Lake Wales, Florida

Lake Wales is a city located in central Florida, 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Winter Haven and 28 miles (45 kilometers) southeast of Lakeland. It is part of Polk County, and has a population of 10,194.

Downtown Lake Wales is a vibrant commercial area and also a National Historic District. Many buildings have been restored to their 1920s appearance, and a series of colorful murals depict the city's development. You'll also find many entertainment events, including the monthly "History on Wheels" classic car cruise-in and an annual art show. To learn more about the past, visit the Depot Museum, which has great exhibits on local history, industries, vintage railroad cars and more. The Lake Wales Arts Center is one of the city's cultural gems, and offers concerts, art exhibits, workshops, a film series, and an annual fine arts festival.

Bok Sanctuary is perhaps the city's most famous attraction. Its expansive grounds contain the magnificent Pinewood Estate, a 205-foot (62-meter) Carillon Tower, and gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Spook Hill is another frequently visited attraction, and here cars have been seen to roll uphill by themselves! Legend has it that the strange events began long before the city was founded, when Chief Cufcowellax of the Calusas Tribe wrestled a giant alligator and drowned it in nearby Lake Wailes.

You'll find many more attractions within easy driving distance of Lake Wales, including Disney World, SeaWorld, the Kennedy Space Center, dozens of golf courses, and the fabulous beaches along Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts!

For a city that combines "progressive vision" with "vintage charm," look at Lake Wales!

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