[7] The lake, with its current name, appears in the first United States government maps of the area, published in 1854.

Some of the oldest homes in the city of Winter Haven are located on the shores of Lake Howard.

Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church, located on the north-east side of the lake, is one of the oldest buildings in Winter Haven.

The single biggest problem was that over-flow capacity lines for the Jan Phyll Village Waste Water Treatment Facility, which fed directly into Lake Howard.

[13] Today, through conservation and restoration efforts, by the city, state, and federal government, the water quality of Lake Howard continues to improve.

[14] Lake Howard Boat Ramp East is located at the corner of Lake Howard Drive and West Central Avenue, and has a boat ramp, fishing pier, parking area, and picnic area.

[17] The park also has a wooden boardwalk running over the wetlands, which provides a good vantage point for observing local wildlife.

Lake Howard is also known as a world class location with fresh water fishing, particularly for large mouth bass and bluegill.