone.

Lake Tohopekaliga (Native American for sleeping tiger) or 'Toho' for short the primary inflow of Shingle Creek, which rises in Orlando. It spans 42 miles in diameter and is linked to East Lake Tohopekaliga by canal to the east, and Cypress Lake by canal at its southern tip. Lake Toho is the largest lake in Osceola County and is widely renowned for its bass fishing. -- Get on Orlando airboat rides to visit Lake Toho.

Although only accessible by boat, in the past Makinson Island has been home to citrus and cattle farms and an exotic animal attraction. Bought by the state in 1999, the 132-acre island was turned over to Osceola County and opened to the public in 2001. With 3.5 miles of hiking trails winding through ancient live oaks and Orange Groves, there are plenty of opportunities to see, amongst other things, the armadillos, giant turtles and birdlife that live on the island. -- Go with Orlando airboats.

Shingle Creek is generally considered to be the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades. It is named after cypress trees that lined the bank in the late 1800's that were used to make wood shingles. The creek and areas around it are now protected wetlands. The creek begins in a swamp area of south Orange County, between International Drive and John Young Parkway. From there it flows south-east under the Beachline Expressway and Osceola Parkway to Kissimmee in Osceola County where it flows into Lake Tohopekaliga. From there water flows into the Kissimmee River system to south Florida and the Everglades. -- visit Shingle Creek with Kissimmee pontoon tours