Searching for serenity, citrus groves, and Old Florida charm? Discover Lake Wales! Located in Central Florida’s rolling hills, Lake Wales offers natural beauty, historical landmarks, and relaxing escapes. From lakeside gardens to quirky attractions, it’s a peaceful getaway with surprising depth.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Wales is from late fall through spring (November to April), when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor exploration, scenic walks, and enjoying nearby parks and lakes.
How to Get There
- By Car: Lake Wales is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 27 and State Road 60, about 1 hour from Orlando or Tampa.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA), both about 1.5 hours away.
- By Train: Amtrak service is available in nearby Winter Haven, with taxi or rideshare connections to Lake Wales.
Where to Stay
- Hampton Inn Lake Wales – Comfortable chain hotel with free breakfast and easy access to local attractions.
- Green Gables Inn – Classic roadside motel offering cozy rooms and a vintage Florida feel.
- Bok Tower Lodge – Quaint, secluded lodging near Bok Tower Gardens with a peaceful setting.
Top Attractions
⮕ Bok Tower Gardens
Walk through lush gardens, admire the iconic Singing Tower’s beauty.
© Jim Vallee/stock.adobe.com
Bok Tower Gardens or Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower is a 250-acre bird sanctuary and a contemplative garden near Lake Wales, Florida. It includes the Pine Ridge Trail, the 205-foot tall Singing Tower with its carillon bells, Pinewood Estate and a visitor center. The magnificent gardens were landscaped by the renowned garden designer Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Hiking the Pine Ridge Trail is great way to observe Florida’s diverse natural habitats. While exploring the gardens, the visitors can learn about the history of Edward W. Bok and his Singing Tower and tour the historic Pinewood Estate mansion, which offers a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930s. There are also Children's Garden, Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen and Wild Garden to enjoy. Visitor Center features exhibits on the life of Edward Bok and the Carillon. Bok Tower Gardens is open daily.
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, Phone: 863-676-1408
⮕ Lake Kissimmee State Park
Hike scenic trails, enjoy boating, fishing, and wildlife sightings.
© duke2015/stock.adobe.com
A 5,930-acre Lake Kissimmee State Park is located about 15 miles east of Lake Wales, Florida. It consists of floodplain, forest, hammock, prairie, flatwoods and three lakes: Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie. The park provides home to 50 species of plants and animals that are threatened, endangered or of special concern. The park is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature observing. The park’s 200 species of birds include bald eagle, snail kite and whooping crane. The park is also home to bobcat, grey fox, white-tailed deer, sandhill crane, wild turkey, fox squirrel and otter. There are thirteen miles of hiking trails, six miles of horse trails and fishing docks. The park's campsites are located in a charming shady oak hammock. There are two basic campsites and a youth camping area.
14248 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898
⮕ Pinewood Estate
Tour a historic mansion, admire Mediterranean Revival architecture and elegant decor.
© Bok Tower Gardens
Located in 7.5-acre lush Bok Tower Gardens, Pinewood Estate is an elegant 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion originally named “El Retiro,” or “retreat.” The mansion was built for Charles Austin Buck in the early 1930s as his winter estate. The historic estate is open to the visitors of Bok Tower Gardens throughout the year. The gardens were landscaped by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. in 1929. The house was built in 1930 by architect Charles Wait and is now known as one of the best examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in Florida. The estate’s external landscape and ornamental touches include a formal Mediterranean-style garden with a Spanish frog fountain, an enchanting stone grotto at the front of the house; an Oriental moon gate fountain and an English-style country garden with a lawn and a pond.
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
⮕ Westgate River Ranch Resort
Enjoy horseback riding, savor cowboy-inspired adventures and outdoor activities.
© Westgate River Ranch Resort
A part of the River Ranch RV Resort, Westgate River Ranch Resort
is one of the last untouched corners of Florida wilderness. Located near Lake Wales, it is an authentic Florida dude ranch about one hour South of Orlando. It allows visitors to return to the days of "Old Florida" and the time of cowboys and cattle ranchers. The Ranch spreads over 1,700 acres overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River and features horseback riding, a famous Saturday night rodeo and much more. It is the great destination for a memorable family vacation. The ranch offers several onsite dining options, including Westgate Smokehouse Grill, River Ranch Saloon. If features an amazing range of outdoor activities such as a rodeo, bungee jumping, petting farm, fishing, golf and more. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers its guests a variety of cowboy-themed accommodations including luxurious teepees and Glamping.
