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From Wikivoyage

Lake Wales is a small city in eastern Polk County, Florida. The city is in the middle of a long, narrow region known as the Lake Wales Ridge. The Lake Wales Ridge was the first part of the Florida Peninsula to rise above sea level, beginning as a series of small sandy islands not unlike the Florida Keys today. It is a unique environment from its surrounding and home to several endemic species, such as the gopher tortoise and scrub jay. The city of Lake Wales lies at the southern foot of Iron Mountain—the second-highest point on the Florida Peninsula at 295 ft (90 m)—and is home to famous Bok Tower Gardens and its Singing Tower. Near the center of town lies Lake Wailes. The city is small, but much of the rural area extending east and southeast of town is considered as part of Lake Wales and included in this guide.

Understand

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History

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The city was first surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Irving Wailes, who changed the name of a lake—then known as Watts Lake—to Lake Wailes. The city was incorporated in 1911 as Lake Wales (the lake remains known as Lakes Wailes). In the 1920s, the town became a popular winter home for affluent residents from northern states. This resulted in the construction of many historical buildings which remain today in downtown and also in the construction of Bok Tower Gardens.

Climate

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Lake Wales' climate is much the same as the rest of Central Florida (except coasts). Summers are hot and humid, with highs around 90-95°F (33-35°C) and lows around 74-78°F (23-26°C). During the summer, onshore winds from both coasts travel inland, heat up, rise and build into thunderstorms, usually along a rough line. Lying in the center of the state, the lines of storms (each called a "seabreeze") sometimes collide, resulting in strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning and tornadoes (small EF0-1s, not like the powerful tornadoes in the Plains states), over 50 mph winds, and hail possible. Strong storms are usually preceded by cooler winds caused by the rain-cooled air (cold air sinks) rapidly flowing away from the storm. The temperature after a strong thunderstorm passes can drop from 95°F (35°C) to 75°F (24°C) and since the storms can be fairly small, you can drive 5 miles and the temperature will drop/rise 20°F (10°C) between rain-cooled and surrounding areas.

Winters are mild, with highs in the 70s (°F; 21-27°C) and lows in the 50s (°F; 10-15°C). Lows in the 30s (°F; 0-5°C) are common after cold fronts and there are usually a handful of lows below freezing each winter, although that requires clear skies, so it usually warms very rapidly after sunrise (30°F/−1°C at 6AM, 55°F/13°C by noon is typical). Cold fronts occasionally pass by as squall lines, so tornadoes in December or January are not unusual. Snow is extremely rare; the last measurable snowfall was in 1977, although sleet/wintry mix fell in an unusually cold January 2010.

Spring and fall are transition periods, with spring tending to be the driest months of the year.

In 2004, Lake Wales was hit by three hurricanes: Charley, Frances, & Jeanne. It was the first time in recorded U.S. history that 3 hurricanes passed through the same county (Polk County) in the same year, with Lake Wales and other southern Polk County towns lying closest to the path of these hurricanes' eyes.

Get in

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By car

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Lake Wales is located at the crossroads of U.S. 27 and State Road 60. U.S. 27 is a heavily-traveled 4-to-6-lane divided highway running north/south through the center of the peninsula, heading south to Sebring & Miami and running north to Clermont, Ocala, & Gainesville. State Road 60 runs east-west across the center of the state from Clearwater, Tampa and Brandon in the west to Vero Beach in the east.

From Orlando

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Lake Wales is easily reached from the Orlando/Kissimmee area by taking Interstate 4 west to U.S. 27 (exit 55) and heading south about 25 mi.

From the Tampa Bay area

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Take Interstate 4 east and exit on the Polk Parkway east (exit 27). Follow the parkway for 10 mi (toll: $1.25/car cash or $1/car with Sunpass) before exiting onto U.S. 98 (exit 10). Head south to Bartow, follow U.S. 98 left at the traffic light as it joins S.R. 60 east (Van Fleet Drive), stay right after turning and at the second traffic light, follow the signs to remain on S.R. 60 east to Lake Wales (U.S. 98 goes straight at light and continues a couple hundred feet to an intersection with U.S. 17).

