Bok Tower Gardens, located in the Central Florida city of Lake Wales, is one of Florida’s premier botanical gardens for visitors. The centerpiece of the garden is the 205 ft. tall “Singing Tower,” complete with carillon bells that are sounded in whimsical daily concerts. Whether visitors are botanical garden aficionados or just seeking a day out to experience nature, the Bok Tower Gardens makes for an enriching experience.
Where are the Bok Tower Gardens Located?
Bok Tower Gardens are located in Lake Wales, Florida. Lake Wales sits just east of Tampa and west of Lake Kissimmee in Central Florida, and is about an hour from both Orlando and Tampa. The central location of Bok Tower Gardens makes it accessible for many visitors and Central Florida residents looking to experience a day trip to see all the Gardens have to offer.
What Exactly is the Bok Tower?
The Bok Tower, named for Dutch magazine editor Edward Bok, stands over 200 feet tall in the west end of Bok Tower Gardens, is officially called the “Singing Tower”. Set an idyllic area of the gardens, the Singing Tower stands majestically before a reflecting pool. Inside the tower, the carillon bells occupy the upper floors of the tower. The keyboard is housed in a room near the top floor, with archives and a library below that. Closer to the bottom are two large water cisterns, and finally the Founder’s room, which serves today as event space. The tower sits atop Iron Mountain, the region’s most prominent point at nearly 300 feet of elevation.
History of Bok Tower
Bok Tower’s storied history begins with Edward Bok, the editor of famed Ladies Home Journal magazine. Bok was seeking a refuge from city life and commissioned the son famed landscape architect, Fredrick Law Olmstead, Jr. to create an inviting garden space in 1921. Atop the peak, Bok and his wife wanted to create a bird sanctuary. That plan was pushed aside in favor of what would eventually become the Singing Tower, where construction began in 1927. Upon its completion in 1929, President Coolidge attended the dedication and opening. By the time Bok passed away in 1930, plans were already in place for Bok to be buried near the base of the tower.
The tower is renowned for its octagonal shape and interesting mix of Art Deco with Gothic Revival architectural styles. Today, the tower houses the Anton Brees Carillion Library, the largest collection of Carillion in world.
Can Guests Go Up Bok Tower?
Unfortunately, guests cannot climb to the top of the Singing Tower. However, donors to the associated non-profit are able to schedule advance docent-led tours of the Founders Room on the ground floor of the tower at scheduled times throughout the year. Donors at a higher level are exclusively invited to tour the entire tower.
Is Bok Tower Gardens Good for Kids?
Yes, Bok Tower Gardens are an ideal location to visit for guests of all ages. Children especially love visiting the Hammock Hallow Children’s garden where kids can enter through a small keystone gate and explore and learn about stone mosaics, an art center, and a performance stage. Plants sized perfectly for children help educate on the importance of balancing the region’s ecosystem.
Opening Hours and Planning Your Visit
The Bok Tower Gardens are open daily 365 days per year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum and visitor center are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located just inside, the gardens gift shop and the Blue Palmetto Cafe enjoy the same hours as the visitor center.
Current admission is $15 per person. Children 5-12 are $5, and dogs are $5. There is no cost for children under 5. Members of the military are always free. While dogs are permitted, they must remain on a leash for the duration of the visit and cannot enter indoor areas of the gardens, including the gift shop, cafe, or visitor center.
For an added fee, guests can visit the Pinewood Estate and Gardens. This small winter cottage represents the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930’s big city tycoons and gives a flavor for the way of life during this era.
How Can I Hear the Carillion Bells?
Carillion concerts are played from the Singing Tower daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Additionally, throughout the day, clock music plays at 8:30 a.m. and every 30 minutes following until the gardens close for the day.
What Else Can I See in the Gardens?
Some of the highlights of visiting the garden include the Pine Ridge Nature Trail, a 3/4 mile walkway though a native Florida Longleaf Pine forest. Visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of this region in Florida, including some endangered species like the gopher tortoise and the Eastern Indigo snake.
A wetland boardwalk spans 170 feet through an authentic swamp area where visitors can see firsthand the importance of habitat restoration in some of Florida’s most iconic ecosystems. Lastly, visitors can meander the groupinds and exploring the gardens near small lakes, exotic plants, a kitchen garden, and even view the 1929 Dedication Monument from when President Coolidge attended the opening.
Summary
Bok Tower Gardens has something for every type of visitor, whether they are interested in history, botany, architecture, or art. The many layers of Bok Tower Gardens are a great way to spend an afternoon learning about local history in Central Florida, while taking in the serenity from one of the region’s highest peaks overlooking gardens and orange groves. Children of all ages can appreciate the gardens by spending an hour or two exploring everything in the exciting children’s garden area.
Edward Bok ensured that his legacy to promote the native flora and fauna of Florida, as well as his favorite instrument, the Carillion, is able to be enjoyed by all for generations to come. His commitment to preserving the culture serves to benefit all visitors to the gardens with an educational and enriching experience had by all who visit.
After a wonderful day out tat the gardens, there’s nothing better than coming back to the Eiko’s Beach House for a swim in your private pool or chilling by the beach.
