6 Fun Kissimmee Facts
Kissimmee (pronounced ke-SIM-ee) is located in central Florida near Orlando. Its name comes from the Native American word, cacema, which means long water. This is very appropriate, as the city is named after the Kissimmee River. There are a number of other fun facts that we will share with you in today’s post.
At Orlando Heli-Tours, we offer a variety of helicopter tours over the area’s major tourist attractions to give you the opportunity to see them like never before! We offer departures from our two locations in Orlando and Kissimmee to accommodate your needs. Contact our Top Rated Local® tourist attraction to book your helicopter tour today!
1. World’s Only Wheelchair Accessible Zipline
Gatorland proudly offers guests with disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of zip lining over alligators! Don’t miss out on this unique ride that will have you soaring 350 feet through the air over the alligator breeding marsh!
2. 396 Holes of Golf!
There are a whopping 22 18-hole golf courses in Kissimmee! In fact, some of the golf courses were designed by golf legends including Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. With the gorgeous weather we enjoy in the Sunshine State, it’s always a perfect day for golf!
3. Founded by Cowboys
Contrary to what many Texans might believe, Florida was actually the first state founded by cowboys. Interestingly enough, one of Kissimmee’s old nicknames was “Kowtown”. Prior to the opening of Walt Disney World and the many theme parks that followed, the economy was dependent on ranching.
4. Alligators and Crocodiles Live Together
In the wild, there is still a small population of American crocodiles that lives in southern Florida. They are primarily found in southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. American alligators are found in the United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas. In Kissimmee, however, they can both be found at Gatorland. You can also spot them in the wild when you book a helicopter tour with Orlando Heli-Tours.
5. Celebration was built by the Walt Disney Company
The town of Celebration was originally intended to be a master-planned community. It eventually became a destination place to enjoy shopping in the quaint town that features shops, restaurants, and businesses that are modeled after those found in small-town America. Be sure to visit the boutique Bohemian Hotel, which features modern accommodations with classic Floridian elegance.
6. Where the Everglades Start
Shingle Creek, which is known as the headwaters of the Everglades, runs through Kissimmee. If you’re interested in a unique way to explore these historic waterways, then check out some of the area’s rental options for kayaks, canoes, and more.
We hope that the fun facts we shared with you have inspired you to visit Kissimmee on your next Florida vacation. At Orlando Heli-Tours, we offer a variety of aerial tours so that you can view different locations in Central Florida like never before. Contact us today to book your helicopter tour in Kissimmee.