From South Florida

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Take either U.S. 27 north or take Florida's Turnpike north to SR 60 and head west.

By bus

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Winter Haven Area Transit (WHAT, ☏ +1 863 534-5500) provides public bus service in eastern Polk County. Route 30 connects the Eagle Ridge Mall to southeast Winter Haven (including Legoland) and downtown Winter Haven. From the Eagle Ridge Mall, Route 35 runs south through Lake Wales, continuing on to Babson Park and Frostproof. Route 25 runs from Lake Wales Plaza to Bartow. Adult/youth fare is $1.50/ride with no free transfers. Seniors (65+) and the disabled ride for $0.75, with proper ID and no free transfers. Children under 7 ride free with an adult. A day pass for adults costs $3 (or $27 for a 10 pack) and is good for 24 hours from activation on bus. Senior/disabled day pass costs $1.50 (or $15 for a 10 pack). Weekly ($12) & 31-day passes ($47) are also available. A bike rack located on the front is available to put your bike at no additional charge. All regular buses are equipped with a wheel chair lift.

By train

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Lake Wales lies close to the Amtrak Silver Star & Silver Meteor routes, but does not have a station. Winter Haven (Code: WTH; 1800 7th Street SW) is the nearest station along the daily Amtrak Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes. If you plan to arrive by train, you should have friends/family at the station to pick you up or have the phone number for a taxi to call when you arrive. The station is a poorly-maintained covered platform with a small office and is in a fairly unpleasant area beside a warehouse. Fortunately the trains arrive during daylight, but it's not a very great place to wait for hours. To reach Lake Wales by public transportation (WHAT, see "By bus" above), you can take Route 22XW south to Bartow, then switch to Route 25 to head east to Lake Wales. You could also take Route 22XW north to the downtown terminal, then Route 30 to the Eagle Ridge Mall, and Route 35 to Lake Wales.

The Amtrak station in Sebring (Code: SBG; 601 E Center Ave) is also reasonably convenient to the Lake Wales area. The Sebring station is served by both the Amtrak Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes. No public transportation connects Lake Wales and Sebring.

By air

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The nearest commercial airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO IATA) in Orlando, located about an hour away. Tampa International Airport (TPA IATA) in Tampa is about an hour and a half away. Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL IATA) in Lakeland does not have any regularly scheduled commercial flights as of Apr 2019.

Lake Wales Airport (FAA LID: X07) is 2 mi west of downtown. There are no scheduled air carrier, commuter, or air taxi services. The airport is used for skydiving flights—Lake Wales being the skydiving capital of Florida.

Get around

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By car

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Car is by far the easiest way to get around town and pretty much the only way to reach the various nature parks east and southeast of town.

There is only one rental car agency in town:

  • 1 Enterprise Rent A Car, 21450 U.S. Hwy 27, ☏ +1 863 678-0933. 

By bus

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  • Winter Haven Area Transit (WHAT), ☏ +1 863 534-5500. A bike rack located on the front is available to put your bike at no additional charge. All regular buses are equipped with a wheel chair lift. Adult/youth fare is $1.50/ride with no free transfers. Seniors (65+) and the disabled ride for $0.75, with proof and no free transfers. Children under 7 ride free with an adult. A day pass for adults costs $3 (or $27 for a 10 pack) and is good for 24 hours from activation on bus. Senior/disabled day pass costs $1.50 (or $15 for a 10 pack). Weekly ($12) & 31-day passes ($47) are also available.. 

