Bok Tower Gardens
Lake Wales, FL
A carillon tower in landscaped gardens on one of Florida's highest hills, with shaded paths and a reflecting pool. Come at a calm hour, and check the carillon concert times before you plan your visit.
The tower at Bok Tower Gardens is 205 feet (62 m) tall and stands on a rise about 295 feet (90 m) above sea level. President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the site on February 1, 1929. The carillon has 60 bells from the English firm John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. designed the garden between 1924 and 1928 on 25 acres (about 10 ha); today it covers about 250 acres (about 100 ha).
Olmsted's plan called for 1,000 live oaks and 10,000 azaleas, among other plantings; today the garden's native plants provide habitat for more than 100 bird species. Pinewood Estate (El Retiro), a Mediterranean Revival mansion of 1930–32, can be visited. Carillon concerts take place regularly; check the exact times beforehand. Allow two to three hours for the garden and tower.
- Nearest town
- Lake Wales, FL
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 27.9355, -81.5797
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cyprus Campground and RV ParkMotorhome stopover5 mi from Bok Tower GardensMotorhomes
- Camp Margaritaville AuburndaleMotorhome stopover18 mi from Bok Tower GardensMotorhomesWi-Fi
- River Ranch Property Owners AssociationCampsite18 mi from Bok Tower Gardens
- Sanlan RV & Golf ResortMotorhome stopover20 mi from Bok Tower GardensMotorhomes
- Love's RV HookupMotorhome stopover20 mi from Bok Tower GardensMotorhomes
- Rainbow Chase RV ResortMotorhome stopover22 mi from Bok Tower GardensTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bok Tower Gardens?
Bok Tower Gardens is in Lake Wales, FL, at GPS 27.9355, -81.5797. It is about 43 mi from Orlando.
Can you camp near Bok Tower Gardens?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cyprus Campground and RV Park, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Bok Tower Gardens?
Places worth a stop nearby: Wekiwa Springs State Park (54 mi), Mount Dora (60 mi), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (68 mi) and Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR (71 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bok Tower Gardens?
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)