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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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Do
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Eat
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8 places match

  1. See

    Bok Tower Gardens

    Sitting atop Iron Mountain, Bok Tower Gardens consists of 250 acres of botanical gardens, a 205 ft (62 m) Singing Tower with carillon bells, Pine Ridge Trail, Pine Ridge Estate, and a visitor center. The site was commissioned by Edward Bok to transform the prominent, sandy hill into "a spot of beauty second to none in the country". Noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. laid out the site to include 1,000 large live oaks, 10,000 azaleas, 100 sabal palms, 300 magnolias, and 500 gordonias, as well as hundreds of fruit shrubs including blueberry and holly. The Singing Tower, set atop the summit of the hill, is a mix of Gothic Revival and Art Deco style. It contains a 60-bell carillon set, with music every half-hour and full concerts at 1PM & 3PM daily (the Easter Sunday recital draws a huge crowd), and contains the largest carillon music library in the world (although not open to the public). The Pine Ridge estate is a 1932 mansion kept in original decor and open to the public. The mansion is especially beautiful when decorated for Christmas and the winter season. Adjacent to the gardens are 50 acres of native habitat have been set aside, with a nature trail coursing through. Enter between 8AM-9AM on Saturdays for half-price admission. Picnics are ok in designated areas with your own food (there is also a cafe). Personal, non-commercial photography is ok, but commercial photographers must contact Rita Horton at +1 863 734-1214 or email [email protected]. Bok Tower Gardens is a popular wedding location.

    Open daily, 8AM-6PM (last entry at 5PM).Adults $12, Children(5-12) $5, Children (under 5) free

  2. See

    Florida's Natural Grove House

    Displays for visitors to learn about the local citrus industry. Samples of fresh juices. Open seasonally, October until Memorial Day.

    Oct-May: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PMFree

  3. See

    Lake Kissimmee State Park

    A nearly 6000 acre park located on the banks of the third largest lake in Florida. Offers 13 mi (21 km) of nature trails (walk, horse, mountain bike), picnic facilities, & camping pads. Fishing in Lake Kissimmee is excellent, especially on boat (although canal-side fishing opportunities exist). Cow Camp is a living-history demonstration of life in frontier Florida. Airboat tours of Lake Kissimmee (including some sections of the park) are also popular, but must be booked through an outside operator (see "On the water" section below), not through the park office or from within the park. Airboats are prohibited from being launched at the park's boat ramp or operate near the park's boat ramp/marina area. Airboat tours launch from nearby boat ramps and pass through limited sections of the park (mainly Lake Kissimmee, but not creeks/marshes leading away from the lake).

    7AM-Sunset, 365 days/yr$5 per vehicle (2-8 persons); $4 Single occupant vehicle; and $2 pedestrians/cyclists/extra passengers

  4. See

    Lake Wales Commercial Historic District

    The district is bounded by the U.S. 27A (Scenic Highway), Central Ave, Market St, and Orange Ave. It contains 16 historic buildings. The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel (or Grand Hotel) dates to 1926. Abandoned and neglected for the last couple of decades, the interior is even more ornate. It's now being rennovated and looking gorgeous. The hotel will be restored to its prior glory.

  5. See

    Lake Wales Little Theater

    Non-profit community theater producing plays, musicals, & other productions throughout the year. Check website current/upcoming productions.

  6. See

    Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center (The Depot)

    The city's historic railroad station has been restored and transformed into a museum featuring displays/exhibits from the city's history, its industry, along with an old caboose.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-4PM

  7. See

    North Walk-in-Water Creek

    A short hiking trail leads to a shaded oak hammock, great for birders to settle in for great bird watching. Bank fishing is permitted at a small pond near the entrance. Look for alligators, deer, otters, a wide variety of birds and even the elusive Florida panther. A picnic table is available, but there are no restrooms.

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

  8. See

    Lake Wales Arts Center

    1099 State Road 60 E

    Mon-Fri 9AM-4PMFree