Route 35 is the only route through town, running from the Eagle Ridge Mall south to downtown Lake Wales, then east along S.R. 60, through some neighborhoods, before heading south along Scenic Highway (S.R. 17) to Babson Park and Frostproof. Route 30 connects the Eagle Ridge Mall to southeast Winter Haven (including Legoland) and downtown Winter Haven. Route 25 runs from Lake Wales Plaza to Bartow.

By taxi

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See

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Bok Tower.
  • 1 Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, ☏ +1 863 676-1408. Open daily, 8AM-6PM (last entry at 5PM).. Sitting atop Iron Mountain, Bok Tower Gardens consists of 250 acres of botanical gardens, a 205 ft (62 m) Singing Tower with carillon bells, Pine Ridge Trail, Pine Ridge Estate, and a visitor center. The site was commissioned by Edward Bok to transform the prominent, sandy hill into "a spot of beauty second to none in the country". Noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. laid out the site to include 1,000 large live oaks, 10,000 azaleas, 100 sabal palms, 300 magnolias, and 500 gordonias, as well as hundreds of fruit shrubs including blueberry and holly. The Singing Tower, set atop the summit of the hill, is a mix of Gothic Revival and Art Deco style. It contains a 60-bell carillon set, with music every half-hour and full concerts at 1PM & 3PM daily (the Easter Sunday recital draws a huge crowd), and contains the largest carillon music library in the world (although not open to the public). The Pine Ridge estate is a 1932 mansion kept in original decor and open to the public. The mansion is especially beautiful when decorated for Christmas and the winter season. Adjacent to the gardens are 50 acres of native habitat have been set aside, with a nature trail coursing through. Enter between 8AM-9AM on Saturdays for half-price admission. Picnics are ok in designated areas with your own food (there is also a cafe). Personal, non-commercial photography is ok, but commercial photographers must contact Rita Horton at +1 863 734-1214 or email rdhorton@boktower.org. Bok Tower Gardens is a popular wedding location. Adults $12, Children(5-12) $5, Children (under 5) free. 
  • 2 Lake Wales Commercial Historic District. The district is bounded by the U.S. 27A (Scenic Highway), Central Ave, Market St, and Orange Ave. It contains 16 historic buildings. The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel (or Grand Hotel) dates to 1926. Abandoned and neglected for the last couple of decades, the interior is even more ornate. It's now being rennovated and looking gorgeous. The hotel will be restored to its prior glory. Lake Wales Commercial Historic District (Q6478384) on Wikidata Lake Wales Commercial Historic District on Wikipedia 
  • 3 Florida's Natural Grove House, 20160 U.S. Hwy 27 (Located on the west side of U.S. 27, across from the can't-miss Florida's Natural factory.), ☏ +1 863 679-4110. Oct-May: M-F 10AM-5PM. Displays for visitor's to learn about the local citrus industry. Samples of fresh juices. Open seasonally, October until Memorial Day. Free. Florida's Natural Growers (Q5461145) on Wikidata Florida's Natural Growers on Wikipedia 
  • 4 Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center (The Depot), 325 S Scenic Highway (S.R. 17) (on east side of Scenic Hwy in downtown), ☏ +1 863 676-1759. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. The city's historic railroad station has been restored and transformed into a museum featuring displays/exhibits from the city's history, its industry, along with an old caboose. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot (Q4816389) on Wikidata Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot (Lake Wales, Florida) on Wikipedia 
  • 5 Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Road 60 E, ☏ +1 863 676-8426. M-F 9AM-4PM. FREE. 
  • 6 Lake Wales Little Theater, 411 N. Third St. (From Scenic Hwy (S.R. 17), turn E on Seminole Ave, then left on 3rd St.), ☏ +1 863 676-1266. Non-profit community theater producing plays, musicals, & other productions throughout the year. Check website current/upcoming productions. 

