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.
Explorations V Children’s Museum
Explorations V Children’s Museum in Lakeland offers colorful, interactive entertainment, and opportunities for parents and…
Address: 109 N Kentucky Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 687-3869
Wonder House Historic Tours
LB 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: (893) 944-6136
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) 534-4380
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
Polk Museum of Art
Polk Museum of Art is one of the top-ten art museums in Central Florida, featuring…
Address: 800 E. Palmetto St.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 688-7743 x223
Frank 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
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
Florida Sports Hall of Fame Preview Center
The Hall of Fame Preview Center includes memorabilia from some of Florida's biggest sports stars…
Address: 101 Adventure Ct
Davenport, FL 33837
Phone: (863) 420-2586
