Bok Tower Gardens
Reigning high above the Central Florida landscape – more than 200 feet high, in fact – Lake Wales’ world-famous art deco and neo-Gothic legend, Bok Tower Gardens, was a tourist attraction the day it opened in 1929. Built upon the highest elevation in peninsular Florida, guests can stroll in the shadow of the tower that houses a carillon – and instrument comprised of a series of bells played by a keyboard. Built on Iron Mountain, what was once a desolate sand hill was transformed into a 250-acre lush tropical landscape that is both a contemplative garden as well as a bird sanctuary.
Local Culture Tours
If architecture interests you, schedule a tour of the historic Wonder House in Bartow.
Lakeland Food Tours and Winter Haven Food Tours offer visitors a way to enjoy tastings from a smattering of popular local restaurants with the assistance of a local guide.
Local Artists & Art Galleries
Central Florida art galleries include traditional spaces like Lake Wales Arts Council and Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery. Nontraditional spaces include Mitchell’s Coffee House in Lakeland–with a delicious latte that tastes just like an Almond Joy.
You can show off your own artistic skills at PicassoZ Art Café in Lakeland, where you can paint along, make your own pottery or arrange an event for any occasion.
Be sure to read about our Museums and Performing Arts scene. LKLDArts.org is also a great resource for Arts & Culture events taking place in Lakeland.
Polk County History Center
![3 women looking at citrus themed Polk County exhibits inside Polk County History Center in Bartow, FL](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Polk-County-History-Center_Bartow-500x300.jpg)
Housed in a 1908 courthouse, this museum showcases the history of Polk County. Galleries rotate…
Address: 100 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: (863) 534-4380
Wonder House Historic Tours
![Exterior of 3-story Wonder House in Bartow, FL](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Wonder-House-500x300.jpg)
The rebuilding and remodeling of the Wonder House was covered by episode 9 of the…
Address: 1075 E Mann Rd
Bartow, FL 33830
Winter Haven Food Tours
![Downtown Winter Haven street](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/whcc_downtown_lights-1-500x300.jpg)
Visit historic locations and fun venue spaces during a 2.5-hour culinary adventure with Winter Haven…
Address:
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Phone: 863-288-0038
info@winterhavenfoodtours.comBonnet Springs Park
![Drone image of Bonnet Springs Park located in Lakeland, FL](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Event-Center-and-Harrell-Family-Botanical-Gardens-2-500x300.jpeg)
Bonnet Springs Park, open as of October 2022, is located in Lakeland along the I-4…
Address: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: 863-413-0652
info@bonnetspringspark.comPolk Museum of Art
![Male and female looking at art hanging in gallery at Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Polk-Museum-of-Art-500x300.jpg)
Polk Museum of Art is one of the top-ten art museums in Central Florida, featuring…
Address: 800 E. Palmetto St.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 688-7743 x223
Lake Wales Arts Council
![Gallery with hanging art at Lake Wales Arts Council.](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Lake-Wales-Arts-Council-500x300.jpg)
Located in a Spanish mission-style church built in 1927. Lake Wales Arts Council welcomes visitors…
Address: 1099 State Road 60 East
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: (863) 676-8426
info@lw-arts.orgFlorida’s Natural Grove Store
![2 women shopping in citrus themed gift shop, Florida’s Natural Grove Store in Lake Wales, FL](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Floridas-Natural-Grove-Store-500x300.jpg)
Learn how Florida’s Natural oranges journey from crate to carton and sample the different varieties…
Address: 20205 US Highway 27 North
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: (863) 676-1411
Lakeland Food Tours
![Group sitting at table inside Cafe Roti. Drinks on table. Nate, host of Lakeland Food Tours standing.](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lakeland-Food-Tours-500x300.jpg)
To fill your mind, your belly and your heart in one walking food tour with…
Address:
Lakeland, FL
Phone: 863-279-0076
nate@lkldfoodtours.comFlorida Children’s Museum
![two girls playing in the design park exhibit at florida children's museum](https://visitcentralflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tia-and-girl-scarf-on-air-table-500x300.jpg)
Opened in Lakeland on November 4, Florida Children’s Museum is the place for hands-on learning.…
Address: 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: 863-687-3869