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.
Mulberry Phosphate Museum
Home to an extensive collection of fossils, a phosphate industry gallery, old photographs and memorabilia…
Address: 101 SE 1st Street
Mulberry, FL 33860
Phone: (863) 425-2823
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
info@lw-arts.orgBonnet 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’s Natural Grove Store
Learn how Florida’s Natural oranges journey from crate to carton and sample the different varieties…
Address: 20205 US Highway 27 North
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: (863) 676-1411
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art is one of the top-ten art museums in…
Address: 800 E. Palmetto St.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 688-7743 x223
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
Lake 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
Polk County History Center
Housed in a 1908 courthouse, this museum showcases the history of Polk County. Galleries rotate…
Address: 100 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: (863) 534-4386
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.com
