Bok Tower Scenic Drive
Bok Tower Gardens sits atop Iron Mountain in Lake Wales, one of the highest points in peninsular Florida at 298 feet above sea level. The drive to the gardens takes you through rolling citrus hills, past historic groves, and through the charming small town of Lake Wales. The gardens themselves feature the iconic 205-foot Singing Tower with a 60-bell carillon, surrounded by 250 acres of gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
Route Overview
Starting in Lake Wales, the drive follows Burns Avenue and local roads through citrus groves and rolling terrain to Bok Tower Gardens. The elevation change is subtle but noticeable, and the landscape feels distinctly different from the flat coastal areas. Along the way, you pass through the Lake Wales Ridge, a unique geological formation with rare scrub habitat.
Stops Along the Way
1. Downtown Lake Wales
Start in downtown Lake Wales with its historic Main Street, murals, and small-town Florida charm. The Lake Wales Arts Center and local restaurants are worth a stop before heading to the gardens.
2. Spook Hill
A famous gravity hill where your car appears to roll uphill. Park at the designated spot, put your car in neutral, and watch it roll backward up the slope. A Lake Wales curiosity since the early 1900s.
3. Bok Tower Gardens
The crown jewel of the drive - 250 acres of gardens and nature preserve surrounding the 205-foot Gothic and Art Deco Singing Tower. Daily carillon concerts at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM fill the gardens with music.
4. Pinewood Estate
A 20-room Mediterranean Revival mansion within Bok Tower Gardens, built in 1932. Tours are available and the home features period furnishings and beautiful gardens of its own.
5. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Just south of Bok Tower, this state forest protects rare Florida scrub habitat found only on the Lake Wales Ridge. Hiking trails wind through ancient sand pine scrub, one of the rarest ecosystems in the world.
Driving Tips
- Bok Tower Gardens admission is $15 for adults - buy tickets online for the best price
- Time your visit to arrive for the 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM carillon concert - the music echoes across the gardens
- Spook Hill works best if you follow the posted instructions exactly - stop at the white line and shift to neutral
- The drive through citrus country is especially beautiful in spring when orange blossoms fill the air
Official Resources
Group Road Trip? BusBrother provides charter bus service along this route. Let a professional driver handle the road while your group enjoys the scenery. Get a free quote.