About this city
Also known as: The Crown Jewel of the Ridge
Lake Wales is a historic and charming inland city located in Polk County, Florida, situated amidst the rolling sandhills of the Lake Wales Ridge in the geographic center of the Florida peninsula. Founded in 1911 around the expansion of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the area's rich citrus and timber resources, the city is acclaimed for its well-preserved historic core and deep architectural heritage. Geographically unique, the city occupies the highest ground in peninsular Florida, surrounded by historic citrus groves and pristine freshwater lakes. Lake Wales is globally renowned for housing Bok Tower Gardens, a historic sanctuary and singing carillon tower designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., serving as a monumental tribute to American conservation and art.
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Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Marvel at the majestic Singing Tower and lush landscapes at Bok Tower Gardens, experience the optical illusion of Spook Hill, explore local history at the Lake Wales Museum, and tour the opulent 1920s El Retiro estate.
