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 and Winter Haven 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. LKLDArts.org is also a great resource for Arts & Culture events taking place in Lakeland.
Winter Haven Food Tours
Visit historic locations and fun venue spaces during a 2.5-hour culinary adventure with Winter Haven…
Address:
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Phone: 863-288-0038
info@winterhavenfoodtours.comL.B. Brown House Museum
Former slave, L.B. Brown, built this house turned museum in 1892. Guided tours of the…
Address: 470 L.B. Brown Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: (863) 330-3122
lbbrownmuseum@yahoo.comBonnet Springs Park
Bonnet Springs Park, open as of October 2022, is located in Lakeland along the I-4…
Address: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: 863-413-0652
info@bonnetspringspark.comFlorida Children’s Museum
Opened in Lakeland on November 4, Florida Children’s Museum is the place for hands-on learning.…
Address: 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: 863-687-3869
USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame
USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame brings the history of watersports…
Address: 101 Adventure Court
Davenport, FL 33837
Phone: 863-420-2593
usa-wsf@waterskihalloffame.comFrank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College
Explore the genius of America’s greatest architect through his most fully articulated vision: the National…
Address: 840 Johnson Ave
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: 863-680-4597
fllw@flsouthern.eduBok 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
info@boktowergardens.orgLake Wales History Museum
Lake Wales History Museum features permanent exhibits from Lake Wales history, its industries, a railroad…
Address: 325 S Scenic Highway
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: (863) 676-1759
Wonder House Historic Tours
The rebuilding and remodeling of the Wonder House was covered by episode 9 of the…
Address: 1075 E Mann Rd
Bartow, FL 33830