Somewhere west of the Orlando theme parks, a lifted school bus on monster truck tires rumbles past orange trees while a camel named Joe waits for his snack. That scene sums up one of Central Florida’s most beloved roadside stops, a place where a cup of orange juice and a stroll past grazing goats still cost far less than a single theme park ticket.
Families, couples, and even motorcycle clubs make the drive to Clermont for groves, gift shops, rescue animals, and a ride that leaves everyone grinning. Keep reading to find out what to do first, what costs extra, and how to beat the Florida heat during your visit.
An Old Florida Stop in Clermont
Some of Florida’s best surprises sit at the end of a quiet country road. Showcase of Citrus is one of them, found at 15051 Frank Jarrell Rd, Clermont, FL 34714, in the rolling countryside of Central Florida.
The spot is a family-owned working ranch with scenic citrus groves and an old-timey country store. It covers roughly 2,500 acres and grows more than 50 varieties of citrus.
It sits close enough to the big Orlando parks to make an easy side trip. Yet the mood here leans toward classic roadside fun rather than high-tech thrills.
That balance is a big part of its charm. The grounds mix shopping, animal encounters, grove views, and a wild off-road tour into one stop.
Best of all, there is no charge to walk in. Guests pay only for the activities they choose, such as animal feed buckets or the famous truck ride.
With a strong following and thousands of happy notes from families online, the place has earned its spot on many Central Florida bucket lists. Grab the car keys, because the story only gets more fun from here.
Roots in the Citrus Groves
Citrus built much of Florida’s identity, and this ranch keeps that tradition in plain view. Rows of trees stretch across the property, a reminder of the industry that once defined the region around Clermont.
The headline of this story points to a long tradition of Floridians stopping for orange juice and treats along country roads. Showcase of Citrus carries that roadside spirit forward in a modern way.
Today the groves serve as more than scenery. They form the backdrop for the truck tour, the photo spots, and seasonal fruit picking.
Many guests describe the setting as a slice of what Florida used to be like. The laid-back pace and open space feel far removed from crowded attractions down the highway.
Staff and tour guides share facts about the oranges as part of the experience. Those little lessons help even young kids understand where their breakfast juice begins.
Here is a fun bit of trivia to bring home. With over 50 citrus varieties on site, there are far more options than the standard grocery store orange.
Those groves set the stage, but the real showstopper is waiting in the parking area on giant tires.
The Monster School Bus Safari
Few tours begin with climbing aboard a school bus perched on monster truck tires. That is exactly how the signature Monster Truck Safari works here, and it is the most talked-about activity on the property by a wide margin.
The ride costs $25 per person and lasts about 45 minutes. It rolls past the orchards and into the backwoods where many of the larger animals live.
Guides make several stops along the way and keep the commentary lively. Many of them earn praise for their humor and deep knowledge of the animals, the oranges, and the trucks themselves.
Accessibility is better than you might expect. The truck is wheelchair accessible, so nobody needs to scale the giant wheels to join the fun.
Keep an eye out for Big Foot during the trip. The bumpy route and goofy surprises make the ride a hit with toddlers, grandparents, and grown-up motorcycle clubs alike.
Some guests wish they saw more live animals along the way. Still, most step off laughing and already planning a second round.
Save some animal feed before boarding, because a certain hungry camel is waiting down the trail.
Joe the Camel and the Backwoods Crew
Joe the Camel might be the most popular resident on the ranch. He is the animal you get close enough to feed during the truck tour, and he has a reputation for being delightfully silly.
The backwoods portion of the ride also passes zebras, buffalo, and deer. Guides point out baby animals when they appear, which tends to spark plenty of excitement on board.
Not every creature out there is real. The lions, tigers, giraffes, and alligators along the route are fake, placed for laughs and photos.
Knowing that ahead of time helps set expectations for kids. The props add to the playful roadside vibe rather than pretending to be a full zoo.
Many of the animals on the property are rescues. That detail gives the feeding moments a little extra meaning for families.
The tour stops often enough for everyone to get a good look. Patient guides answer questions and share stories about each animal along the way.
Back at the main grounds, an entirely different group of furry friends is lined up and ready for snacks.
Feed Buckets and Friendly Goats
A bucket of veggies is the ticket to instant popularity in the front pens. Guests can buy different sizes at arrival, and a smart move is splitting a big bucket into smaller ones to share.
Goats, ponies, donkeys, and pigs crowd the fences when the food comes out. They are eager but not aggressive, which makes the experience easy for small hands.
A huge tortoise lives here too and has a known fondness for lettuce. The pigs and tortoises take their time arriving, so a little patience pays off.
One goat has a habit of standing on top of the tortoise. That odd friendship has become a favorite photo moment.
A second pen in the back holds a llama, a large pig, more goats, and other farm animals. Plan to hold some feed for that stop as well.
Hand washing stations are available near the animal areas. Restrooms are on site too, which parents of messy toddlers will appreciate.
