Lake Lillian Belleview, FL
The Heart of Belleview — Trails, Fishing, Pavilion & Community Events
Lake Lillian is the historic and geographic center of the City of Belleview. Founded as Nine Mile Pond in 1884, this beautiful free park offers a paved walking trail, fishing dock, playground, pavilion, and hosts signature events like Light Up Lake Lillian and Founder's Day.
Address
SE Robinson Road
Belleview, FL 34420
Trails
3/4 mi paved
1 mi dirt fitness loop
Hours
Open Daily
Sunrise to Sunset
Admission
Free — City of Belleview
Local Belleview Knowledge
Lake Lillian is one of the most beloved public spaces in Marion County's southern communities. This guide is sourced from the City of Belleview's official facilities pages, the Ocala/Marion County visitor bureau, and local community knowledge. Only In Ocala covers all of Marion County including Belleview, Dunnellon, and surrounding communities.
City of Belleview Verified
Sourced from belleviewfl.org
Historic Marion County Site
Founded 1884, heart of Belleview
The History of Lake Lillian — From Nine Mile Pond to Belleview's Heart
The story of Lake Lillian begins in 1884 when the City of Belleview was founded around a small body of water then called Nine Mile Pond. The pond got its practical name simply from its distance — it sat nine miles south of Ocala, the county seat of Marion County.
The city that grew up around it took an entirely different approach to naming: Belleview comes from the French words for "beautiful vista," describing the scenic views across the water and surrounding landscape. As Belleview grew, Nine Mile Pond was renamed Lake Lillian and became the central green space for community life.
Today the Lake Lillian neighborhood surrounding the park has been designated a Historic District, recognizing its significance to the city's founding era. The lake itself remains the anchor of Belleview's community identity more than 140 years later.
Park Amenities at Lake Lillian
3/4 Mile Paved Trail
A smooth paved walking and jogging path around the lake with exercise stations throughout
1 Mile Dirt Fitness Trail
A longer unpaved fitness loop through the natural landscape surrounding the lake
Fishing Dock
Lake dock for fishing — the lake is stocked annually by the FL Fish & Wildlife Commission with catfish and bass
Playground
Enclosed children's playground with age-appropriate equipment
Large Pavilion & Stage
Event-ready pavilion with picnic tables, stage, and seating under trees — available for rental
Mini Pavilions & Fountain
Several small pavilions for picnicking and a decorative fountain in the lake
Annual Events at Lake Lillian
Lake Lillian's large pavilion, stage, and open lawns make it Belleview's premier outdoor event venue. The City of Belleview hosts several signature community events here throughout the year.
Light Up Lake Lillian
Annual holiday lighting event that transforms the park and lakeshore into a festive winter wonderland. One of the most popular community events in the Belleview area.
Founder's Day
Annual celebration commemorating Belleview's founding in 1884. Features community activities, local vendors, and recognition of the city's history around Nine Mile Pond.
Friday Foodie Fests
Regular community food vendor events at the lake, bringing local food trucks and vendors to the pavilion area for a casual community gathering.
Trunk or Treat
Family Halloween event hosted at Lake Lillian, offering a safe trick-or-treat environment for children in the Belleview community.
Pavilion Rental at Lake Lillian
The large pavilion at Lake Lillian is available for private reservations and is a popular venue for birthday parties, family reunions, and community events.
Belleview Residents
Free reservation (refundable $50 deposit)
Non-Residents
$50 rental fee (plus refundable $50 deposit)
To reserve the pavilion, contact the City of Belleview at (352) 245-7021, ext. 2119 or email facilities@belleviewfl.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Lillian in Belleview, FL?
Lake Lillian is located at SE Robinson Road, Belleview, Florida 34420. It is the central park of the City of Belleview and sits at the geographic and historical heart of the community. For more information contact the City of Belleview at (352) 245-7021.
What is the history of Lake Lillian in Belleview?
Lake Lillian was originally known as Nine Mile Pond, named because it was located nine miles from Ocala. The City of Belleview was founded in 1884 around this pond. The city's name comes from the French words "belle" and "view," meaning beautiful vistas — a fitting description of the lake and surrounding landscape. Nine Mile Pond was later renamed Lake Lillian as the city grew.
What amenities does Lake Lillian Park have?
Lake Lillian Park features a 3/4 mile paved walking trail with exercise stations, a 1 mile dirt fitness trail, an enclosed playground, a fishing dock on the lake, several mini pavilions, a large pavilion with picnic tables, a stage and seating area under trees, and a fountain on the lake. The park is free and open to the public.
Can you fish at Lake Lillian in Belleview?
Yes, Lake Lillian has a fishing dock and the lake is stocked annually by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) with catfish and bass for the city's annual fishing derby. Fishing from the dock is a popular activity, especially among children and seniors.
What events happen at Lake Lillian in Belleview?
Lake Lillian is the venue for several of Belleview's most popular community events, including Founder's Day (celebrating the city's 1884 founding), Trunk or Treat (Halloween community event), Friday Foodie Fests (local food vendor events), and Light Up Lake Lillian (holiday lights event). The large pavilion and stage area host concerts and community gatherings throughout the year.