3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867, Phone: 863-692-1321
⮕ Spook Hill
Experience a mysterious optical illusion, watch your car roll uphill.
© City of Lake Wales, Florida
Spook Hill in Lake Wales, Florida is an optical illusion where cars appear to roll up the hill. Spook Hill is located on the Lake Wales Ridge, a range of sand and limestone hills that used to be islands two to three million years ago when sea levels were much higher than now. Such spots, and there are many around the world, are known as a magnetic hill, anti-gravity location or a “gravity hill. ” In such places, a stationary car will appear to roll uphill. The town of Lake Wales embraces and the hill’s curious properties and enjoys the tourists that are attracted by the phenomenon.
Lake Wales, FL 33853
⮕ Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center
Explore local history, admire exhibits showcasing the region’s heritage.
© Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center
The Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center in Lake Wales, Florida, locally known as The Depot, is a local history museum located in the former railroad depot built in 1928 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The museum tells the story of the area heritage beginning with the foundation of Lake Wales in 1911 and the formation of the city industry, places of interest and the 19th century developments that led to the area settlement. The museum is operated by the Historic Lake Wales Society in support of the City of Lake Wales. The exhibits include the original train master’s desk and a prehistoric dugout Indian canoe over 1000 year old.
325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33853, Phone: 863-676-1759
⮕ St. Anne Shrine
Visit a peaceful shrine, enjoy quiet reflection and serene surroundings.
© Glebstock/stock.adobe.com
Located about six miles east of Lake Wales, Florida, St. Anne des Lacs was a small rural shrine built in 1920s by French-speaking Catholics living on Lake St. Anne. The St. Anne Shrine was built of stone, a rarely used material in Florida. The shrine consisted of the church, and a number of elaborate statuary which formed the stations of the cross, spread through the surrounding woods along the trails. A statue of St. Anne stood on a raised platform in the middle of the lake. .Pilgrims used to come to the shrine from all over the state, sometimes thousands of people crowding the narrow road that led from the highway to the lake. The shrine was decorated with murals that depicted the scenes of the Holy Land, sculptures and paintings. The shrine was de-sanctified in the 1960s, and most contents of the shrine were removed while only some historical traces remain.
1207 St Anne Shrine Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898
⮕ Tiger Creek Preserve
Hike quiet trails, explore diverse ecosystems and admire native wildlife.
© Wirepec/stock.adobe.com
Tiger Creek Preserve
is located on the eastern corner of the Lake Wales Ridge, one of Florida’s famous “ancient islands.” The Ridge is Florida’s oldest and highest landmass, separated from the mainland long time ago by a shallow sea. This separation caused the preserve to have one of the biggest concentrations of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals in the country, some endemic to the area. The preserve contains hardwood swamps, scrubby flatwoods, hammocks, pine flatwoods, longleaf pine, wiregrass and sandhill habitat. Tiger Creek Preserve is a crucial link in a network of preserves that protect what is left of the Lakes Wales Ridge ecosystem, a national hotspot of biological diversity and the oldest physical feature of peninsular Florida.
674 Pfundstein Rd, Babson Park, FL 33827, Phone: 863-635-7506
⮕ Lake Wales Little Theatre
Enjoy live performances, experience local talent in an intimate setting.
© Lake Wales Little Theatre
Lake Wales Little Theatre in Lake Wales, Florida, has been providing locals with high-quality, live entertainment since 1978. The theatre offers recent hits as well as old favorites, and frequently offers new plays never produced before. The intimate 140-seat theater provides everyone with a great view. The mission of Lake Wales Little Theatre, Inc. is not only to provide high quality entertainment but also a creative opportunity for the many interested and talented people in the area. Participation in activities on stage, backstage and in the audience is open to all interested local residents. The Lake Wales Little Theatre was formed in 1978, and for the first 14 seasons presented its productions in various local venues. The 15th season, in 1992, opened its new theater building at 411 North Third Street.