Do

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Lake Wales lies on the edge of an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. All these parks lie several miles to the east of town, off S.R. 60. Lake Kissimmee State Park is the most popular park and offers many miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The area is home to dozens of species of birds for birding enthusiasts to check out. The lakes and swamps are home to thousands of alligators. Alligators are largely nocturnal and are usually hard to spot during the day as most lay hidden in vegetation or submerged in lakes, but they can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on shore or—with a careful eye—submerged and barely sticking the top of their head out of the water. Airboat rides are a great way to view the animals of the marshes and swamps and are probably the best bet for spotting alligators, which may be hard to find from shore (be careful of how close you get!). KICCO Wildlife Management Area, stretching south from Lake Kissimmee along the Kissimmee River, is a great destination for hunting, be it deer, feral hogs, wild turkeys, ducks, or small game and has camping sites as well as trails/roads suitable for hiking and mountain biking. KICCO also contains 13 mi (21 km) of the Florida Trail, a 1400 mi (2100 km) wilderness backpacking trail across Florida, from the Everglades to Pensacola. Lake Rosalie Park, North Walk-in-Water Creek, & SUMICA are county-operated parks on environmentally sensitive land tracts which the state has purchased to save from development (under the Florida Forever program). These parks are large, but don't yet offer a lot of amenities beyond a parking lot, short trails, and primitive camping sites.

Lake Wales shares its name with the Lake Wales Ridge—a sandy, scrub environment home to several endemic species, such as the gopher tortoise and scrub jay (a bird). The Lake Wales Ridge is a long, narrow tract of land running mainly through Highlands and Polk Counties (but sections can be found further north in Osceola, Orange, and Lake Counties) on lands that were once islands and the first lands of the present Florida Peninsula to rise from the ocean. Despite their names, the Lake Wales State Forest is located in nearby Frostproof and the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge[dead link] consists of four small tracts of land—two in Highlands County, one near Winter Haven, and one near Poinciana/Haines City, none of which are open for public use.

