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According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.0 square miles (36 km 2 ), of which 13.4 square miles (35 km 2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km 2) (4.71%) is water. Lake Wales is located in Central Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa .
Lake Wales. Situated near the center of Florida 50 miles south of Orlando, Lake Wales is home to lush, rolling hills, citrus groves, rodeo action, and Bok Tower Gardens, a historic landmark and one of the state’s best-known botanical gardens.
- Bok Tower Gardens. The most striking sight in Lake Wales is the Bok Tower Gardens, specifically for its rose brick skyscraper that reaches 205 feet. The land at the top of Iron Mountain was donated to the town residents in 1930 after celebrated author Edward Bok passed away.
- Lake Kissimmee State Park. Lake Kissimmee State Park holds a brilliant mix of Florida’s history and its beautiful nature. The park is home to 13 miles of hiking trails, almost half of which are open to horseback riders.
- Spook Hill. One of the best things to do in Lake Wales is to experience the weird and wonderful Spook Hill. The roadside attraction has taken on a life of its own, thrilling locals and all that dare come past.
- Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. Covering an immense 1,700 acres on the surging Kissimmee River, the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is one of the last bastions of old-school ranching in Florida.
- Bok Tower Gardens. In the 1920s the author and publisher Edward Bok (1863-1930) developed an incredible 250-acre garden atop Iron Mountain in Lake Wales.
- El Retiro (Pinewood Estate) For an additional fee, at Bok Tower Gardens you can tour this splendid Mediterranean-style mansion. El Retiro was built in 1930 as a winter retreat for the industrialist C. Austin Buck, who was vice-president of the Bethlehem Steel Company, in Pennsylvania.
- Lake Wailes. The large body of water in the heart of the city has held onto the original spelling, after founder Sidney Irving Wailes. This is a spectacular place to be, especially at dawn or sunset, when the views are unforgettable.
- Historic Downtown Lake Wales. Bounded to the east by SR 17, Lake Wales has a downtown with more than meets the eye. Loosely distributed across several blocks is a large community of local businesses.
Apr 28, 2024 · Here, you’ll find thriving natural environments, such as Bok Tower Gardens and Lake Wailes Park. If you’re into appreciating beauty indoors too, a visit to Lake Wales Art Center will surely entertain you. In addition, this city has plenty of fun activities to offer the whole family.
About Lake Wales. The City of Lake Wales Florida is located in Polk County and lies among rolling hills on the highest ground in peninsular Florida. In the valleys around Lake Wales, there are many clear lakes that furnish year-round recreational opportunities.
Located just southeast of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven, Lake Wales is home to Bok Tower Gardens, built atop Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida at 295-feet above sea level, and Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi River.
