The 1950s and 1960s were decades of growth and modernization across Florida. As new residents poured into the state, Winter Park maintained its reputation as a cultured enclave of art and academia, largely due to the presence of Rollins College, founded in 1885. The college, known for its liberal arts tradition and lakeside campus, became a focal point of the community and a key attraction along the scenic boat route.
By the 1960s, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour had expanded its fleet and refined its routes. Visitors could now explore the Chain of Lakes, including Lakes Virginia, Osceola, and Maitland, through narrow, vine-covered canals that seemed almost magical in their beauty. Tour guides shared anecdotes about the area’s architecture, notable residents, and the wildlife that thrived in the surrounding waters.
During this era, the tour became synonymous with Old Florida charm. It offered an escape from the fast pace of modern life—a nostalgic reminder of the days before massive development reshaped the state’s landscape. The small ticket booth near Dinky Dock on Morse Boulevard became a familiar sight, and generations of families made the tour part of their holiday traditions. shutdown123