Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is a unique and scenic botanical garden located in Lake Wales, Florida, featuring beautiful landscapes, serene setting, and iconic Singing Tower. It is a place of natural beauty, architectural splendor, and musical enchantment that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of the gardens, appreciate the melodious sounds of the carillon, and experience the harmony between nature, art, and music.
Bok Tower Gardens was designed and built by Edward W. Bok, a Dutch immigrant and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Inspired by the gardens of his homeland and his belief in the restorative power of nature, Bok aimed to create a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility. The gardens were officially dedicated in 1929.
The centerpiece of Bok Tower Gardens is the Singing Tower, a neo-Gothic and Art Deco structure that stands at 205 feet (62 meters) tall. The tower houses a carillon, a musical instrument consisting of bells played by a keyboard called a clavier. The carillon features 60 bells, with the largest weighing over 12 tons. Concerts are held regularly, filling the gardens with beautiful melodies.
The gardens of Bok Tower Gardens span approximately 250 acres. The Gardens are meticulously landscaped with a combination of formal and naturalistic elements. With a diverse collection of plants, including various trees, shrubs, and flowers, the gardens feature an array of native Florida plants, as well as exotics from around the world. Notable plantings include camellias, azaleas, magnolias, palms, and cycads.
Explore a variety of themed gardens, including the picturesque Reflection Pool, the Fragrance Garden, the Wild Garden, the Mediterranean-style Courtyard, and the beautiful Window by the Pond.
Within Bok Tower Gardens, you’ll can also tour the historic Pinewood Estate. This Mediterranean-style mansion was built in the 1930s and features stunning architecture and lavish interiors. The estate is open for guided tours and provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the era.
Bok Tower Gardens offers a range of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours for visitors of all ages. These programs focus on horticulture, nature conservation, art, and music. The gardens also host special events and festivals throughout the year, including plant sales, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations.