A 2,500-acre adventure that's pure Florida fun – and yes, you can ride in a truck taller than your house
Picture this: you're sitting 16 feet in the air in a modified school bus that's been turned into a legitimate monster truck, rumbling through orange groves while a zebra casually strolls by. Where are you? Not some fever dream – you're at the Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, and this is just another Tuesday in Lake County's most unexpectedly awesome attraction.
If you're considering a move to Central Florida or already living in the area, Showcase of Citrus represents something special: genuine agritourism that manages to be educational, entertaining, and totally Florida without being touristy. It's a working citrus and cattle ranch that happens to offer monster truck safaris, U-pick fruit, exotic animals, and the world's best orange juice slushy. Let's talk about why this 2,500-acre estate should be on your must-visit list.
What Exactly Is Showcase of Citrus?
Since 1989, the Showcase of Citrus has been a family-owned and operated working farm on Frank Jarrell Road in Clermont. Started by John Arnold's family as a citrus and cattle operation, it has evolved into what they call "Florida's Fresh Air Attraction" – and that tagline isn't marketing fluff. This is real agriculture mixed with family entertainment in the best possible way.
The property spans 2,500 acres and cultivates over 50 varieties of citrus fruits. But here's where it gets interesting: instead of just being a U-pick farm, they've created an entire experience around Florida agriculture and wildlife. The current operators, Tara Boshell and John Arnold, met at a mud run event on the property in 2012 (yes, really), discovered they were both collectors of antiques and old Florida memorabilia, fell in love, and together transformed the farm into the eclectic attraction it is today.
The result? A "hot mess of everything anybody could love," as Tara herself describes it – and she means that in the best way possible. It's part citrus grove, part wildlife sanctuary, part vintage roadside attraction, and 100% authentic Florida experience.
The Star Attraction: Monster Truck Safari Through the Outback
Let's address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the absolutely massive modified school bus in the orange grove. The monster truck tour is what puts Showcase of Citrus on the map, and it's every bit as awesome as it sounds.
These aren't your typical tour buses. We're talking about vehicles that are 40 feet long, 16 feet tall, and 14 feet wide – custom-built behemoths that can carry up to 35 passengers at a time. The tours run throughout the day (10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, and during daylight saving time, also 5 PM and 6 PM), and each adventure lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
What You'll See on the Tour
The monster truck safari takes you through various ecosystems on the property, including:
- Native Florida woodlands – dense vegetation and natural habitats
- Working citrus groves – see where your orange juice actually comes from
- Pastureland – where the ranch's cattle roam
- Exotic animal enclosures – zebras, water buffalo, watusi cattle, camels, emus, and more
- "Bigfoot territory" – yes, they have fun with it, complete with giant Bigfoot figures, wood fairies, and gnomes hidden throughout the property
The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining, providing information about Florida agriculture, citrus farming techniques, irrigation systems, and wildlife conservation. But they also know how to keep kids engaged with fun facts and interactive elements. During harvest season, cattle feed is included, and you can purchase animal feed buckets ($10) to toss food to the exotic animals – which creates some truly memorable moments when a zebra comes running over or a camel gets up close and personal.
Pricing and Reservations
Here's the great news: the monster truck tour is reasonably priced at $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 4-12, and FREE for kids 3 and under. Military members also ride free (thank you for your service!). You can book tours online at least 24 hours in advance, or call (352) 856-0507 for same-day reservations or walk-ups (subject to availability).
Even better? The tour is fully wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities. And yes, you can bring food and drinks on the tour – they specifically allow alcohol as long as you purchase it from the property.
U-Pick Citrus: Florida Agriculture at Your Fingertips
While the monster truck tour gets all the attention, don't sleep on the U-pick citrus experience. From November through May, when citrus season is in full swing, you can wander through the groves and pick your own oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, tangelos, lemons, limes, and kumquats straight from the trees.
This isn't just tourist entertainment – this is legitimate Florida agriculture. The farm cultivates over 50 different varieties of citrus, and the staff can help you identify which fruits are ready for picking and which varieties taste best for different uses. Want sweet juice oranges? They'll point you in the right direction. Looking for tart lemons for cooking? They've got several varieties to choose from.
The U-pick experience is self-guided and relaxing. You can take your time, bring the kids, and make it as educational or as casual as you want. There's something incredibly satisfying about picking fresh fruit directly from the tree – it connects you to Florida's agricultural heritage in a hands-on way that you just can't get at the grocery store.
Pro tip: Go in late winter or early spring when multiple citrus varieties are ready simultaneously. You can fill a bag with an incredible variety of fresh fruit for surprisingly little money.
The Old-Time Country Store: A Treasure Trove of Florida Goodies
The country store at Showcase of Citrus is an experience in itself. This isn't your typical farm stand – it's a sprawling collection of locally made products, vintage decor, kitschy roadside attraction memorabilia, and enough random oddities to keep you entertained for an hour.
What you'll find in the store:
- Fresh citrus – obviously! Bags of various fruits picked fresh from the property
- Locally made honey – multiple varieties collected on the farm
- Jams, jellies, and preserves – featuring Florida fruits and unique flavor combinations
- Hot sauces and salsas – including some with interesting heat levels
- Exotic jerky – alligator meat, anyone?
- Local wines and craft beers – they have a full bar area
- Vintage toys and decor – bikes hanging from the ceiling, old farm equipment, a 1910 barber chair
- Gifts and souvenirs – including that Trump fortune-telling machine visitors keep mentioning
The vibe is "everything your grandparents' garage sale wished it could be," mixed with genuine Florida products and a sense of humor about the whole thing. It's chaotic in the best way – you never know what you'll discover around the next corner.
The World-Famous Orange Juice Slushy (and Why It Lives Up to the Hype)
Let's talk about the orange juice slushy, because this deserves its own section. Showcase of Citrus makes what they call the "world famous" 100% natural orange juice slushy, and folks, it's not an exaggeration to say this might be the best frozen drink you'll ever have.
Made with fresh-squeezed juice from oranges grown right there on the property, the slushy is pure citrus goodness with no added sugar, no artificial flavoring, and no nonsense. They also offer a creamsicle version that's basically a liquid vacation in a cup. Orange is always available, with other citrus flavors rotating based on what's in season.
On a hot Florida day (which is pretty much every day from April to October), this slushy is life-changing. It's refreshing, not overly sweet, and tastes like actual fruit instead of sugar water with orange flavoring. Parents appreciate that it's genuinely healthy. Kids just know it's delicious.
Other refreshments available include frozen yogurt, ice cream bars, snacks, and full bar service with beer, wine, and cocktails. The covered cantina area provides plenty of shaded seating, making it a great spot to relax and cool down between activities.
Exotic Animals and Farm Friends: A Petting Zoo on Steroids
Showcase of Citrus is a licensed wildlife exhibitor, which means the animal encounters here go way beyond your typical petting zoo. We're talking about exotic species you won't see at most Central Florida attractions.
Animals you might encounter:
- Zebras – yes, actual African zebras that will come up to the truck during tours
- Water buffalo – massive and impressive up close
- Watusi cattle – with horns that span up to 8 feet
- Camels – friendly and surprisingly personable
- Kangaroos – in their own enclosure near the entrance
- Capybaras – the world's largest rodents, and they're adorable
- Emus – tall, curious, and known for their funny dance moves
- Farm animals – pigs, goats, chickens, mini horses, donkeys, rabbits, llamas, and cows
- Alligators, snakes, and native birds – Florida wildlife in natural settings
Many of these animals can be fed during the monster truck tour (with feed buckets available for purchase), and there are also penned animal areas near the entrance where kids can get up close. The farm takes animal welfare seriously – all enclosures are spacious and well-maintained, and the animals appear healthy and well-cared-for.
Gem Mining: Treasure Hunting for All Ages
In addition to all the citrus and animal adventures, Showcase of Citrus offers gem mining in a real sluice box. You purchase a bag of mining material from the store (different sizes at different price points), then head to the covered mining area to sift through and discover your treasures.
Kids absolutely love this activity. There's something magical about the process of washing away dirt and sand to reveal colorful gems, fossils, arrowheads, and other treasures. It's hands-on, it's educational, and it keeps children engaged for a surprisingly long time.
Parents appreciate that it's not just random rocks – the bags genuinely contain interesting finds, and the staff can help identify what you've discovered. It's also covered and shaded, which makes it comfortable even on hot afternoons.
