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Lake Wales

Lake Wales is a small city in eastern Polk County, Florida. The city is in the middle of a long, narrow region known as the Lake Wales Ridge. The Lake Wales Ridge was the first part of the Florida Peninsula to rise above sea level, beginning as a series of small sandy islands not unlike the Florida Keys today. It is a unique environment from its surrounding and home to several endemic species, such as the gopher tortoise and scrub jay. The city of Lake Wales lies at the southern foot of Iron Mountain—the second-highest point on the Florida Peninsula at 295 ft (90 m)—and is home to famous Bok Tower Gardens and its Singing Tower. Near the center of town lies Lake Wailes. The city is small, but

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15 places match

  1. Do

    Jump Florida Skydiving

    Tandem skydiving experiences. CRW, Formation Skydiving (FS), Freeflying, Wingsuiting, Swooping and Accuracy on offer for experienced skydivers. Accelerated Freefall Program is offered to prepare for your first solo skydive.

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    KICCO Wildlife Management Area

    Brochure KICCO comprises more than 7000 acres of wildlife-rich land along a section of the Kissimmee River which has been channelized. The land is open for recreational use year-round, although hunting seems to draw a large portion of visitors during established hunting seasons. The Florida Trail runs for 13 mi (21 km) through KICCO. Vehicle access is subject to quotas and a Vehicle Access Authorization is required to enter (available online or by calling Ext.3333). The main road is great for biking. Features an 8 mi (13 km) trail for hiking/biking through oak hammocks. Camping is available and requires a special use permit. Hunting requires a special-use permit (available here) and is subject to strict quotas and behavior; check the website for limits and regulations.

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    Lake Rosalie Park

    Boat ramp, picnic tables, shelters/pavilions, & campsites available.

    5AM-10PM

  4. Do

    SUMICA

    A 4031 acre tract of land along Lake Weohyakapka, although there is no direct access to the lake. A terrain of pine flatwoods & marshes. A hiking trail runs 2.1 mi (3.4 km) along a former railroad line, roughly 6 ft (2 m) above the surrounding landscape with little shade. A campsite trail runs 2.2 mi (3.5 km) roundtrip through oak hammocks to the campsite. An equestrian trail runs 4.8 mi (7.7 km) round-trip through a few different environments. All trails are great for mountain biking. Primitive campsites are available as are equestrian trails. Both activities require a special-use permit available by calling +1 863 534-7377.

    6AM-6:30PM Standard Time; 5:30AM-8PM Daylight Savings Time

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    Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours

    Cruise local waters on airboat. Tours are two hours (many other airboat tour operators only offer 1-hour tours) birding tours, alligator tours (best between Dec-Mar), and nature tours. Call for pricing and reservations.

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    Camp Mack's River Resort

    Airboat tours on the Kissimmee River lakes, with departures at 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, & 3PM (weather-permitting). Personalized sunset cruises available (appointment only, inquire at office). One-person rides $100, two-person rides $50/person, otherwise $40/person (up to 14 passengers). Children (6 & under): $20. Reservations not required, but appreciated. Pontoon boats are available for full-day ($200; 8AM-4PM) or half-day ($125; 8AM-Noon OR Noon-4PM). Also available are 14ft Jon boats for full-day ($100; 8AM-4PM) or half-day ($75; 8AM-Noon OR Noon-4PM).

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    Grape Hammock Fish Camp

    Airboat tours along the shores of Lake Kissimmee. Adults $30, children $15 with discounts for guests staying at the resort.

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    Jennings Resort

    Non-guests at the park can rent motorless boats for $20 daily, $80 weekly, or $160 monthly. Motor boats are available to rent for $80 daily or $320 weekly.

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    Lake Ashton Golf Club

    Semi-private, 2 18-hole courses. Slope rating: 126. USGA rating: 70.2. Golf club rental & lessons available. Restaurant.

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    Lake Wales Art Show

    March

    This festival, held along the shores of Lake Wailes, features dozens of vendors, exhibitors, food stalls, entertainment, and a juried art competition.

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    Mardi Gras

    Held in March. A community parade full of floats, Krewes, and plenty of free goodies passed out along the way. Food trucks and arts and crafts can also be found in a stationary location.

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    Memory Makin' Guides

    Professional fishing guides. Book a trip to catch that trophy bass you've always wanted on any of the great bass-fishing lakes of Eastern Polk County, such as Lake Kissimmee, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Walk-in-water, or Crooked Lake. Offerings include 4-, 6-, or 8-hour trips with all the tackle, rods, soft drinks, and snacks you'll need.

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    Water's Edge Fish Camp

    On the shore of Lake Rosalie. Pontoon rentals. Bait & Tackle. Fishing guides. (Website not working as of Nov 2012)

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    Westgate River Ranch Resort Marina

    Take an airboat or swampbuggy ride through Florida as nature created (1 hour tours: Adults $25, children $15). Eight-passenger pontoon boats are available to rent ($65/hour) for use on the Kissimmee River. Fishing excursions may be arranged in advance by calling the marina. Fishing licenses, bait, & tackle are available at the marina shop.

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    Alligators Unlimited with Mild to Wild Airboat & Nature Tours

    Airboat tours. Must call for reservations and pricing.