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All those days watching from the windows. All those years outside looking in.
- Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- Fee: Adults $17, Seniors $15, Children (5-12) $5, Children under 5: Free
- Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Last admission at 5:00 p.m.)
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon. Spring for vibrant blooms
Bok Tower Gardens—stands tall, as a melodic carillon fills the air, while the lush gardens create a serene retreat. Underrated? Absolutely. But once you step into this hidden retreat, you’ll wonder how it ever stayed that way.
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Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Edward Bok Dreamed It Up
Bok Tower Gardens isn’t just some park on a hill—it’s a piece of living history perched atop Iron Mountain in Lake Wales. A National Historic Landmark, that emerges almost by surprise as one strolls the garden paths.
Take a moment to admire the Golden Door which guards the final resting place of Edward Bok himself. Insider tours are available on special dates or you can join the Bok for All program to learn more about this historical landmark
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Climb 295 Feet to a Tower That Sings
From the Visitor Center, it’s about an 8-minute walk to the tower.
But once you stand beside this 205-foot Gothic Revival Singing Tower, you’ll be gobsmacked. Designed by Milton B. Medary, the tower itself is made of coquina along with Georgia marble that has hues of pink and dove gray.
Inside, there’s intricate metalwork by Samuel Yellin and a massive 60-bell carillon that fills the air with music. A reflecting pool, inspired by the Taj Mahal, perfectly mirrors the tower, creating a shifting, impressionistic view that changes with the weather and light.
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Dig Into the World of Carillon Music
The Anton Brees Carillon Library is like a backstage pass to the world of bell music. It holds one of the largest collections of carillon literature—1,500 books and journals, plus over 3,000 musical scores, and audio and video recordings.
Even if you’re not a music buff, it’s a fascinating peek into a unique and underrated art form. Join Linda Dzuris at the Florida Carillon Festival this 2025 for mesmerizing melodies, as the carillon’s rich tones echo through the air.
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Roam Through Acres of Living Art
Step into a landscape straight out of a painter’s dream.
Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. designed these gardens to be a living, breathing masterpiece. Azaleas, magnolias, camellias, towering live oaks, and graceful palms—it’s a constantly shifting canvas of color and texture.
One week, the azaleas explode in color; the next, the camellias steal the show. The sculptures, created by Lee Lawrie, also harmonize with the gardens.
Stroll through paved pathways and mulched ground, some with an incline. Two main routes lead into the heart of the Gardens, and there are plenty of options to reach the Singing Tower.
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Hike Through Florida’s Wild Side
Feel like stretching your legs?
The 1.5-mile Preserve Trail winds through several endangered plant species, including Lewton’s polygala. It’s quiet and peaceful, a perfect place to lose yourself in nature.
Take the Pine Ridge Trail —a mellow 0.75-mile loop that still delivers all the fresh air and solitude you could ask for. Stay tuned for their inclusive Yoga classes this year.
Drop by The Blue Palmetto Cafe at the Visitor Center. They have a delicious selection of snacks, soups, sandwiches, and specially curated wines.
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Let the Kids Run Wild at Hammock Hollow
Got little explorers in tow? Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden is layered with splash zones, climbing structures, and interactive play areas.
Let em burn off energy while learning a thing or two about nature. Hands-on workshops and activities keep things fresh, so even the most restless adventurers stay entertained.
Download The Garden Adventure Guide, which includes a map of the rubbing tile posts and Gardens, as well as a Singing Tower jumble puzzle and other activities.
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Step Into a 1930s Spanish-style Retreat
Pinewood Estate, or as it was originally called, El Retiro (Spanish for “the retreat”), is a slice of old-school luxury hidden inside Bok Tower Gardens.
Built for Bethlehem Steel executive Charles Buck, this Mediterranean Revival mansion is pure 1930s elegance. The 20-room estate is packed with history, and the eight acres of gardens surrounding it? Just as stunning as the house itself.
If you’re here around Christmas time, the Holiday Home Tour is quite the highlight that runs till January. They even host monthly themed parties celebrating 1930s culture.
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Birdwatching? You’re in the Right Place
Does the belfry have bats? Nope, but owls have been spotted there from time to time.
More than 100 bird species call this place home, from sandhill cranes to wild turkeys. But it’s not just about the birds—it’s home to the threatened gopher tortoise and endangered eastern indigo snake.
The cultivated gardens are part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail. Look for hummingbirds in spring and summer, and migratory songbirds in April and September through October.
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