POLK COUNTY, Fla. — There is a hidden spot in Polk County where pilots have been going to for 60 years to get a specialized type of training.

It’s also a place where anyone can come and go for a sightseeing tour in a seaplane.

Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base is on Lake Jessie, about 3 miles northeast of the central business district of Winter Haven.

Ben Shipps, president of the base, said nearly 30,000 pilots have received their certification to fly a seaplane in the past six decades.

“We have alumni scattered all over Alaska. And about 30% of our cliental come from overseas,” Shipps said.

Noel Keyes, a pilot for Allegiant Airlines who lives in Allentown, Pa., said he has always wanted to learn how to take off and land on water just for fun.

“I love aviation. I’m always trying to learn. And every little bit you pick up helps with your skills and safety,” Keyes said.

For pilots, there is both classroom and in-flight training to learn to fly a seaplane.

Spectrum News 13 watched as Noel did his first seaplane flight, taking off on Lake Jessie in Winter Haven.

“I always wanted to do it. It looked like so much fun. I can tell you it’s a blast,” Keyes said.

Noel said the facility is well-known around the world.

“Jack Brown’s is famous in the aviation community. Everybody knows about Jack Brown’s,” he said.

A few famous faces have received training at the base, as photos of singer-songwriters Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, and actor Harrison Ford hang in its classroom.

Jack Brown’s also offers several sightseeing opportunities for visitors who just want to go for a ride.

“As little as a 30-minute flight, there is a lot you can see. We have a beautiful chain of lakes here," Shipps said. "Winter Haven is the home of LEGOLAND. And there are some real neat historical places to fly over and really get a beautiful vantage point.”

A 30-minute seaplane sightseeing ride is $90 per person. For reservations, you can call 863-956-2243.

For more information, go to Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base website.