Hello From
Lake Wales!
“Crowned by Bok Tower”
Lake Wales
A City in Polk County, Florida
Lake Wales is a scenic Central Florida city best known for its rolling hills, historic charm, and the iconic Bok Tower Gardens that overlook the surrounding countryside. Unlike much of Florida’s flat terrain, Lake Wales sits along the Lake Wales Ridge, giving the area higher elevations, sweeping views, and a slightly cooler feel during winter months. The city blends small-town atmosphere with cultural attractions, local businesses, and access to outdoor recreation. Its historic downtown features restored buildings, murals, and locally owned shops that reflect the community’s pride in preservation and growth.
The Singing Tower in Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida
Photo by Florida-Guidebook.com
Location & Size
Lake Wales is located in eastern Polk County in Central Florida and spans about 20 square miles. The city sits roughly 55 miles southwest of Orlando and about 50 miles east of Tampa.
Nearby communities include Winter Haven (about 16 miles northwest), Bartow (about 15 miles west), and Lake Placid (about 40 miles southeast).
Its location along U.S. Highway 27 places it within Florida’s Heartland region.
Founded
Lake Wales was founded in the early 1900s during Florida’s land boom and officially incorporated in 1911. Named after the lake it borders, Lake Wailes, which itself was named for Sidney I. Wailes, a land agent who surveyed the area in 1879.
The town developed around the lake, with its founders dropping the ‘i’ from Wailes to create the city’s name, “Wales,” to avoid the connotation of “wailing”. The city grew rapidly as citrus groves, tourism, and railroad access brought new residents and businesses to the region.
One of its most defining moments came in the 1920s with the construction of Bok Tower Gardens, which brought national recognition and long-term tourism appeal. Over time, Lake Wales has balanced agricultural roots with cultural preservation and steady residential growth.
Population
Lake Wales has a population of approximately 16,000 residents.
Known For
• Bok Tower Gardens and Singing Tower
• Hilly terrain along the Lake Wales Ridge
• Historic downtown and murals
• Scenic lakes and nature preserves
• Cultural and heritage tourism
Cost of living
Median Income: $55,799
Median Home Price: $225,900
Median Rent: $1,060
Lake Wales’ cost of living is considered low to below average, particularly when compared to coastal and metro markets.
Things to do
- Visit Bok Tower Gardens
- Explore historic downtown shops and café
- Hike nearby nature preserves
- Visit Spook Hill, A mysterious “gravity hill” where vehicles appear to roll uphill, defying physics.
- Enjoy boating and fishing on local lakes
- Attend community festivals and art walks
Fun Facts
- Bok Tower is one of Florida’s most recognizable landmarks.
- The Lake Wales Ridge is home to rare plant species found nowhere else in the state.
- The city has strong ties to Florida’s early tourism history.
- The city sits on the Lake Wales Ridge, a prehistoric sand dune, giving it Florida’s highest elevation and hilly terrain.
- The lake was named for land agent Sydney Wailes, but the city founded around it became “Lake Wales” to avoid the connotation of “wailing”.
Nearby Cities
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