Location: Lake Wales
Top Things to do in Lake Wales
What to do and see in Lake Wales, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 14,225 at the 2010 census. As of 2014, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 15,140. It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. Lake Wales is located in central Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa.
Restaurants in Lake Wales
1. Bok Tower Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Explore the landscaped gardens of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and one of Florida’s natural habitats on the Pine Ridge Trail. You can also discover the history of Edward W. Bok and the building of his 205 foot Singing Tower and tour the historic Pinewood Estate mansion to catch a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930s. Enjoy the all new Children's Garden, Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen and Wild Garden. Visitor Center includes exhibits on the life of Edward Bok and the Carillon. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Blue Palmetto Cafe and take home a memento from the Tower shop.
Reviewed By Narrissa P
We took our children's ministry to Bok Tower as an outing...what an awesome trip. The weather was perfect and the staff went over and beyond the call of duty...the exhibits were amazing and informative the grounds were amazingly beautiful.
2. Pinewood Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Jim H - Westerville, Ohio
This is really 2 separate attractions. The Bok Towers and Gardens (a national historic landmark) is the main attraction but the Pinewood Estate and Gardens (aka the Buck Mansion) which requires a separate admission charge is on the grounds of the Bok Tower.
PINEWOOD ESTATE AND GARDENS (THE BUCK MANSION) requires admission to the Bok Tower PLUS a separate $6 admission but is well worth the extra cost. This mansion was the winter home of Mr Buck (a VP from Bethlehem Steel. He instructed his architect that no 2 rooms should be the same. In fact, there are no 2 doors that are the same. The mansion dates to the era just before the Great Depression and is a wonderful example of how the "other half" lived.
Tours of the mansion are billed as self-guided but there are docents stationed throughout the house to explain what you're seeing in each room.
The Pinewood Estate was acquired by the Bok Tower Foundation when it came on the market around 1970.
Finally, I think I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Cafe located near the Bok Tower Visitor Center. Not only was the food excellent - but the prices were very reasonable - especially when you consider that the cafe has a captive audience. Most on-site cafes charge much higher prices than the Bok Tower Cafe. We were very pleased to get a delicious lunch at a really reasonable price.
3. Lake Kissimmee State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By Jstinger
Nice place to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors. Nice trails and water was clear the day we went. Would like to kayak there next time.
4. Florida's Natural Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Linda R - Marshfield, Wisconsin
This visitor center was small, but one could spend a great deal of time here. There were lots of film presentations on the citrus industry and interesting displays of packaging from days gone by. The free samples of juice were very cold and refreshing!
They had a nice gift shop, which was a little overpriced.
5. Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Former railroad station transformed into a museum with railroad and local history items as well as a rotating collections. Fun and unexpected. DDonationscollection of items.
Reviewed By Irish4love - Amarillo, TX
We love libraries and history. Lake Wales is rich in both. The historic section of downtown boasts a small railroad museum run by the Library staff. It’s open Tues -Sat 9-5. Lots of great info on Lake Wales beginnings and a few souvenirs to purchase. Well worth the time. No admission but donations welcome.
6. Westgate River Ranch Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce W
Took my wife, daughter, granddaughter and future son-in-law to Westgate. Wonderful Buffett and professional entertaining rodeo. We would recommend this for a family event. Dr. Watson
7. St. Anne Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Chimera-shaman - Avon Park, Florida
First you have to remember this is LakeWales, second this is a shrine hand built by one person many years ago, with that said it couldn't be more lovely. It is nestled in a residential neighborhood. We had to look at the pictures posted to find it. There is a path to drive up to it. I have lived not far from there and never knew it was there. I will now return often and tell others about it.
8. Fiddlers Ridge Farms & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By susann w - Tampa, Florida
Very small winery in Lake Wales Florida. The owners were sweet and were proud to talk about their wines.This winery mostly had honey wines. The peach wine was made from Florida peaches and was very tasty and great. A little hard to find but once you do, Wow! Highly recommend this winery to anyone passing through Lake Wales.
9. Spook Hill
Overall Ratings
3 based on 367 reviews
Cars will coast uphill at this mysterious site.
Reviewed By Sancho5a - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
This is the second time we drove there out of curiosity. We did not see the optical illusion. There is a white line a bit uphill and when you put the gears into neutral standing 9n that white line the car rolls backwards down the hill. Physics still work. Still kind of fun checking these corky attractions.
10. Sunshine Flea Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Sherie N - Michigan City, Indiana
I have gone here 3 times this winter with my friends and each time is different. We love the Kettle Corn stand! There are great flowers and plants and fresh produce that is picture perfect! There is a BBQ place that we haven't tried yet...MoreGlad you enjoyed us. Please keep coming back. Every good business is reflected by its customers. We need more like you! Please stop in the office and say hello....help us improve!
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