Set amidst a lush swath of orange groves, Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills features the Trails of the Conquistadors, two intertwining historical and educational eco-adventure trails that allow visitors to explore the plants and wildlife that early explorers would have seen.

They came, they conquered, and what they left behind generated wealth beyond what they could have imagined.

While the Spanish conquistadors of the 1500’s came up short in their quest for gold and silver, the orange seeds they planted initiated an industry worth over a billion dollars. These explorers are long gone, but you can enjoy the fruits of these now matured orange groves and walk the places they travelled when they first arrived.

Golf Courses Among Historic Trails

The spectacular Central Florida golf course situated 35 miles from sunny Orlando offers Spanish colonial architecture and two world class award winning golf courses, El Campeon and Las Colinas. Set within the El Campeon course are the two trails, each one an easy walk about a third of a mile long. The entrance is behind La Hacienda restaurant, between the 17th green and the 18th tee of the course.

Self Guided Tour

Before setting out on your walk, pick up the self guided tour at the resort front desk. It’s an ideal activity for visitors of all ages. With the Trail Activity Map in hand, you and the young ones can hike the trail in search of various animals listed on the map. It’s like a treasure hunt, and the clues provided relate to wildlife.

The Plant Guide provides details about the flora along the trails that date back to the time of the Conquistadors. You’ll glimpse Saw Palmetto which grew so abundantly in the 1500’s that the trails were almost impregnable. You’ll see grapefruit plants which the early explorers brought over on their ships.

An Enjoyable Break Steeped in History

Complement your outdoor adventures at our Central Florida golf course with a round of golf or a swim in the pool. Then enjoy signature steak and seafood at the El Conquistador restaurant overlooking picturesque Plaza de la Fontana.

Re-trace history and do some exploring of your own in the spectacular setting of Mission Inn Resort & Club.