Goats are fun, but the next residents have their own fan club and even their own names.
Capybaras, Kangaroos and Lemurs
Meet Ron and Rhonda, the capybaras who steal plenty of hearts. A capybara meet and greet is available for an extra fee, and many families call it a top highlight of their trip.
Time slots are scheduled, so booking early in the visit helps. Staff members have been known to go out of their way to make these sessions special for kids.
Kangaroos live on the property as well. Lucky guests sometimes spot a mother hopping around with a little joey in her pouch.
Peacocks wander nearby, adding a pop of color to photos. Lemurs and assorted birds round out this unusual lineup.
A few of these animals require an extra payment to get closer. The added cost stays modest compared with similar encounters elsewhere in Central Florida.
Capybaras are the largest rodents on Earth, which makes them a fun fact for curious kids. Seeing them up close is something most people rarely get to do.
Once the animal tour wraps up, there is still treasure waiting to be found, quite literally, in a bag of dirt.
Gem Mining, Playground and Little Extras
Treasure hunters, take note. A gem mining station lets guests buy a bag of dirt and sift through it at the sluice box to find crystals.
The station sits in the sun, so plan this activity for a cooler part of the day. A hat goes a long way here.
Behind the concession stand, a playground offers simple fun. Parents often say it makes the perfect final stop before the drive home.
A shaded play area features ride-on toys that cost between 50 cents and a dollar. It is a budget-friendly way to keep little ones entertained a while longer.
Photo spots appear all over the grounds. One playful setup even warns guests to beware of sharks, which is all part of the joke.
Picnic tables are scattered around the property for breaks. They make it easy to rest between activities without rushing anyone along.
All that mining and climbing builds an appetite, and the next stop handles that nicely.
Orange Juice Treats and Food Trucks
Orange juice has always been the heart of a Florida citrus stop. Here it shows up in creative ways, including an orange creamsicle drink that blends juice with ice cream.
That creamsicle has a loyal following. Many guests name it among the best things they tried all day.
Food trucks gather on the grounds and come up often in conversations about the place. One favorite is Food for the Soul, which serves barbecue.
A restaurant on site handles lunch for those spending several hours. Prices are widely described as reasonable, which matters when feeding a whole family.
Plenty of picnic tables mean there is room to sit and refuel. Nobody hurries guests out, so a long lunch is perfectly fine.
The atmosphere around the food area stays relaxed. Groups linger, kids compare gem finds, and parents plan the next activity.
Snacks are only half the shopping story, though, because two gift shops are waiting to be explored.
Inside the Country Store
Two gift shops sit on the property, one near the front and one in the back. Together they carry much of the roadside nostalgia the place is known for.
Shelves hold locally made jellies, jams, salsa, and honey. The honey has fans who buy it regularly to take home.
Fresh fruit is sometimes available, including peaches. Exotic jerky also appears among the more unusual finds.
The store fits the old-timey country theme of the ranch. It is a good place to pick up gifts for friends who could not make the trip.
Shoppers can also find citrus-related products throughout both stores. Sweet treats are part of the lineup as well, a nod to the long tradition of roadside orange stands.
Browsing makes a nice break from the sun. Families often duck inside between the truck ride and the animal pens.
Fruit lovers may want even more, and during the right season, the trees themselves are open for picking.
Seasons, Weather and Who Fits In
Timing can shape the whole visit. During harvest season, guests can pick their own citrus straight from the trees.
U-pick depends on the crop, though. An unusually cold winter once made it unavailable even in season, so checking ahead is wise.
Fall brings pumpkin patch fun and decorated photo spots. The holidays are another favorite time, with great photo setups across the grounds.
Summer heat is the main challenge. There is about a 10-minute wait in the sun before boarding the truck, so bring an umbrella and wear light, quick-dry clothing.
Rain can cancel outdoor plans, but the play area still offers fun on wet days. Pet owners will be happy to hear the property is pet friendly.
The crowd is wonderfully mixed. Families, couples, grandparents, and even biker clubs all find something here.
Venues on site host weddings, graduation parties, and school events. With so many uses, it pays to know the practical details before heading out.
Hours, Tickets and a Sweet Send-Off
Planning is easy with steady hours. Showcase of Citrus is open every day of the week from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Entry is free, and activities are paid separately. The truck ride costs $25 per person, while feed buckets, gem bags, and animal encounters carry their own small fees.
Tickets can sometimes be bought at the counter when space allows. Weekdays tend to be calmer, while weekends may require reservations and longer waits.
Check in for the truck tour soon after arriving. That leaves time to feed animals and explore before your departure time.
Staff at the check-in desk earn praise for being quick and kind, even when ticket mix-ups happen. That friendly help makes a big difference on busy days.
So is it worth the drive to Clermont? For anyone craving a simple day of orange juice, goats, and a giant bus bouncing through the groves, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
It is old Florida fun with a modern twist, and it leaves plenty of reasons to come back for another squeeze.
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