411 N 3rd St, Lake Wales, FL 33853, Phone: 863-676-1266
⮕ KICCO Wildlife Management Area
Explore natural habitats, enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
© kucheruk/stock.adobe.com
KICCO Wildlife Management Area consists of more than 7,000 acres along the Kissimmee River in Polk County, south of SR 60. Almost 13 miles of the Florida Trail crosses the area through shady oak hammock, rough scrub, cypress strand, and pine-palmetto flatwoods. There is also the 9-mile shell KICCO Grade road that offers excellent biking opportunity. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, feral hogs, alligators, bald eagles, hawks, wading birds, wild turkeys and sandhill cranes. The threatened crested caracara has been also observed in the area. A portion of the area is set aside for feral hog hunting. Camping is allowed at Hunter's Campground during periods when hunting is allowed. There is a public boat ramp located at structure 65, and a private boat ramp at River Ranch Resort can be used for a small fee.
FL-60, River Ranch, FL 33867, Phone: 850-488-4676
Where to Eat
- Crazy Fish Bar & Grill – Local favorite for seafood, Southern sides, and casual waterfront vibes.
- Manny’s Original Chophouse – Known for hearty steaks, ribs, and a lively atmosphere with rustic flair.
- The Ranch Taproom & Coffeehouse – Unique combo of specialty coffee, craft beer, and comfort food in a relaxed space.
Local Events
- Lake Wales Arts Festival (February) – Juried outdoor art show with regional artists, food vendors, and live music.
- Boktoberfest (October) – Celebrate fall at Bok Tower Gardens with German fare, seasonal brews, and garden activities.
- Christmas at Bok Tower (December) – Holiday concerts, festive décor, and seasonal strolls through the illuminated gardens.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Lake Wales, Florida
- Bok Tower Gardens (5–10 min) – Stroll lush gardens, listen to carillon music, or explore scenic hiking trails and bird habitats.
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort (Winter Haven) (20–25 min) – Ride family-friendly coasters, build at LEGO zones, or splash in the water park.
- Spook Hill (5–10 min) – Experience the optical illusion that makes your car roll uphill—local legend and roadside fun!
- Babson Park (10–15 min) – Walk nature trails, visit Webber International University, or enjoy quiet lake views and citrus groves.
- Lake Kissimmee State Park (25–30 min) – Hike scenic trails, view wildlife, or kayak peaceful backwaters and floodplain forests.
- Winter Haven (20–25 min) – Dine along the Chain of Lakes, explore downtown art, or cruise the scenic canal system.
- Dundee (15–20 min) – Visit local produce stands, hike Ridge Scenic Highway trails, or explore small-town charm and lakeside parks.
- Frostproof (15–20 min) – Explore quiet lakefronts, fish at Lake Clinch, or browse local shops and galleries.
- Haines City (25–30 min) – Stroll Lake Eva Park, enjoy watersports, or visit local eateries and seasonal events.
FAQ
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Where is Lake Wales located?
- Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa.
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What metropolitan area is Lake Wales part of?
- It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area.
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What is the geographical significance of Lake Wales?
- Lake Wales is located on the Lake Wales Ridge, an upland sandy area that runs more or less parallel to both coasts in the center of the Florida peninsula.
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What outdoor attractions surround Lake Wales?
- Lake Wales is surrounded by parks, gardens, and wildlife preserves perfect for a cheap day trip.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and blooming gardens. |
Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Wales – A comfortable and centrally located option. |
Visit Bok Tower Gardens – Explore lush gardens and the iconic Singing Tower. |
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for water activities. |
Holiday Inn Express Lake Wales – A reliable stay with modern amenities. |
Explore LEGOLAND Florida Resort – A fun destination for families just a short drive away. |
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather with fewer crowds. |
Green Gables Inn – A charming and cozy boutique-style stay. |
Visit Lake Kissimmee State Park – Enjoy hiking, fishing, and scenic boat tours. |
Winter (December-February) – Mild and ideal for outdoor exploring. |
Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge – A great option for nature lovers and anglers. |
Take a historic tour of the Lake Wales Depot Museum – Learn about local railroad history. |
Plan Your Trip