The Epic Play Areas: Heaven for Tractor-Loving Kids
Here's something that often surprises first-time visitors: Showcase of Citrus has MASSIVE play areas that would make many city parks jealous. The outdoor spaces include:
- A huge sandbox with operational excavators and construction vehicles that kids can actually use
- Vintage tractors to climb on and explore
- Traditional playground equipment – slides, swings, climbing structures
- Plenty of shaded seating for parents to relax while kids play
- Photo-worthy vintage displays throughout the property
Parents consistently report that their kids would happily spend hours just in the play areas alone. The operational excavator in the sandbox is particularly popular – there's something about digging with real construction equipment (even scaled-down versions) that captures kids' imaginations.
The best part? All of this is included with your free admission to the property. You can let the kids burn energy while you grab a drink at the cantina and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
Why Clermont Residents (and Future Residents) Should Care
If you're living in or considering a move to Clermont, Showcase of Citrus represents something valuable: authentic local entertainment that doesn't feel corporate or manufactured. This is a family business that has been part of the Lake County community for over three decades, and it shows genuine passion for Florida agriculture and wildlife.
For families with kids, it's an affordable day out that offers educational value without being boring. Homeschooling parents particularly appreciate the hands-on learning opportunities – from agriculture and botany to wildlife biology and Florida history, there are teaching moments around every corner.
For couples or friend groups, it's a fun, Instagram-worthy adventure that's unlike anything else in the area. Where else can you ride monster trucks through orange groves while feeding a zebra and then cool off with a fresh-squeezed orange slushy?
And here's the thing that makes it special for locals: there's no admission fee. Zero. Free parking, free entrance, and you only pay for the specific activities you want to do (monster truck tour, gem mining, animal feed, food and drinks). You can genuinely visit, walk around, browse the store, let the kids play, and leave without spending a dime if you want. That's pretty remarkable for a Central Florida attraction.
The Clermont Context: What Makes This Location Special
Showcase of Citrus sits on Frank Jarrell Road, just off Highway 27 in rural Clermont. This location is perfect – close enough to civilization to be convenient (about 15 minutes from Historic Downtown Clermont and 20 minutes from Winter Garden), but far enough out to maintain that authentic countryside feel.
The property is surrounded by Clermont's rolling hills – yes, Florida has hills! – and preserved natural areas. Nearby, you'll find Lake Louisa State Park for more outdoor adventures, and the Southern Hill Farms (another agritourism spot worth visiting).
After your visit to Showcase of Citrus, you're perfectly positioned to explore more of Clermont's attractions. Head to the Florida Citrus Tower for panoramic views, cool off at Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola, or grab lunch at one of the Clermont restaurants downtown.
Practical Information: Planning Your Visit
Hours and Admission
Open: 365 days a year, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (yes, even holidays!)
Admission: FREE – seriously, no entrance fee or parking charges
Monster Truck Tour: $25 adults, $15 kids (4-12), FREE ages 0-3
Location: 15051 Frank Jarrell Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
Phone: (352) 394-4377 for general info, (352) 856-0507 for tour reservations
What to Bring
- Sunscreen – you'll be outdoors quite a bit
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash for the country store (though they accept cards too)
- A cooler if you're picking citrus and want to keep it fresh
- Bottled water, or plan to buy drinks there
How Long to Spend
Plan for 2-4 hours minimum if you're doing the monster truck tour and exploring the property. If you're picking citrus, gem mining, and letting the kids play extensively, you could easily spend half a day or more. Many families report arriving thinking they'll stay for an hour and still being there three hours later – there's just that much to do.
Best Time to Visit
Each season has its perks. Winter months (November-May) offer U-pick citrus season, comfortable temperatures, and less afternoon rain. Summer months see fewer crowds, longer daylight (enabling the 6 PM tour), and lower prices on some activities. Early mornings tend to be quieter, while afternoons can get busier, especially on weekends.
Special Events and Entertainment
Showcase of Citrus occasionally hosts special events beyond the regular attractions. Past events have included:
- Elvis impersonator performances (yes, really!)
- Food truck gatherings
- Seasonal festivals
- Private group tours and events
- Educational field trips for schools
Check their Facebook page or call ahead to see if any special events are happening during your planned visit. Group rates are available for parties of 12 or more, and they can accommodate large groups with advance reservations.
