Bok Tower Gardens offers a peaceful escape just an hour away from the crowds at Disney World. This 250-acre botanical garden in Lake Wales is a must-see for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a relaxing day out.
I mentioned Bok Tower Gardens in my recent post on romantic day trips for couples. However, I wanted to dive deeper into this attraction. With spring approaching here in Florida, now is the perfect time to visit before the heat sets in.
The gardens have also been in the news recently. A proposed toll road route near Bok Tower Gardens could bring noise pollution, disrupt the tranquil view from the tower, and impact local wildlife.
Planning a visit to Bok Tower Gardens? Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What’s the story behind Bok Tower Gardens?
Bok Tower Gardens was created by Edward Bok, a Dutch immigrant who became a publisher and philanthropist. He wanted to create a place of beauty where people could relax and enjoy nature.
To bring this vision to life, Bok hired the best designers and craftsmen in the industry. He gave them the freedom to create without interference.
Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., who also worked on the National Mall and the Jefferson Memorial, designed the landscaping. It features walking trails, lush green spaces, and vibrant flowers.
At the heart of the gardens stands the Singing Tower, a 205-foot pink tower made of marble and coquina stone. It was designed by architect Milton Medary in a blend of Art Deco and neo-Gothic styles.
As you approach the tower, you’ll notice the brass door. Designed by famed metalworker Samuel Yellin, the door depicts the Biblical story of creation. Bok passed away in sight of the tower and is buried in front of the door.
In front of the tower, you’ll also find a koi pond where you can feed the fish.
The Singing Tower houses a carillon, a musical instrument made of large bronze bells played via a keyboard. Each key is connected to a clapper that strikes the bell when played. You can enjoy live or recorded carillon concerts throughout the day.
Where is Bok Tower Gardens?
Bok Tower Gardens is located at 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853, in Polk County between Orlando and Tampa.
How much are Bok Tower Gardens tickets?
Ticket prices for Bok Tower Gardens are as follows:
- $20 for adults
- $10 for children ages 6-17 and dogs
- Free for children under 5
What are the park hours?
Bok Tower Gardens is open from 8am-6pm. The last admission is at 5pm.
When is the best time to visit Bok Tower Gardens?
Between February and April is the best time to visit Bok Tower Gardens. The weather is milder, and the azaleas and other seasonal flowers reach full bloom. However, the park is gorgeous any time of year.
How long does it take to visit Bok Tower Gardens?
Their website recommends taking at least 3-4 hours for your visit. My friend and I spent about 5 hours there, and I felt that was adequate for our visit.
What is there to do at Bok Tower Gardens?
Bok Tower Gardens offers plenty of activities.
Explore the Gardens
Take some time to explore the gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The sidewalks meander through beautiful landscapes full of colorful flowers and fluttering butterflies.
Be sure to stop by the Window on the Pond, a small observatory that overlooks the water. It can get a bit crowded as visitors come and go, but the view makes it worth the stop.
If you’re into birdwatching, don’t forget your binoculars. Over 120 bird species call the gardens home.
Hear the Bells Ring at the Singing Tower
The Singing Tower hosts carillon concerts daily at 1pm and 3pm. Short pieces are played every half hour. From October to mid-May, you can enjoy live performances by a carillonneur on Thursdays through Sundays.
You can’t go inside the tower since it houses the carillon, but you can still enjoy the concerts from the outside. Relax on the benches or chairs on the lawn while listening to the music.
Stop by the Visitor Center
The Visitor Center tells the story of Bok Tower Gardens. Through detailed exhibits, you’ll learn about Edward Bok’s life and the construction of the Singing Tower and its carillon.
Tour El Retiro
For an extra charge, you can tour El Retiro, a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion with 1930s-style decor. (Note: The second floor is not wheelchair-accessible.)
Even if you don’t take the house tour, you’re still welcome to explore the grounds with your regular ticket.
Hike the Pine Ridge Preserve and Trail
The 2+ miles of trails at Bok Tower Gardens wind through a longleaf pine forest. This habitat once covered much of the Southeast but is now endangered.
My friend and I explored part of the Pine Ridge Trail. We enjoyed scenic views of orange groves and came across some interesting plants. Although the gardens were bustling at that point in the afternoon, we mostly had the trail to ourselves.
Take Your Kids to the Children’s Garden
The Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden features an art station, splash pad, fairy house trail, and play areas. With a stage, a kitchen, and more, this area has plenty of fun for little ones.
Attend a Special Event
Bok Tower Gardens hosts special events, including carillon concerts and yoga sessions. You can also take guided tours of the gardens for an extra fee. Be sure to check their website to see what’s coming up.
What dining and shopping options are available?
You can grab lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café, which offers a variety of sandwiches and salads. As someone who has to eat gluten-free, I was happy to find that they have gluten-free sandwich bread available for a small extra charge. View the café menu.
For shopping, the Shop at Bok has a good plant selection, as well as jewelry, home décor, and other souvenirs. My friend took home a garden gnome and a mulberry plant at the end of our visit.
What should you bring for your visit?
When you visit Bok Tower Gardens, be sure to bring the following:
- Sunscreen and a hat. Most of the garden isn’t shaded, and that Florida sun can be intense.
- Comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
- A water bottle. There’s a water refill station by the restrooms outside the Visitor Center, so you can stay hydrated without hassle.
- An umbrella. If the forecast calls for rain, bring one along. If you get caught in a Florida thunderstorm, you won’t find many places to shelter.
And if you’re into photography, don’t forget your camera. The gardens have plenty of photo-worthy spots, from the Singing Tower to the Window on the Pond.
What is there to do near Bok Tower Gardens?
You’ll find a few other attractions near Bok Tower Gardens.
LEGOLAND Florida
If you’ve got kids—or you’re a kid at heart—head to this Lego-themed amusement park in nearby Winter Haven. LEGOLAND Florida is packed with attractions and play areas inspired by the popular toy bricks.
Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Spook Hill
Want to see something strange? Put your car in neutral on Spook Hill in Lake Wales, and watch as it seems to roll uphill.
The weird phenomenon is actually an optical illusion known as a gravity hill. But that hasn’t stopped a legend from growing around it.
Address: 600 N. Wales Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Historic Lake Wales Depot Museum
Just 4 miles from Bok Tower Gardens, the Historic Lake Wales Depot Museum highlights the unique history of Lake Wales. The museum is open Wednesdays-Saturdays, and admission is free.
Address: 325 S. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Conclusion – Bok Tower Gardens: A Hidden Gem 1 Hour from Disney
Edward W. Bok once described his gardens as having beauty “everywhere and on all sides.” I definitely agree.
Bok Tower Gardens offer a break from the suburban sprawl that dominates so much of Central Florida. With their picturesque landscapes and peaceful ambiance, the gardens are a great place to reconnect with nature. Here’s hoping their beauty and tranquility remain intact for generations to come.