  • 7 Lake Kissimmee State Park, 14248 Camp Mack Rd (Take S.R. 60 East of town about 8 mi (13 km). Turn left on Boy Scout Rd. Turn right on Camp Mack Rd. Entrance is about 5 mi (8 km), on right.), ☏ +1 863 696-1112. 7AM-Sunset, 365 days/yr. A nearly 6000 acre park located on the banks of the third largest lake in Florida. Offers 13 mi (21 km) of nature trails (walk, horse, mountain bike), picnic facilities, & camping pads. Fishing in Lake Kissimmee is excellent, especially on boat (although canal-side fishing opportunities exist). Cow Camp is a living-history demonstration of life in frontier Florida. Airboat tours of Lake Kissimmee (including some sections of the park) are also popular, but must be booked through an outside operator (see "On the water" section below), not through the park office or from within the park. Airboats are prohibited from being launched at the park's boat ramp or operate near the park's boat ramp/marina area. Airboat tours launch from nearby boat ramps and pass through limited sections of the park (mainly Lake Kissimmee, but not creeks/marshes leading away from the lake). $5 per vehicle (2-8 persons); $4 Single occupant vehicle; and $2 pedestrians/cyclists/extra passengers. 
  • A popular attraction at the park is Cow Camp, a living history demonstration taking you back to 1876 to discover the life of the Florida "cracker"—the early ranchers so named for the crack of their whips. At the end of the trail, you will meet with a Florida Cow Hunter resting in a frontier camp along the route of a cattle drive. He will be glad to tell you stories of life on the frontier, if not busy cooking or tending to the cattle. Cow Camp is open weekends Oct-Apr and all major holidays year round 9:30AM-4:30PM or upon request year-round for groups of 15 or more. There is no separate charge after entry into park.
  • Four categories of camping sites are available in the park: Full facility, primitive, equestrian, & youth. Sixty campsites with electric & water hookups are available with nearby dump station, boat ramp, marina, playground, & observation tower. The full facility sites are shaded in an oak hammock and can be booked up to 11 months in advance either online or by calling +1-800-326-3521 (8AM-8PM). Full facility sites are $20/night for tents or RVs (up to 20 ft). Two primitive campsites ($5 per person, per night) are available off trails in the park for up to 12 campers per site. Each site has two picnic tables & two grills, but everything else (including water) must be provided by the campers, who should follow leave-no-trace camping practices. Primitive equestrian campsites are also available. Youth camping sites ($1 per youth, per night; $5 per adult/chaperone, per night) are secluded just off the beaten path (under 200 ft/60 m from parking) and offer restrooms, cold showers, picnic tables, benches, & a fire pit. A minimum of 12 campers (and maximum of 25) are required to book a youth campsite. A guided overnight backpacking trip is also available between Nov-Mar upon request (minimum 4 backpackers). A Park Ranger accompanies the group on a guided 3.5 mi (5.6 km) hike to a primitive campsite Saturday afternoon, where participants camp overnight, finishing with a guided 3.5 mi (5.6 km) hike on Sunday morning. To reserve a primitive, equestrian, or youth campsite or book a guided overnight backpacking trip, call +1 863 696-1112.
  • A unique way to travel through Lake Kissimmee State Park is via Segway tours.
  • Guided horseback rides are available between Nov-Mar and must be booked in advance (minimum of 4 participants, maximum 10). Participants must bring their own horse (the park does not have horses for public use), which must have proof of a negative Coggins Test. Park rangers lead riders on a 6.7 mi (10.8 km) guided trail ride around Buster Island. Tours last around 2 hr and must be booked through the park office by calling +1 863 696-1112.
  • Pavilions are available to rent. One large pavilion can host up to 100 people and has electrical outlets ($60+tax). Three small pavilions are available with a maximum capacity of 25 people. To reserve a pavilion, call the park office at +1 863 696-1112.
  • 1 Lake Rosalie Park (Take S.R. 60 east and turn onto Tiger Lake Rd. north. Turn west onto Rosalie Lake Rd.), ☏ +1 863 534-4340. 5AM-10PM. Boat ramp, picnic tables, shelters/pavilions, & campsites available. 
  • 8 North Walk-in-Water Creek (Entrance is on the north side of S.R. 60, just west of Walk-in-Water Creek & opposite Silvio Rd.). 6AM-6:30PM Standard Time; 5:30AM-8PM Daylight Savings Time. A short hiking trail leads to a shaded oak hammock, great for birders to settle in for great bird watching. Bank fishing is permitted at a small pond near the entrance. Look for alligators, deer, otters, a wide variety of birds and even the elusive Florida panther. A picnic table is available, but there are no restrooms. 
  • 2 SUMICA, 14020 S.R. 60 E (Off S.R. 60 roughly 10 mi east of Lake Wales.), ☏ +1 863 534-7377. 6AM-6:30PM Standard Time; 5:30AM-8PM Daylight Savings Time. A 4031 acre tract of land along Lake Weohyakapka, although there is no direct access to the lake. A terrain of pine flatwoods & marshes. A hiking trail runs 2.1 mi (3.4 km) along a former railroad line, roughly 6 ft (2 m) above the surrounding landscape with little shade. A campsite trail runs 2.2 mi (3.5 km) roundtrip through oak hammocks to the campsite. An equestrian trail runs 4.8 mi (7.7 km) round-trip through a few different environments. All trails are great for mountain biking. Primitive campsites are available as are equestrian trails. Both activities require a special-use permit available by calling +1 863 534-7377. 
  • 3 KICCO Wildlife Management Area (On south side of S.R. 60 near Osceola County line and Westgate River Ranch Resort. Entrance off River Ranch Rd.), toll-free: +1-800-250-4250. Brochure KICCO comprises more than 7000 acres of wildlife-rich land along a section of the Kissimmee River which has been channelized. The land is open for recreational use year-round, although hunting seems to draw a large portion of visitors during established hunting seasons. The Florida Trail runs for 13 mi (21 km) through KICCO. Vehicle access is subject to quotas and a Vehicle Access Authorization is required to enter (available online or by calling ☏ +1-800-250-4200 Ext.3333). The main road is great for biking. Features an 8 mi (13 km) trail for hiking/biking through oak hammocks. Camping is available and requires a special use permit. Hunting requires a special-use permit (available here) and is subject to strict quotas and behavior; check the website for limits and regulations. 

