Discover the Beauty of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida
Bok Tower Gardens is a gorgeous, 250-acre nature preserve nestled in Lake Wales, Florida. It has a ton of walking trails, native plants, and breathtaking views that are hard to find in any other part of our state. At the heart of the gardens is the majestic Singing Tower, an architectural masterpiece with a really unique musical experience for visitors to enjoy.
The gardens are planted on Florida’s Iron Mountain, which is one of the highest points in our (normally) flat state. The tower and its surrounding gardens have been drawing visitors since the 1920s. It’s also a designated National Historic Landmark, making for a peaceful retreat and an educational experience that everyone can enjoy.
Where Is Bok Tower Gardens?
Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Bok Tower is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from both Orlando and Tampa, and approximately 4 hours from Miami. It’s an easy day trip or weekend getaway for most Floridians.
Hours & Admission
- Open Daily: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.)
- Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
- Admission:
- Adults: $20
- Children (6–17): $10
- Children 5 & under: FREE
- Dogs: Additional $10
Things to Do at Bok Tower Gardens
Scenic Walking Trails
Bok Tower Gardens offers a variety of trails including:
- Preserve Trail – A 1.5-mile loop starting from the northeast corner of the parking lot. Spot gopher tortoises and stroll beneath longleaf pines.
- Pine Ridge Nature Trail – A shorter, 3/4-mile loop starting near the Window by the Pond, winding through turkey oaks and native wildflowers.
Pollinator Garden
Walk through a vibrant garden filled with butterflies and native pollinator plants. Then, stop by the garden shop to take a piece of the garden home with you! They have an awesome selection of pollinator-friendly, native plants.
The Singing Tower
The garden’s centerpiece is the 205-foot Singing Tower, designed by Edward W. Bok. This beautiful structure houses a 60-bell carillon that performs live concerts daily.
- Concerts: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily
- Fun Fact: Only about 600 carillons exist in the world—this is one of them!
Learn more about the singing tower.
El Retiro Estate
Formerly known as Pinewood Estate, El Retiro is a stunning 1930s Mediterranean Revival mansion. Stroll through formal gardens and explore the 20-room home built for Charles Austin Buck. Note: This is a separate admission from the gardens.
- Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6–17)
- Note: Hours vary by season. Check current hours here.
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Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden
Perfect for little explorers, Hammock Hollow has bamboo groves, fairy house trails, and nature-themed play areas. Kids can dig and splash their way around a garden of their own size.
Plan Your Visit Today
Bok Tower Gardens is a really neat experience tucked away in Polk County. Whether you’re checking out all the flowers, listening to the Singing Tower, or watching your kids play in Hammock Hollow, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy!
Visit the official site to learn more and buy tickets!
