Florida’s Monster Truck Safari at Showcase of Citrus

Deep in the Central Florida citrus groves is a larger-than-life adventure that even most locals don’t know about. It’s an excursion unlike any other that takes guests on a wild ride through Florida’s swamps and groves, and you’re almost guaranteed to see some of the Sunshine State’s famous wildlife, as well as a few surprise guests.

Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, Fla., is home to “World’s Largest Monster Truck Safari.” The massive, yellow-and-black-striped trucks have been modified and fit with over-sized tires, making it perfect for trekking through 2,500 acres of pastures, citrus groves and swampy areas. These big swamp buggies are 14 feet wide, 16 feet tall and about 40 feet long. Visitors are seated at least 12 feet high while riding, offering great views of the ranch and swamplands.

During the one-hour tour, riders likely will see some familiar Florida animals like snapping turtles, alligators and snakes. And if you’re lucky, the tour guide may hop off the bus and carefully capture a creature for the perfect photo opportunity. Other wildlife at the ranch include a zebra, watusi and water buffalo.

The monster truck tours are available year-round with up to five tours scheduled each day, depending on the season. Tours cost $25 for adults and $15 for kids, while children 3 years old and under can ride for free. Reservations are recommended, especially during the winter months when the weather is cooler.

Showcase of Citrus is a family-owned and operated estate with more than 70 varieties of citrus, located just 15 minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. While it’s certainly an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the old-school Florida roadside attraction is home to a farm store and market with locally made jams, jellies and treats, and visitors who feel like exploring can grab a map and journey through the groves to pick their own citrus, blueberries and blackberries.