Skydiving

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For the ultimate adrenaline rush, few thing come close to jumping out of an aircraft at over 13,000 ft (4000 m) and free-falling at 120 mph (200 km/h) prior to opening your parachute! Lake Wales is considered the "Skydiving Capital of Florida". Your first experience will be a tandem jump, where you will be harnessed together with an experienced skydiver who will lead you through the process and take care of the technical details (eg. opening the parachute!)—leaving you free to enjoy the experience and take photos. Also check out the Wikivoyage travel topic: Skydiving.

  • 4 Jump Florida Skydiving, 440 S Airport Rd, ☏ +1 352-461-3461. Tandem skydiving experiences. CRW, Formation Skydiving (FS), Freeflying, Wingsuiting, Swooping and Accuracy on offer for experienced skydivers. Accelerated Freefall Program is offered to prepare for your first solo skydive. 

On the water

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Airboat tour.

Polk County is home to 554 lakes and considered the "Largemouth Bass Capital of the World". Lake Wales is close to many of the best lakes in the county for nature viewing (birds, alligators, turtles, and more) and some of the best bass fishing to be found anywhere. Take an airboat ride to explore the side of nature those on foot or boat don't see. Several businesses in the Lake Wales offer airboat tours and boat rentals to explore the lakes east of town. Public boat ramps in the Lake Wales area can be found at Coleman Landing (S.R. 60), Lake Rosalie Park (S.R. 60), and Lake Wailes (Lake Shore Blvd.).

  • Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours, 3924 Bruce Blvd; Launches at 14400 Reese Dr, ☏ +1 863 696-0406, . Cruise local waters on airboat. Tours are two hours (many other airboat tour operators only offer 1-hour tours) birding tours, alligator tours (best between Dec-Mar), and nature tours. Call for pricing and reservations. 
  • Alligators Unlimited with Mild to Wild Airboat & Nature Tours, 14400 Reese Dr, ☏ +1 863 696-0313, . Airboat tours. Must call for reservations and pricing. 
  • Camp Mack's River Resort, ☏ +1 863 696-1108, toll-free: +1-800-243-8013. Airboat tours on the Kissimmee River lakes, with departures at 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, & 3PM (weather-permitting). Personalized sunset cruises available (appointment only, inquire at office). One-person rides $100, two-person rides $50/person, otherwise $40/person (up to 14 passengers). Children (6 & under): $20. Reservations not required, but appreciated. Pontoon boats are available for full-day ($200; 8AM-4PM) or half-day ($125; 8AM-Noon OR Noon-4PM). Also available are 14ft Jon boats for full-day ($100; 8AM-4PM) or half-day ($75; 8AM-Noon OR Noon-4PM). 
  • Grape Hammock Fish Camp, 1400 Grape Hammock Rd, ☏ +1 863 692-1500, . Airboat tours along the shores of Lake Kissimmee. Adults $30, children $15 with discounts for guests staying at the resort. 
  • Jennings Resort, 4325 Jennings Fish Camp Rd, ☏ +1 863 439-3811, . Non-guests at the park can rent motorless boats for $20 daily, $80 weekly, or $160 monthly. Motor boats are available to rent for $80 daily or $320 weekly. 
  • Memory Makin' Guides, toll-free: +1-800-749-2278, . Professional fishing guides. Book a trip to catch that trophy bass you've always wanted on any of the great bass-fishing lakes of Eastern Polk County, such as Lake Kissimmee, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Walk-in-water, or Crooked Lake. Offerings include 4-, 6-, or 8-hour trips with all the tackle, rods, soft drinks, and snacks you'll need. 
  • Water's Edge Fish Camp, 10730 Camp Mack Rd, ☏ +1 863 696-1411. On the shore of Lake Rosalie. Pontoon rentals. Bait & Tackle. Fishing guides. (Website not working as of Nov 2012) 
  • Westgate River Ranch Resort Marina, 3200 River Ranch Blvd, ☏ +1 863 692-1321 ext 7, +1 863 696-1411. Take an airboat or swampbuggy ride through Florida as nature created (1 hour tours: Adults $25, children $15). Eight-passenger pontoon boats are available to rent ($65/hour) for use on the Kissimmee River. Fishing excursions may be arranged in advance by calling the marina. Fishing licenses, bait, & tackle are available at the marina shop. 

