A Hidden Gem Lakeside Town in Florida Offers Stunning Scenery and Concealed Pathways
Nestled in the heart of Florida, the picturesque lakeside town of Lake Wales offers a unique blend of nature, history, and outdoor activities that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
**1. Bok Tower Gardens**
The premier attraction in Lake Wales is the Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark and bird sanctuary designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. Spanning approximately 250 acres, the gardens are situated on a hill, the highest point in this part of Florida, offering visitors a tranquil escape amidst exotic woodland plantations and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with flowering plants, orchids, and over 126 different bird species. The gardens are home to the Singing Tower, which houses 60 bells and is played by a professional carillonneur twice a day. Visitors can also explore the visitor center, café, gift shop, and historic house, which offers guided tours providing insights into the era when the gardens were built[1][2][5].
**2. Lake Kissimmee State Park**
Just a short 25-minute drive from Lake Wales, Lake Kissimmee State Park offers over 20 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife-peeping. The park is particularly popular among birders, providing excellent opportunities to explore Florida's natural lakeside environment[2][4].
**3. Westgate River Ranch Resort**
For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Westgate River Ranch Resort, located about a half-hour away from Lake Wales, offers a variety of activities such as horseback riding, airboat rides, and camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Florida's wilderness and waterways[4]. The resort also provides accommodations including luxury glamping, cabin rentals, lodge and cottage suites, and regular camping sites.
**4. Other Notable Nature and Outdoor Spots**
- Mountain Lake, a golf course nestled in natural surroundings, offers a serene setting for golf enthusiasts[2]. - The newly enhanced linear park with a sculpture garden near downtown Lake Wales provides a pleasant outdoor urban space for strolls and appreciating outdoor art[3].
**Dining in Lake Wales**
Lake Wales boasts a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes. Notable options include L'incontro, Ovation Bistro & Bar, Crazy Fish Bar & Grill, Lake Wales Family Restaurant, Cherry Pocket, and the seafood shack vibes of Cherry Pocket attached to a cabin and RV park[6].
**Accommodations**
Accommodations in Lake Wales range from campgrounds to hotels to vacation rentals and resorts, ensuring that there is something to suit every budget and preference[7].
**Getting Around**
A car is necessary to get around Lake Wales and its surrounding areas, but parking is easy and traffic is rarely an issue[8]. Both Orlando and Tampa's airports are about an hour's drive away and are the best options for visitors flying in[9].
**Spook Hill**
A unique attraction in Lake Wales is Spook Hill, a magnetic hill and a national historic site added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. The hill is known for the phenomenon where cars seem to roll uphill on their own[10].
**Visiting Lake Wales**
The best times to visit Lake Wales are spring and fall, when the blooms of Bok Gardens are at their best and the weather is mild for long walks[11]. The town was built in 1911 by settlers for the purpose of nurturing local lumber and citrus industries and is set around scenic lakes like Wailes and Kissimmee, making it a nature-filled oasis[12]. For a self-guided tour of the historic buildings in the area, visitors can download the "Florida Stories: Walk Lake Wales" app[13].
For families visiting Lake Wales, the Legoland Florida Resort, located just under 30 minutes north in Winter Haven, is a popular destination[14]. Whether you're seeking tranquillity, adventure, or a taste of Florida's cowboy culture, Lake Wales offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories.
[1] https://www.boktowergardens.org/ [2] https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/destinations/central-florida/lake-wales.html [3] https://www.lakewaleschamber.com/ [4] https://www.westgateriverranch.com/ [5] https://www.nps.gov/bokt/index.htm [6] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34291-Lake_Wales_Polk_County_Florida.html [7] https://www.airbnb.com/s/Lake-Wales--Florida--United-States [8] https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/travel-info/getting-around/driving.html [9] https://www.orlandoairports.net/ [10] https://www.spookhill.com/ [11] https://www.boktowergardens.org/visit/plan-your-visit/hours-and-admission/ [12] https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/destinations/central-florida/lake-wales.html [13] https://www.lakewaleschamber.com/ [14] https://www.legoland.com/florida/
- For budget-conscious adventurers, Lake Wales offers an array of budget-travel activities such as hiking trails at Lake Kissimmee State Park and exploring the free sculpture garden in the linear park near downtown.
- Those seeking a family-oriented adventure-travel experience can combine a visit to Lake Wales with a trip to the Legoland Florida Resort, located just under 30 minutes north in Winter Haven.
- While in Lake Wales, travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle can opt for glamping or cabin rentals at the Westgate River Ranch Resort, providing a unique blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation.
