Bok Tower Gardens
Reigning high above the Central Florida landscape – more than 200 feet high, in fact – Lake Wales’ world-famous art deco and neo-Gothic legend, Bok Tower Gardens, was a tourist attraction the day it opened in 1929. Built upon the highest elevation in peninsular Florida, guests can stroll in the shadow of the tower that houses a carillon – and instrument comprised of a series of bells played by a keyboard. Built on Iron Mountain, what was once a desolate sand hill was transformed into a 250-acre lush tropical landscape that is both a contemplative garden as well as a bird sanctuary.
Local Culture Tours
If architecture interests you, schedule a tour of the historic Wonder House in Bartow.
Lakeland Food Tours offer visitors a way to enjoy tastings from a smattering of popular local restaurants with the assistance of a local guide.
Local Artists & Art Galleries
Central Florida art galleries include traditional spaces like Lake Wales Arts Council and Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery. Nontraditional spaces include Mitchell’s Coffee House in Lakeland–with a delicious latte that tastes just like an Almond Joy.
You can show off your own artistic skills at PicassoZ Art Café in Lakeland, where you can paint along, make your own pottery or arrange an event for any occasion.
Be sure to read about our Museums and Performing Arts scene.
Wonder House Historic Tours
Bok Tower Gardens
Historic Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark, features two hiking trails, 50 acres of…
Address: 1151 Tower Blvd.
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: (863) 676-1408
Lake Wales Arts Council
Located in a Spanish mission-style church built in 1927. Lake Wales Arts Council welcomes visitors…
Address: 1099 State Road 60 East
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: (863) 676-8426
Painting with a Twist – Lakeland
Unleash your creative side with Painting with a Twist.
Address: 3670 Harden Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: (863) 646-0238
Ridge Art Association
A competition gallery, which stimulates appreciation of the fine arts. Open one hour prior to…
Address: 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Phone: (863) 291-5661
PicassoZ Art Café
Paint your own pottery and grab a healthy snack at this eclectic do-it-yourself art studio…
Address: 4632 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: (863) 688-6545
Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre
The Silver Moon has two screens usually showing first-run movies. Each screen has a double…
Address: 4100 New Tampa Hwy.
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: (863) 682-0849
Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery
Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery hosts exhibits by Polk State students and faculty, as…
Address: 3425 Winter Haven Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: (863) 297-1050
Frostproof Art League & Gallery
Frostproof Art League and Gallery features rotating exhibits including watercolor, oils, acrylics and also photography…
Address: 12 E Wall St.
Frostproof, FL 33843
Phone: (863) 635-7271