Golfing

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Florida is the golfing capital of the United States and golf courses abound everywhere. Located in the heart of Florida, Lake Wales is no exception to this. Lekarica Hills and Oakwood are public courses. Lake Ashton is set among a private development, call their office for details about non-member use. For more information about golfing on vacation, check out the golf travel topic page.

  • Lake Ashton Golf Club, 4141 Ashton Club Dr, ☏ +1 863 326-1032. Semi-private, 2 18-hole courses. Slope rating: 126. USGA rating: 70.2. Golf club rental & lessons available. Restaurant. 
  • Oakwood Golf Club, 3301 Old Wailes Rd, ☏ +1 863 676-8558. Public, 18 holes. Slope rating: 132. USGA rating: 73. Golf club rental & lessons available. Restaurant. 

Other activities

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Spook Hill

Spook Hill (From S.R. 17, turn right onto J.A. Wiltshire) Put your car in neutral and watch as your car appears to defy gravity and roll uphill. Legend has it that ages ago, an Indian village on the banks of this swamp was plagued by raids from a huge alligator living in it. The village's great warrior chief and the gator were killed in battle, with the chief buried on the north side. When pioneers later traveled through here, they found their horses labored going "downhill" and called it "Spook Hill". Is it the gator seeking revenge or the chief protecting his land? Officially, this is a gravity hill—where the visual horizon is such that you appear to be going uphill, when in fact you are moving down a slight incline.

A good ol' American rodeo is held every Saturday night at Westgate River Ranch Resort (Off S.R. 60 about 25 mi (40 km) east of Lake Wales, near Kissimmee River.; Adults $15.50, children $8). Shows begin at 7:30PM and feature trick riding, calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and rodeo clowns.

There is one skate park in town, located at Kiwanis Park (1000 N Lake Shore Dr).

Festivals & Events

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Lake Wales is host to two monthly community events. The first Saturday of the month is an antiques, art, & oddities fair on the streets of downtown between Stuart & Park Ave (8AM-2PM). The Lake Wales Car Show is held the fourth Saturday of the month along Stuart Ave in downtown (4PM-8PM).

  • Mardi Gras. (, March) A community parade full of floats, Krewes, and plenty of free goodies passed out along the way. Food trucks and arts and crafts can also be found in a stationary location. 
  • Lake Wales Art Show (March), ☏ +1 863 676-8426. This festival, held along the shores of Lake Wailes, features dozens of vendors, exhibitors, food stalls, entertainment, and a juried art competition. 
  • Boktoberfest (October, See Bok Tower Gardens listing above.) An octoberfest celebration held at Bok Tower Gardens. Includes plant sale.
  • Pioneer Days Festival (☏ +1 863 678-4182 Ext. 270, October) Celebration of pioneer days and 19th century life on the region's homesteads. Features arts, crafts, food, and more.
  • Sunset & Symphony (November, See Bok Tower Gardens listing above.) Join the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening of great music beneath Bok Tower.

