Lake Wales, FL 5

Perched atop the Lake Wales Ridge, the highest point in peninsular Florida, Lake Wales offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm that sets it apart from other Florida destinations. This central Florida community, situated 60 miles east of Tampa and 60 miles southwest of Orlando, creates an experience unlike any other in the Sunshine State.

Founded in 1911 during the height of Florida’s railroad expansion, Lake Wales was established by the Lake Wales Land Company. The city quickly developed around the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot, which still stands today as a historic landmark. The early 20th century brought prosperity as the citrus industry flourished along the nutrient-rich ridge, transforming the landscape into groves that became the economic backbone of the region. Browse another article.

At the heart of Lake Wales’ identity stands Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark situated at Iron Mountain, the highest point in central Florida at 295 feet above sea level. Created by Edward Bok in the 1920s as a gift to the American people, this 250-acre sanctuary features meticulously designed gardens by the renowned Olmsted Brothers. The centerpiece is the 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon, whose melodious bells ring out across the landscape daily, creating a mesmerizing auditory experience.

Perhaps the most curious attraction in Lake Wales is Spook Hill, where objects appear to defy gravity by rolling uphill. This optical illusion has fascinated visitors for generations and has become part of local folklore. Legend claims it involves either a massive alligator or a Native American chief, depending on which version of the tale you hear.

The downtown historic district showcases Mediterranean Revival and Mission-style architecture that reflects the city’s 1920s boom period. The recently revitalized Lake Wales Main Street area features charming shops, local eateries, and the historic Scenic Theater, providing a glimpse into the city’s past while supporting its present economic vitality.

For those seeking adventure, the Florida Skydiving Center offers year-round skydiving at Lake Wales Airport. Outdoor enthusiasts also flock to Lake Kissimmee State Park, just outside the city limits, where 13 miles of hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems home to deer, alligators, bald eagles, and the endangered Florida panther.

The Lake Wales History Museum, housed in a renovated 1928 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad station, preserves the area’s heritage through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The museum sponsors the annual Pioneer Days festival during the last weekend of October, celebrating the community’s pioneering spirit with period costumes, traditional crafts, and historical demonstrations.

Cultural life thrives in Lake Wales through the Lake Wales Arts Council, which has fostered artistic expression in the community since 1971. Their annual Lake Wales Art Show draws more than 125 artists and thousands of visitors each March to the shores of Lake Wales, transforming the lakefront into an outdoor gallery celebrating creativity in all its forms.

Throughout the year, residents come together for events that strengthen community bonds. The Orange Blossom Revue music festival in December showcases local and regional talent against the backdrop of Lake Wailes. The Lake Wales Mardi Gras, a tradition since 1984, fills the streets with colorful parades, music, and celebration.

What truly distinguishes Lake Wales, however, is its people. The community of approximately 17,000 residents maintains a genuine small-town atmosphere where neighbors know one another and newcomers quickly feel at home. Multi-generational families live alongside retirees and young professionals, creating a diverse tapestry of perspectives and experiences.

As Lake Wales looks to the future, it balances preservation with progress. The city’s commitment to its historic downtown, environmental treasures, and cultural institutions ensures that its unique identity remains intact while embracing thoughtful development.

For visitors and residents alike, Lake Wales represents a different side of Florida—one where rolling hills replace flat landscapes, where history is celebrated rather than erased, and where community connections matter. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, look up at the tower on the hill, listen for the carillon bells, and experience Florida’s elevated heart in more ways than one.