What Makes Showcase of Citrus Different from Theme Parks
Let's be real: Central Florida is synonymous with theme parks. We've got Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and countless other attractions. So what makes a citrus farm with a monster truck worth your time?
Here's the thing: Showcase of Citrus offers something the big parks can't – authenticity. This is real agriculture, real Florida wildlife, and real family hospitality. There are no animatronics (well, except the ones in their gift shop displays). No actors in costumes. No corporate marketing teams designing every blade of grass.
It's also refreshingly affordable. While a day at a major theme park can easily cost $100+ per person before food and parking, a family of four can have a full Showcase of Citrus experience for under $100 total – and that includes the monster truck tour, gem mining, animal feed, and treats.
The pace is different too. There's no rushing from ride to ride, no FastPass strategy, no crowds pushing past you. You can move at your own speed, take as many photos as you want, and actually relax. It's the antidote to theme park frenzy.
The Story Behind the Family
Understanding the people behind Showcase of Citrus makes the experience even more meaningful. John Arnold grew up in the citrus industry and became involved full-time in the 1980s after college. He recognized early that diversification was key to survival in Florida agriculture, so he started a composting business using food scraps from Tampa and Orlando to fertilize the groves and pastures.
When he met Tara Boshell at that mud run in 2012, they bonded over their shared love of antiques and old Florida. Tara had grown up on an apple orchard in Connecticut before moving to Florida as a teenager, so she understood farm life. Together, they blended their families (his four sons and her two daughters all help with the business) and their collections of vintage Americana to create the unique atmosphere that defines Showcase of Citrus today.
This isn't a corporate venture – it's a genuine family operation where you'll likely interact with actual family members during your visit. That personal touch makes all the difference.
Our Take: Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, with some caveats. If you're expecting Disney-level polish and infrastructure, you'll be disappointed. This is a working farm with all the rustic charm (and occasional rough edges) that comes with it. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, but this ain't the Four Seasons.
That said, if you embrace it for what it is – an authentic Florida agritourism experience with a sense of humor about itself – you'll have an absolute blast. The monster truck tour alone is worth the price of admission. Adding in the U-pick citrus, the animals, the play areas, and that incredible orange slushy makes it one of the best value-for-money attractions in Central Florida.
For Clermont residents or anyone living in Lake County, this should be on your regular rotation of local activities. For people relocating to the area, it's a perfect introduction to what makes Florida special beyond the beaches and theme parks. And for visitors from out of state, it's a glimpse of real Florida agriculture and wildlife that you won't find at the typical tourist spots.
Best for: Families with kids, couples looking for unique dates, homeschool groups, photography enthusiasts, anyone who loves animals, citrus enthusiasts, and people who appreciate authentic local experiences over corporate entertainment.
The Bottom Line
Showcase of Citrus is what happens when a working citrus and cattle ranch decides to share its operations with the public in the most entertaining way possible. It's part agritourism, part wildlife sanctuary, part vintage roadside attraction, and entirely unique to Clermont.
With free admission, reasonable activity pricing, and hours of entertainment, it offers incredible value. But more than that, it offers something increasingly rare in Central Florida: authenticity. This is real farming, real wildlife conservation, and real family hospitality – no corporate polish required.
Whether you're picking fresh oranges under the Florida sun, rumbling through the outback in a monster truck while feeding exotic animals, or simply enjoying the world's best orange slushy in the shade, Showcase of Citrus delivers an experience that's uniquely Florida. It's quirky, it's fun, it's educational, and it's the perfect antidote to theme park overload.
So grab the family, head out to Frank Jarrell Road, and discover why this family farm has become one of Clermont's must-visit attractions. Just don't forget to arrive 30 minutes early if you're booking the monster truck tour – and definitely try that orange slushy!
For more information, tour schedules, and special events, visit the official Showcase of Citrus website or follow them on Facebook for updates.
Exploring Clermont and considering making it your home? Check out our comprehensive Clermont real estate guide, discover more things to do in Clermont, and explore Clermont's parks and outdoor recreation. Have questions about living in Lake County? Contact us – we're local real estate experts who know Central Florida inside and out! 🍊
