WHERE THE WILD THINGS GROW AT HISTORIC BOK TOWER GARDENS

Have you ever wanted to explore a secret garden with a magical singing tower? Stroll through luscious blooming foliage and hidden walkways? Maybe take a reprieve from the Florida heat and sit for a spell by a mystical glass window in the woods overlooking a pond full of native wildlife!? Then grab your camera, water bottle, and comfy walking shoes as this Florida Girl takes you to where the wild things grow at Historic Bok Tower Gardens.

Most people who come to Central Florida, miss our best-kept-secret, Our “singing tower.” Situated on the highest point in the state of Florida, 298 feet above sea level, on Iron Mountain, is the most beautiful national historic landmark simply known as Bok Tower. Located in Historic Lake Wales, Florida off scenic highway and Burns Avenue, Bok Tower Gardens is a work of art created by Edward W. Bok.  

A LITTLE FLORIDA HISTORY 

Bok, a Dutch immigrant, who enjoyed our winters and Florida’s natural beauty, wanted to create a wildlife and bird sanctuary. He teamed up with Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, (his father designed Central Park,)  to create the original 157-acre gardens. Olmsted himself already had a reputation for past projects that included the White House and Biltmore Estate. Over five years, Frederick Olmsted Jr. worked hard to cultivate and introduce exotic and Florida native plants as well as make a sanctuary for migrating birds.

Fashioned by a steel frame covered in coquina shell from St. Augustine and pink and gray marble from Georgia, Bok Tower stands proud at 205 feet. Marble sculptures of birds, plants, and humans depict the balance between nature and man. With a 60-bell carillon, a gigantic bronze door, and a mote filled with Koi, it is no wonder that in 1939, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the gardens to Edward Bok as a thank-you. In 1993, Bok Tower Gardens became a National Historic Landmark. Want to know more!? Check out this link!

Pro Local Tip: You can enjoy daily Carillon concert performances at 1 pm and 3 pm. The bells also play regular daily concerts from 8 am – 6 pm 365 days a year. If you stick around, you can meet the musician who performed! They love to meet everyone and take photos. There is also a viewing area where you can watch them as they perform.

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

As much as I enjoy the Tower itself, my soul gravitates to the wandering walkways, smelling the seasonal blooms, and finding a quiet spot to just be still. Encompassing 157 acres of lush gardens and many water features, new gardens, and old gardens, this truly is a beautiful place.

Mr. Bok wanted us to become one with nature and to study and observe plants and wildlife. One fantastic secret location to do this is tucked away in the “wetlands” area. This is the ideal place to spy on a Painted bunting singing or a snake sunning himself. Honestly, from this vantage point, you will see so much. So, how do I find this super secret spot you talk about!? From the Visitor Center, stroll through the outdoor kitchen garden,( another favorite area), and take the nature trail heading out to the wetlands boardwalk area. You will come to a fork-keep straight and cross through the secret garden canopy of bushes to a deck. Here, you will find two comfy Adirondack chairs overlooking the vastness of beauty. It’s shaded and a perfect spot to journal, reflect, and just be.

WANDER BACK TO THE 1930s

Next, wander down the path in the direction of the tower. Along the way, enjoy the blooming azaleas and camellias. As you stroll, an iron gate will appear with nuns’ orchids in all their glory. Take the path down to the 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion known as the Pinewood Estate or El Retiro. Admission is separate but well worth the tour. The 7.5-acre garden is filled with courtyards and fountains, native planting, and a lush lawn. What I love about El Retiro is there is always something new to discover. A tucked away bench, a hidden water feature, or the tranquility of sitting by the pond. This property is fascinating and rich in history. For a more in-depth history, special events, and general information, go here.

PRO LOCAL TIP: THE GRASSY LAWN OF EL RETIRO DOWN BY THE POND WOULD MAKE A FANTASTIC PICNIC AREA! 

A FEW MORE SECRET SPOTS…

You don’t want to miss one of the Carillon concerts while visiting the Historical Bok Tower Gardens. Leaving El Retiro, continue down the shaded pathway taking time to enjoy. You will see off to your left a covered “rain shelter”. You are now at the most amazing lookout here at Bok Tower. Most people miss this area which is what makes it so special. The grassy area in front offers another perfect location to enjoy a picnic lunch and enjoy the concert or catch a GLORIOUS Florida sunset with a glass of wine! Ahhhhhhh……

HANGING OUT ON THE PATIO

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All the reflecting and strolling usually have us pretty “hangry”! We love to grab a table on the patio of The Blue Palmetto Cafe. The menu has something for everyone and features local beer from Groveroots in nearby Winter Haven, as well as homemade lemonade. This seems to be the heart of Bok Tower. It is what I imagine a patisserie in France would be like. People enjoying the company of others, dogs lounging, and great food! No one is in a hurry. Perfection! Here is a tasty look at The Blue Palmetto Cafe.

GO TAKE A HIKE

Your belly is full and you are relaxed but not quite ready to leave!? How about taking a hike? Bok Tower Gardens offers two trails for you to enjoy. Have your phone or camera ready because you just might spy a gopher tortoise along the way! For maps and other details, check out the link here. 

The Preserve Trail is a 1.5-mile trail through one of Florida’s endangered ecosystems. This is an easy trail paved with pebble rock from the phosphate mines. 

Pine Ridge Trail is a 3/4-mile trail that takes you through a longleaf pine/turkey oak habitat. The longleaf pine is in danger of disappearing but with the conservation efforts being made at Bok, a portion has been saved. Saving rare species is a vital part of Bok Tower. Join Bok Tower on their conservation efforts to further save Florida Native plants.

WHO IS BOK TOWER GARDENS FOR!?

• ​Seriously, Bok Tower Gardens is perfect for visitors of all ages! General Admission is $20 & Kids $10 
• Can I bring Fido!? Of course! Bok Tower loves our four-legged friends. They are $10 for the day.
• What are the hours? Another great question! Bok is open 365 days a year 8 am to 6 pm. Let’s be real though..you might not want to hang out here under the turkey oaks during a tropical storm or a hurricane. Just saying…
• How about Special events and classes? You betcha! Get all the information here.
• Can I buy a membership? You can and we encourage it! 
• Is there anything cool for the kiddos!? There is! Hammock Hollow is pretty cool!
• Bok Tower is also wheelchair accessible even up to the tower.

If you are looking for a fun day trip that doesn’t involve any characters’, then come see where the wild things grow at Historic Bok Tower Gardens. Spend the day exploring all the natural beauty and splendor of one of Florida’s most remarkable experiences. Catch a butterfly, spy on a gopher tortoise, and explore a wild garden. Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the Japanese Lantern or The Window by the Pond! I promise you it will be the highlight of your trip! If you are one of our new transplants, welcome to our GREAT State! I am confident it will quickly become a new favorite destination for you. Have you been? Let us know down below. Happy Wandering Friends!