Last Updated on March 29, 2024
Lake Wales is a charming Central Florida city in Polk County with plenty of fun and historic things to do.
Founded in 1911, Lake Wales, Florida was established by a group of businessmen who purchased 5,000 acres in the hilly wilderness around Lake Wailes.
Located approximately 15 miles southeast of Winter Haven (where the theme park Legoland Florida resides), the city of Lake Wales is known for having some of the best attractions in the area, including Bok Tower Gardens and Spook Hill.
These are some of the top places to go in Lake Wales, from beautiful gardens to optical illusions to state parks to airboat tours; check out all the places you can visit on a trip to this great Florida city.
Things to see in Lake Wales
Table of contents
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most popular places to visit in Lake Wales. The gardens’ founder, Edward Bok, opened in Bok Tower Gardens in 1929.
On the property, there is the iconic, tall Singing Tower, the vast gardens, a Mediterranean-style mansion, and much more.
The gardens have different themes and walking trails where you can see endangered plants and spot local wildlife. Make sure to go to the Reflection Pool, a beautiful place with great views of the Singing Tower.
There is also a café and a gift shop located on the property.
- Bok Tower Gardens is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Tickets are available for adults and children 5 and up.
- Children 4 and under are admitted free.
For more information, visit the official Bok Tower Gardens website.
Check out: A Visit to Florida’s Sanctuary: Bok Tower Gardens
Spook Hill
Spook Hill is an optical illusion located in Lake Wales. Known as a gravity hill, visitors will feel like they are driving uphill when they are really going downhill.
The illusion has inspired the mystery of Spook Hill and earned it a designation on the National Register.
- Spook is open daily.
- Tickets are not required.
For more information, visit the official National Park Service website.
Lake Wales Main Street
Lake Wales Main Street is a shopping area in Downtown Lake Wales. Many local events happen in this area, so check out their calendar before your visit.
Local shops on Lake Wales Main Street include boutiques, jewelers, and a vintage market. If you are looking for something to eat, there is a selection of cafes to choose from, as well as restaurants, a taproom, and a cake studio.
Lake Wales Main Street is open daily, with hours varying by each business.
For more information, visit the official Lake Wales Main Street website.
Lake Wales History Museum
Lake Wales History Museum is a great place to learn about local history. The museum has permanent exhibits about the history and development of the Lake Wales area.
Take a walk through history while viewing artifacts, documents, and photos that show how the city has changed over the years.
If you love architecture from yesteryear, the museum has released an app that provides a self-guided walking tour of historic buildings in the downtown area.
- Lake Wales History Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Tickets are available for adults.
- Children 18 and under are admitted free.
For more information, visit the official Lake Wales History website.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park is a Florida state park. The park has many wildlife to spot, including sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer. Hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and birding are all popular activities to do in the park.
There are various camping options onsite, with campgrounds for tent camping, spaces to park RVs, and even glamping! Glamping is a luxurious camping experience, and offered at Lake Kissimmee State Park through Luxury Pioneer Tents, which include beds, electricity, and heat and cooling units.
- Lake Kissimmee State Park is open daily from 8:00 am to sunset.
- Admission is charged at $5 per vehicle.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours
Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours is an airboat tour company based in Lake Wales. The company offers airboat adventure experiences that take guests through the marshlands of the Kissimmee River Basin.
Experience the Headwaters of the Everglades with this wild Florida activity. Nature tours, alligator tours, and birding tours are available to reserve.
- Alligator Cover Airboat Nature Tours is open for select days and hours, depending on the tours.
- Call in advance to reserve your spot on one of their tours.
For more information, visit the official Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours website.
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