About Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary in Lake Wales, about an hour south of Orlando. The centerpiece is the 205-foot neo-Gothic and Art Deco Singing Tower, which houses a 60-bell carillon that performs daily concerts. The gardens sit atop Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in peninsular Florida at 298 feet above sea level.
History of Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens was created by Dutch-American author and Pulitzer Prize winner Edward W. Bok as a gift to the American people. The gardens and tower were dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. (son of the designer of Central Park) designed the gardens. The Singing Tower carillon was built by renowned sculptor Lee Lawrie. The property was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
Park Areas & Lands
🗼 Singing Tower
The 205-foot neo-Gothic and Art Deco carillon tower housing 60 bronze bells. Daily carillon concerts at 1 PM and 3 PM fill the gardens with music.
🌺 Gardens and Trails
Lush gardens featuring azaleas, camellias, ferns, palms, oaks, and pines arranged in a naturalistic style along winding paths.
🏠 Pinewood Estate
A 1930s Mediterranean Revival mansion with 20 rooms of period furnishings and surrounded by formal gardens.
🐦 Bird Sanctuary
The gardens serve as a bird sanctuary attracting over 100 species throughout the year.
Must-Do Attractions
- Carillon Concerts - Daily concerts at 1 PM and 3 PM when the 60-bell carillon fills the gardens with music - a peaceful and unique experience
- Singing Tower - The 205-foot tower features exquisite sculptural details and tile work - a masterpiece of neo-Gothic and Art Deco design
- Pinewood Estate - A beautifully preserved 1930s mansion with 20 rooms of original furnishings and stunning formal gardens
- Garden Trails - Miles of winding paths through themed garden areas with benches, overlooks, and tranquil reflecting pools
- Nature and Birdwatching - Over 100 bird species frequent the gardens - a premier birdwatching destination in Central Florida
Insider Tips
- Time your visit to arrive before the 1 PM or 3 PM carillon concert - the music echoing through the gardens is magical
- Bok Tower is about an hour from Orlando or 45 minutes from LEGOLAND - combine them for a full day
- The gardens are most colorful during spring (February through April) when azaleas and camellias are in bloom
- Bring comfortable walking shoes - the gardens cover 250 acres of gentle hills and paths
- Pinewood Estate tours are available seasonally (primarily fall and winter holidays) and require a separate ticket
- The Hammock Hollow Children's Garden is a wonderful play area for young children
Best Times to Visit
Bok Tower Gardens is never truly crowded, making it a peaceful escape any time. Spring (February through April) offers the most colorful blooms. Winter holiday season brings festive decorations at Pinewood Estate. Summer afternoons can be very hot - morning visits are most comfortable.
Tickets & Pricing
Adults $15, children (5-12) $5, under 5 free. Pinewood Estate tour $8 additional (seasonal). Annual memberships from $75. Blue Star Museum - free for active military and families.
Dining at Bok Tower Gardens
The Blue Palmetto Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and beverages on an outdoor terrace with garden views. Light snacks and coffee also available at the visitor center.
Official Resources
Group Visit to Bok Tower Gardens? BusBrother drops your group at the front gate and picks you up after the fireworks. No parking fees, no rideshare surge. Round trip, multi-stop, ADA accessible. Get a free quote.