Buy

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Eat

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Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn is now closed/out of business.

Sleep

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Bed and Breakfast

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  • 5 Noah's Ark Bed & Breakfast, 312 Ridge Manor Dr, ☏ +1 863 676-1613. Six rooms with private baths. 

RV resorts

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  • 6 Bud's RV Park & Marina, 1700 Tiger Lake Rd, ☏ +1 863 696-2274. 31 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Tent camping permitted. Handicapped access. 
  • 7 Camp Mack, A Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort, 14900 Camp Mack Rd, ☏ +1 863 696-1108, toll-free: +1-800-243-8013, fax: +1 863 696-2924. 265 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Tent camping permitted. Pool. Wi-fi internet access (for a fee). 
  • 8 Camp'n Aire RV Resort, 15860 U.S. Hwy 27, ☏ +1 863 638-1015, toll-free: +1-888-446-1015, fax: +1 863 638-2508. 102 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Pool. Handicapped access. Free wi-fi available. 
  • 9 Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak, 3100 Canal Rd, ☏ +1 863 439-2031, fax: +1 863 439-1861. 22 sites. Hookups, laundry, & showers available. Tent camping permitted. Handicapped access. Free wi-fi available. 
  • 10 Grape Hammock Fish Camp, 1400 Grape Hammock Rd, ☏ +1 863 692-1500, fax: +1 863 692-0213. 65 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Tent camping permitted. Free wi-fi available. 
  • 11 Harbor RV Resort & Marina, 10511 Monroe Ct, ☏ +1 863 696-1194, toll-free: +1-888-805-4124, fax: +1 863 696-4000. 90 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Pool. Tent camping permitted. Handicapped access. Wi-fi available (for a fee). 
  • 12 Jennings Resort, 4325 Jennings Fish Camp Rd, ☏ +1 863 439-3811, fax: +1 863 439-3811. 35 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Pool. Tent camping permitted. Free wi-fi available. 
  • 13 Lake Wales Campground, 15898 U.S. Hwy 27, ☏ +1 863 638-9011. 118 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Pool. Tent camping permitted. Handicapped access. Free wi-fi available. 
  • 14 Peace Creek RV Park, 26397 U.S. Hwy 27, ☏ +1 863 439-5205. 110 sites. Hookups, dump station, laundry, & showers available. Handicapped access. 

Connect

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Public internet access is available at the public library as well as at the Food Court of the Eagle Ridge Mall.

  • 2 Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Garden Ln (Where Scenic Hwy (S.R. 17) crosses RR tracks, turn E on Crystal Ave. Library is first building on right.), ☏ +1 863 678-4005. M Tu Th 9AM-6:30PM, W F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-3PM. Wi-fi access is free for anyone to use with your own laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other device. Printing is not available to those using wi-fi. Non-Polk County resident may purchase a 3-day pass to use the available computers for $1. There is a 30 min time limit for public computers; if no one is waiting, the time limit may be extended up to 2 hr per day. 
  • 3 Lake Wales Post Office, 6 W Park Ave, ☏ +1 863 676-7008. M-F 9AM-4PM. 

Stay safe

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Stay healthy

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There is one small hospital in Lake Wales and an urgent care facility.

Cope

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Go next

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Downtown Lake Wales lies just 15 min from Legoland Florida in southeast Winter Haven. For nature lovers, the Lake Wales Ridge continues south into Frostproof and there are thousands of acres of scrub and forests east of Frostproof for hunting, driving off-road vehicles, and fishing (such as Crooked Lake and Lake Arbuckle). For history buffs or just lovers of quaint little towns, head west to Bartow or Fort Meade.


Routes through Lake Wales
Ocala ← Dundee ← Jct (to Winter Haven) ←  N  S  → Frostproof → Miami
Haines City ← Dundee ←  N  S  → Frostproof → Sebring
Tampa ← Bartow ←  W  E  → Jct N S → Vero Beach


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