Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lake Wales, FL

Located near the geographical center of Florida, Lake Wales lends its name to a sandy ridge that extends for 100 miles along the state.

A prominent feature is Iron Mountain, home to a remarkable garden attraction, which has been open since the 1920s. Bok Tower Gardens was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. (1870-1957), who also played a role in Lake Wales’s urban development. 

In the 21st century, the city has initiated a program to enhance greenery in its streets and parks, inspired by Olmsted’s legacy, by planting hundreds of new trees. 

Lake Wales also serves as a gateway to a stunning series of lakes to the east, including Lake Kissimmee State Park.

1. Bok Tower Gardens

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In the 1920s, author and publisher Edward Bok (1863-1930) established an exquisite 250-acre garden atop Iron Mountain in Lake Wales.

This site rises to nearly 300 feet, marking it as one of the highest elevations in Florida. Dominating the enchanting landscape is the 205-foot Gothic Revival Singing Tower, which contains a 60-bell carillon, cast in England.

Bok enlisted the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. for the garden’s design. Over several years, Olmsted installed numerous live oaks, palms, and azaleas.

A century later, it is challenging to adequately express the beauty of this location. Naturally, visitors will want to head directly to the Singing Tower. This romantic structure is surrounded by koi ponds and resembles something out of a fantasy film. 

Attending one of the carillon concerts is a must, each lasting 30 minutes, scheduled daily at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

2. El Retiro (Pinewood Estate)

For an additional fee, visitors can explore this magnificent Mediterranean-style mansion at Bok Tower Gardens. 

Constructed in 1930 as a winter retreat for industrialist C. Austin Buck, who served as vice-president of the Bethlehem Steel Company in Pennsylvania.

The mansion is nestled within 7.5 acres of lush gardens and holds a separate designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

Architect Charles Wait designed the structure around a series of tile-clad courtyards, recognized as one of Florida’s premier examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture. 

The gardens surrounding the estate were developed by William Lyman Phillips of the Olmsted firm, known for Coral Gables’s Fairchild Tropical Garden. These gardens are abundant with tall pines and live oaks, interspersed with water features that provide a serene escape from the heat.

3. Lake Wailes

The expansive water body situated in the city center retains its original spelling in honor of founder Sidney Irving Wailes. 

This location offers breathtaking views, particularly at dawn or sunset, making it a memorable experience. Lake Wailes Park comprises approximately ⅔ of the lakeshore, featuring a 4.5-mile path along the water’s edge.

This makes for an ideal spot for a picnic, though it may be less pleasant during the intense summer heat. Alongside Lake Wailes Park are E.C. Sutton Park, Kiwanis Park, and Crystal Lake Park, providing amenities such as a skate park, playgrounds, and the city’s Little League complex. 

Lake Wailes Park also hosts significant annual events, including the Orange Blossom Revue music festival in December.

4. Historic Downtown Lake Wales

Situated to the east of SR 17, Lake Wales’s downtown area offers a wealth of local businesses across several blocks. 

Shoppers can discover antiques, candy shops, floral arrangements, jewelry, home goods, pet supplies, baked goods, and much more. Dining options include ice cream parlors, coffee shops, southern cuisine, seafood restaurants, Thai eateries, and classic diners.

Downtown Lake Wales is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring numerous buildings that date back to the 1920s Florida land boom. 

A notable structure is the Dixie Walewsbilt Hotel (1926), which rises prominently from the western cityscape. This former opulent hotel served guests like silent film stars Gloria Swanson and Mary Pickford.

During my visit, the hotel was boarded up, but there were expectations of impending redevelopment.

5. Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Wales serves as the gateway to a breathtaking wilderness area, untainted by development. For those seeking adventure, Lake Kissimmee State Park is an excellent starting point.

Covering nearly 5,000 acres, the park encompasses over a dozen natural communities, ranging from open water to pine flatwoods. 

The park features thirteen miles of trails winding through a verdant environment, home to more than 50 protected animal and plant species. An astonishing 200 different bird species have been observed at Lake Kissimmee, including sandhill cranes and the native Florida scrub-jay. 

Water activities abound, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on the upper Kissimmee chain of lakes. Additionally, approximately 60 campsites are available for those wishing to stay overnight. 

One of the park’s highlights is the authentic 1876 Cow Camp, featuring living history demonstrations that evoke the era of Florida’s cow hunters.

6. Lake Wales Art Center

Founded in 1972, this local arts organization resides in a charming former church building. 

The Holy Spirit Catholic Church, designed in the Spanish Mission style, was constructed in 1927 and served the congregation for 60 years before a larger facility was required.

Today, this inspiring space hosts short-term exhibitions, art education programs, performances, and a variety of other cultural events. 

New exhibitions are showcased every few months. I had the opportunity to see Floridian Fire, an engaging exhibition focused on contemporary ceramic arts in Florida.

The Lake Wales Arts Council also coordinates numerous concerts at this venue, featuring genres such as jazz, Americana, folk, and classical music.

7. Lake Wales History Museum

A distinctive Mediterranean-style railroad depot may catch your attention in the center of Lake Wales along SR 17.

