Places to see in Florida: Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Fl.
My first vist to Bok Tower was when I was 10 or 12 years old, my family stopped on our way home from Cypress Gardens. Back then when you look out from the top of Iron Mountain you saw nothing but Citrus Groves for miles and miles. Today you will see citrus groves but you will also see a lot of new subdivisions.  The view is not what it used to be but it still is a nice view and the gardens are still beautiful. 

History.
Bok Tower Gardens was a gift to the American people by Dutch immigrant Edward W. Bok publisher of "The Ladies Home Journal and his wife Mary Louise Curtis Bok founder of the Curtis Institute of Music. The Gardens started as a bird sanctuary but grew in to a botanical garden as well as a bird sanctuary, today Bok Tower Garden is involved with saving endangered plants as well as hosting weddings, art shows, and concerts. 

The Singing Tower.

The tower contains a 60-bell carillon, daily recitals are played at 1:00pm and 3:00pm daily. 

What to see.

The Gardens

The Singing Tower

The Pinewood Estate

The Pine Ridge Trail.

The view from Iron Mountain.

Yes Iron mountain is only about 290ft above sea level. Florida is so flat that you still get a good view. How flat is Florida? The highest point in Florida is actually the roof of a Hotel in Miami, the highest geological point in Florida is lower than the lowest point in most other states.

Location

Hours.

8:00am-6:00pm (gates close at 5:00 pm)

7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Price

Year-long Admission

Annual Membership Starting at $45

Purchasing an annual membership to Bok Tower Gardens allows you general admission for 365 days from the date of purchase.

One-day Admission

Christmas Combo Admission Adults $20 – Children (5-12) $9

This ticket option includes General Admission and access to a self-guided tour of the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate.

General Admission Adults $12 – Children (5-12) $3

This ticket option includes admission to the Gardens, Pine Ridge Nature Trail, Preserve Trail and the Visitor Center complex.

For More Information

The Bok Tower Gardens website http://boktowergardens.org/