NALCREST and the former FEDHAVEN

By  Mike Miller Updated March 15, 2023

Nalcrest and Fedhaven are located on a stretch of Florida State Road 60 that runs 45 lonely miles between Lake Wales and Yeehaw Junction.

There are thousands of acres of cattle land on both sides of the road, and few developments and populated places.

Nalcrest Entrance Sign

About 11 miles east of Lake Wales, you will come to a road heading south, Doherty Road.  For almost 50 years, a sign there pointed the way to the two communities of NALCREST and FEDHAVEN. 

Fedhaven changed its name recently to Lakeshore, but it's still the same place it always was although it suffered a lot of damage from three hurricanes back in 2004.

NALCREST is an acronym that stands for National Association of Letter Carriers Retirement, Education, Security and Training.

It's a good thing they came up with the acronym:  the long name would not fit on the entrance sign.

It was designed and built by the union that represents letter carriers of the U.S. Postal Service.

Ground was broken and construction started on NALCREST back in 1962. It is a community of garden apartments on a couple of hundred acres on the north shore of Lake Weohyakapka.

All residents of this community have to be retired members of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

A funny thing about NALCREST is that mail is not delivered to individual apartments; residents have to walk to the local post office to get their mail.

Nalcrest Letter Carrier Statue

Nearby Lakeshore was called FEDHAVEN for most of the years since it was built. It is about one mile east of NALCREST and was developed as a retirement community for retired federal employees.

FEDHAVEN was built about the same time as NALCREST.  It was eventually sold to private developers who changed the name to Lakeshore.

Drive to the end of Doherty Road off State Road 60. The road stops at Leisure Lane. Leisure Lane West takes you to NALCREST and Leisure Lane East takes you to Lakeshore.

Take a look. At least you'll be able to say you saw these unusual little Florida retirement communities.

THINGS TO DO IN NALCREST, FLORIDA

Babson Park Nature Center
200 N Crooked Lake Dr, Babson Park, FL | (863) 638-1355

Babson Park is about 16 miles from Nalcrest. Step into a desert-like ecosystem at the Ridge Audobon Society’s Babson Park Nature Center, located at Webber International University.

This quarter-mile nature trail winds through rare species’ habitat, found exclusively on the Lake Wales Ridge. Listen to the rustle of scrub oaks and watch for elusive wildlife. It’s like entering a secret garden—the kind that whispers stories of Florida’s past.

Lake Weohyakapka
1400 Nalcrest Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898

The city of Lake Wales is about 12 miles from Nalcrest. Known locally as Lake Walk-in-Water, this lake is renowned for its excellent bass fishing.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying your hand at fishing for the first time, the lake’s abundant fish population and stunning views make for an unforgettable experience.

Boat rentals and fishing guides are available nearby, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful day on the water. Don’t forget to catch the sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking view that's truly picture-perfect.

Nalcrest Walking Trails
Downtown Nalcrest, Nalcrest FL 33856

These trails wind through the community and its natural surroundings. They offer a perfect opportunity for a morning jog, an afternoon walk, or a bicycle ride, allowing visitors to explore the unique landscape of central Florida at their own pace.

Along the way, you’ll encounter lush greenery, wildlife, and the friendly faces of Nalcrest residents. The trails are well-marked and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making them a great activity for the whole family. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the great outdoors and the warm Florida sunshine.

Nalcrest Foundation, Inc.
Community Center, 67101 Nalcrest Road, Nalcrest, FL 33856

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the history of Nalcrest. Through photographs, documents, and personal stories, visitors can learn about the early days of Nalcrest, its development, and its vibrant community life today.

The foundation's volunteers are full of stories and eager to share, making this an engaging experience for history buffs or anyone curious about this one-of-a-kind community.

SOME COMMENTS FROM OUR WEBSITE VISITORS

Feb 10, 2021
Fedhaven Memory
by: Anonymous

Our family stayed at Fedhaven during the 60's. My dad was an active postal carrier and they invited those active employees to come check the place out.

I remember the pool and community center and small cafe. I remember the crazy lady who handfed an alligator she called Nicodemus!

After living in Florida for the past 15 years. I'm surprised she didn't lose body parts! You also had the use of small motor boats in the small lagoon.

Jan 25, 2021

Old Memories of Fedhaven
by: Anonymous

My grandma was a resident in the late 60's early 70's. I remember walking to the island and feeding the squirrels, if you didn't have food they would follow you around.

I also remember a resident feeding chicken to a small alligator, coaxing it out of the water saying "come here honey".

I remember visiting in August of 1971 and going to the Kennedy Space Center and seeing Apollo 14 on the launch pad. That same trip we went to WDW but it didn't open for another month so they showed us a movie of it's construction.... what a bummer for a 12 year old.

Apr 06, 2018
The great statue
by: Anonymous

We believe we saw it on the road as we passed. Is the statue still there?

EDITOR SAYS

It was there a year or two ago. It's not directly on SR-60, however, it's down in the community itself.

Aug 23, 2017
Nalcrest
by: Jack Shaver

Nalcrest is a hidden paradise in central Florida.

The people there are very friendly and helpful. My wife carried mail and brought me to PARADISE.

Jan 13, 2016
The Former Fedhaven Florida
by: Kat Liddy

It is amazing that the senior retirement apartment community would have damage by a hurricane being right smack in the middle of the state.

My grandparents Max & Loretta Mueller lived there for only 6 months then came back to Indiana for 6 months

We were down there as a family in the 70's & 80's. I remember riding my grandparent's 3 wheeler around the lagoons & down to the center, swimming and having a lady teaching me how to float.

We spent Christmas down there in the 70's, that was something. Frogs croaking, lizards inside the apartment, crickets  chirping, seeing alligators too.

In 1980 I was down there for 1 month attending a trade school in Kissimmee at Southeastern Academy and spent weekends at my grandparents. I visited a lot of the attractions down there. Had a great time!

Sep 23, 2015
Fedhaven in the 1960s
by: Deena

My Grandpa and Grandma Stoops lived here for a while when I was a kid. I loved visiting them and riding bikes around the lagoons, swimming in the pool, playing shuffleboard, dances and dinners at the community place.

I remember a lady I think was a reporter for the little newsletter. Her name was Kit. I remember a man named Eddie at the swimming pool. He always had a white float belt of some type around his waist and sang a song about Dan Dan.

I learned to swim from a lady visiting her parents who was an actual Olympics coach. I remember the alligators roaring at night and getting our pictures taken standing right next to them. Great memories!

EDITOR SAYS

Deena, thanks for sharing the memories about Fedhaven. You are the reason we publish these little stories about places that are mostly forgotten: because we know that some people will remember, and those that don't might be interested anyway.

Aug 02, 2014
Florida Retirement Communities
by: foresttrace

This is a great thing. Thanks for giving the time to share such nice information.