Constructed by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1928, the Lake Wales station has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1990.

Since the 1970s, it has housed the Lake Wales History Museum. Exhibits delve into the natural history of the Lake Wales Ridge, the region’s Indigenous cultures, the development of the railroad, and the local industry’s evolution.

There are three historic pieces of rolling stock on site, including an 1886 Pullman-style office car, a 1926 Seaboard Air Line Railroad caboose, and a 1944 US Army locomotive engine. 

Also located on the campus is a pioneer house from 1920, as well as the former Seaboard Air Line freight station from 1916. During my visit, the museum was temporarily closed for renovations.

8. Tiger Creek Preserve

Located approximately 15 minutes southeast of downtown, Tiger Creek Preserve lies on the eastern slopes of the Lake Wales Ridge.

Managed by the Nature Conservancy, this 4,900-acre preserve features pine flatwoods, hardwood swamps, and pine scrubs along several miles of Tiger Creek. 

This ancient island has enabled a unique diversity of flora and fauna to evolve, with over a dozen species found nowhere else globally.

Three marked trails within the preserve cover more than ten miles.

9. KICCO Wildlife Management Area

This wildlife management area, named after the Kissimmee Island Cattle Company, features a combination of scrub, oak hammocks, cypress strands, and pine-palmetto flatwoods along the Kissimmee River. 

KICCO Wildlife Management Area is a 20-minute drive from downtown Lake Wales. 

Visitors can ride bicycles along nine miles of the KICCO Grade Road, which is paved with crushed shells. 

Additionally, the property features 13 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, providing excellent paddling opportunities along the Kissimmee River, with a public boat launch accessible from SR 60.

This area is renowned for its remarkable wildlife, with sightings of bald eagles, white-tailed deer, alligators, and a diverse array of wading birds along the river. 

10. Spook Hill

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According to legend, Spook Hill in Lake Wales is a locale where the traditional laws of gravity seem absent. Reportedly, the magnetism in this area is extraordinarily strong, causing vehicles to roll uphill when left in neutral.

The true cause of these fascinating occurrences remains debated. However, it is widely recognized that unusual phenomena have existed on the hill for as long as anyone can remember.

Skeptics might argue that the hill is merely subject to optical illusions, leading to misinterpretations of reality. Regardless, it is a delightful and entirely free attraction worth experiencing.

11. Orange Blossom Revue

Arguably the most significant event in Lake Wales’s calendar is the Orange Blossom Revue, a music and heritage festival typically held on the first weekend of December. Initially conceived as a fundraiser for the local Rotary Club, it has grown into a two-day roots music celebration, attracting internationally acclaimed musicians from throughout the state.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of attending this festival, featuring performances by the soul-rock band JJ Grey & MoFro, folk trio The Wood Brothers, and country artist Brent Cobb.  

The event also emphasizes culinary experiences, with excellent food vendors and locally brewed craft beer available.

12. Pioneer Days Festival

Half a century in the making, the Pioneer Days Festival is an eagerly awaited annual celebration organized by the local historical society.

Typically occurring in late October along the shores of Lake Wailes, this free celebration offers two days of traditional activities. 

A heritage village emerges in the park, featuring costumed reenactors demonstrating historical trades. Over 60 vendors participate each year, providing educational experiences alongside quality handmade items, ranging from metalwork to textile crafts.

Children will enjoy the harvest-themed activity area, while live music and a variety of food and beverage vendors enhance the festive atmosphere.

13. LEGOLAND Florida

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Situated on over 150 acres of action and creativity, LEGOLAND Florida is located in Winter Haven, approximately 15 minutes northwest of Lake Wales.

As one of the state’s most popular theme parks, it has been operational since 2011, occupying the former site of Cypress Gardens, which was an early amusement park established in the 1930s before the rise of Disney World. 

While many attractions target children aged 2 to 12, older kids and adults can also enjoy the park’s offerings.

Moreover, remnants of Cypress Gardens can still be found, including beautiful botanical gardens and a thrilling daily water-ski show. 

A highlight within the gardens is a massive banyan tree, which has grown from a seedling planted in 1939.

14. LEGOLAND Florida Water Park

In 2012, the water park at Cypress Gardens was transitioned into a LEGOLAND attraction. Originally opened in 2005, it features water slides and play areas suitable for children up to around 12 years of age.

For older visitors, the Twin Chasers and Splash Out water slides offer excitement. In addition, a wave pool and a unique lazy river allow guests to create their own rafts.

Creativity thrives at the Build-A-Boat attraction in Creative Cove, while younger children can enjoy splashing, sliding, and building at the DUPLO Splash Safari.

15. Peppa Pig Theme Park

The third major attraction and the second dry park to debut at the LEGOLAND Resort is an amusement park dedicated to the children’s television phenomenon, Peppa Pig.

Designed for younger guests, up to around five years of age, this park features a Fun Fair, numerous kiddie rides, playgrounds, a splash pad, and continuous shows at Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena.

A unique offering is Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour, where children can ride bikes through a whimsical, themed environment complete with mountains and woods.