Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL

1151 Tower BoulevardLake Wales, FL 33853
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Overview

A historic landmark boasting a 250-acre contemplative garden, a 205-foot tower and a bird sanctuary, Bok Tower Gardens gives visitors an up-close view of Florida’s beautiful wildlife and vegetation. This unique destination has attracted 23 million since 1929, inspiring artistic, cultural and spiritual enrichment from its Singing Tower carillon, Mediterranean-style mansion and lush gardens.

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Good To Know

  • The 205-foot neo-Gothic and art-deco Singing Tower carillon houses one of the world’s finest carillons.
  • Open to visitors since 1929.
  • Bok Tower Gardens is one of the greatest achievements of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
  • Enjoy live concerts.
  • View endangered species.
  • Concerts from the 60-bell carillon at 1 and 3 p.m. fill the Gardens daily.
  • Pinewood Estate, the enchanting 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion, is open for tours throughout the year.
  • Spring season is the best time to visit.
  • Plan to spend a minimum of 3-4 hours at the Gardens.
  • Pets are not allowed.

Description

Bok Tower Gardens offers visitors Florida's most abundant opportunities for aesthetic, cultural and personal enrichment.

The lush landscapes of the Olmsted gardens, the majesty and music of the Singing Tower with its 60-bell carillon, and the splendor of Pinewood Estate create an experience that inspires all who visit.

Bok Tower Gardens is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last admission at 5 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Last admission from the entrance gate is at 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and Tower & Garden Gift Shop are open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with limited hours on holidays.*

Pinewood Estate will be closed the following dates. Subject to change without notice.
2017: April 21-23, October 20-22
Top floor closed: March 3-13, ticket price reduced to $3, pay upon arrival.
Operating Hours except blackout dates above
Summer: Open daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Spring: Open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christmas: Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Best time to visit Pinewood Estate is 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Estate busy hours are from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Bok Tower Gardens Reviews

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Erik_and_Cheryl
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"A Nice Afternoon With Friends"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed August 03, 2024
We went here with friends on May 11, 2024. There are many trails to walk, and this is a good place for birders to go. The grounds and the trails are excellently maintained. The staff is friendly and attentive. There is a nice gift shop and a small restaurant to have lunch at. We had lunch here and it was quite good. We had a nice time here. The one negative we had was the actual Bok Tower. It is just plain ugly. We would go here again.
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E7028YYhelenc
"So much to see"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed July 17, 2024
Wonderful day at Bok Tower, beautiful gardens, with plenty to see. The staff in the shop were very knowledgeable and helpful. Well worth the trip.
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likeparty
"Forgot the great views and cool spot, bring a picnic!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed July 04, 2024
Well like most of us, it's been 20 plus years since visiting. Forgot the great "mountain top" views and how cool the grounds and tower are. Carillon plays at 1 and 3. Plants for sale at reasonable prices. You can certainly bring a picnic lunch for you and your family here.
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Greg_LindaOD
Haines City, Florida
"Find your peace @ BOK Tower!"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed June 29, 2024
Need to lower Blood Pressure? Maybe take a stroll? Or see some amazing gardens? THIS is a FL attraction worth admission. We are now Annual members because my wife finds such peace here. Every month there are new blooms, wildlife & events. What a great job the staff does in keeping the gardens everblooming & visually stimulating. Take 1 path or two or three....find the hidden treasures (find the Boy Scout Bench near the Window by the pond). Or the Human Sundial...Don't miss the Kids Section even if you don't have them ;) If you find it to hot in summer - come up to one of Floridas highest points - go in the Air Conditioned theater (Visitors Center) & see the history and the effort needed to build this massive structure. Constructed with massive marble & carrying bells that weigh tons, it's hard to fathom HOW they did it...but it's all documented. Fascinating Florida history...and you get to learn what plants will survive in the FL heat.
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wild4stars
Winter Haven, Florida
"Yet another great class!!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed June 17, 2024
I LOVE Bok Tower Gardens and go there frequently. Saturday I was there for the Succulent Wreath Making class with Jill from the Gift Shop Garden Center. It was great. She was wonderful. I learned a lot, played in the dirt, got messy, and came home with a beautiful wreath to hang on my courtyard gate.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bok Tower Gardens

How long does it take to walk through Bok Tower Gardens?To fully experience everything Bok Tower Gardens has to offer – a historic Olmstead landscape garden, the Singing Tower Carillon, Pinewood Estate mansion tour, the museum exhibits, café, gift shop, and more – they recommend a minimum of three to four hours.
Does Bok Tower Gardens have wheelchairs or mobility carts available?Bok Tower Gardens has one wheelchair, three adult strollers and five small children strollers available to guests. They are free for visitors to use and are available on a first-come, first served basis. For availability, please check in at the Tower & Garden Gift Shop. Single-passenger mobility carts are available to rent for $6 for one hour or less; $20 for four hours; and $40 for an entire day. Arrangements for mobility carts can be made at the Tower & Garden Gift Shop.
When can I hear the bells at Bok Tower Gardens?Carillon concerts are featured daily at 1 & 3pm. Visitors can usually hear clock music selections at 9am and every half-hour following.
Does Bok Tower Gardens have a place to eat lunch or purchase snacks?Yes. The Blue Palmetto Café is located on-site and features a wide assortment of lunch and snack selections. The Blue Palmetto Café is located near the Visitor Center and is open from 9am-5pm daily.
Is the Singing Tower open for visitors?The Singing Tower is open to guests who are sustainer level members or tower level members. Non-members are prohibited from entering the Singing Tower.
Does Bok Tower Gardens allow pets in the gardens?Pets are not allowed in the gardens. However, Bok Tower does have a “pet pen” that is an open-air, chain-link enclosed facility that is unattended, but does provide water (guests must bring their own water bowl). The fee to use the “pet pen” is $10, which includes a lock. When the lock is returned after your time at Bok Tower visitors receive a refund of $4.65, making the pet fee $5 plus tax.
Is the historic mansion open for tours?Pinewood is open for walking tours. Upon arrival, please check in with the Visitor Center for availability.