Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales: Hours, Address, Bok Tower Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore the landscaped gardens of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and one of Florida’s natural habitats on the Pine Ridge Trail. You can also discover the history of Edward W. Bok and the building of his 205 foot Singing Tower and tour the historic Pinewood Estate mansion to catch a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930s. Enjoy the all new Children's Garden, Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen and Wild Garden. Visitor Center includes exhibits on the life of Edward Bok and the Carillon. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Blue Palmetto Cafe and take home a memento from the Tower shop.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
50 within 3 miles
Blue Palmetto Cafe
296
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Carter's BBQ
6
1.4 mi
Carter's Bbq
1
1.4 mi
Rufus Ribs
20
1.6 mi$ • Barbecue
Junior's Fish Market
45
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood
Granny's Kitchen
11
1.7 mi$ • American • Soups
All Star Grill
43
1.7 mi$ • American • Bar • Pub
Topper's Creamery Lake Wales
24
1.7 mi$ • Dessert • American
Market Cafe
11
1.7 miCafe
Kathryn's Christian Books
1
1.7 miCafe
Attractions
9 within 3 miles
Pinewood Estate
238
1.6 miSpeciality Museums
Spook Hill
424
1.1 miMysterious Sites
Lake Wales History Museum
62
1.8 miHistory Museums
Lake Wailes Park
18
1.3 miBiking Trails • Parks
Lake Wales Little Theatre
6
1.4 miTheaters
Barbara Pedersen Preserve
1
1.4 miHiking Trails
Lake Wales Main Street
49
1.8 miNeighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
KICCO Wildlife Management Area
6
2.2 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Hotel Grand
28
1.8 miArchitectural Buildings
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
2,368 reviews
Excellent
1,710
Very good
530
Average
90
Poor
26
Terrible
12
CarrieS
28 contributions
Beautiful nature
Aug 2021 • Solo
Beautiful Gardens. Cool tower. Lots of trails to explore. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy this idyllic spot. Was not crowded on the day I went and I spent hours walking the trails. Will bring a picnic basket next time.
There is a snack bar and gift shop.
There is a snack bar and gift shop.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hhavens22
Seminole, FL17 contributions
Beautiful Experience
Jul 2021 • Couples
My boyfriend had been several times before we met, but this was my first time. I love nature, and Bok Tower Gardens delivered! The Singing Tower and grounds were beautiful and the view from the hill is like no other. I enjoyed feeding the koi fish in the pond (they have a food dispenser that takes quarters). A very romantic spot, or a spot to bring your family and enjoy the outdoors. The gift shop was cute and had so many lovely souvenirs, including a variety of plants outside. 100% looking forward to going back and exploring more!
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Flmum
Doctors Inlet, FL92 contributions
Beautiful
Aug 2021 • Couples
Beautiful gardens. You walk in and the gift shop, museum, theater and cafe are all in front. Food was delicious in the cafe. Museum was neat. Theater was closed due to COVID. Gift shop had great things to buy. The trails were beautiful, gardens were beautiful and scenery was majestic. The tower was very cool. The house was closed to tours due to COVID but you can walk around it.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
u2lemon78
Sarasota, FL1,272 contributions
My new happy place
Aug 2021 • Couples
Beautiful gardens. Be sure to visit on a day that’s not so hot. Will have to return in the spring when the plants are blooming or in the fall/winter (sweater weather). Every where you look there’s little pockets of plants or spectacular scenery. Every hour on the hour the tower chimes and plays songs. Surrounded by a koi pond. Was able to draw / sketch art for a few kids in the children’s garden. Will definitely be back.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
fwwood
Gainesville, Florida124 contributions
Pretty place
Jun 2021
Still a beautiful place in old Florida. We were married there many years ago and if we are ever passing by, we stop and reminisce and take in the lovely gardens there.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DiverM
Jupiter, FL444 contributions
Beautiful gardens and grounds
Jun 2021 • Family
We enjoyed visiting the tower. They don’t play the actual bells at this time of year but the grounds were nice and the children’s garden was fun. The grounds are large and there are a lot of different areas to explore. There is also a lot of history and the museum is interesting. Admission is $15. We had a bogo coupon from the Polk enjoyment book. Children and pets are $5.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DaytonaGuy
Haines City, FL813 contributions
Beautiful!
Jun 2021 • Solo
Being relatively new to the area, decided to check this out. Ended upgrading my $15 admission to an annual pass!
The grounds were absolutely amazing. Be sure to grab a map before you start exploring, as there is a lot to see! The grounds were well maintained, and as it appeared, mostly by volunteers. Those volunteers that i came across were all very friendly and informative!
Yes it depends when you go as to what is in bloom. Just outside the visitor center is a display of what is currently blooming. See attached picture. The summer kitchen is only open later in the year, when food can be picked directly from the garden there. Also see attached pictures.
As someone mentioned in a previous review, and as a volunteer told me, the bell ringing is sometimes a recording. No biggie there. The tower rings on the half hour, with several full "concerts" during the afternoon. Be sure to check times.
As for the Cafe, yes a bit expensive, but good food and snacks. The Pablamo Guacamole was simply amazing! Guacamole and chips were $6, and a bottle of beer was $6.
Take your time, walk around and explore! It's not a zoo, so you may or may not see any wildlife. I've included pictures of things I saw!
The grounds were absolutely amazing. Be sure to grab a map before you start exploring, as there is a lot to see! The grounds were well maintained, and as it appeared, mostly by volunteers. Those volunteers that i came across were all very friendly and informative!
Yes it depends when you go as to what is in bloom. Just outside the visitor center is a display of what is currently blooming. See attached picture. The summer kitchen is only open later in the year, when food can be picked directly from the garden there. Also see attached pictures.
As someone mentioned in a previous review, and as a volunteer told me, the bell ringing is sometimes a recording. No biggie there. The tower rings on the half hour, with several full "concerts" during the afternoon. Be sure to check times.
As for the Cafe, yes a bit expensive, but good food and snacks. The Pablamo Guacamole was simply amazing! Guacamole and chips were $6, and a bottle of beer was $6.
Take your time, walk around and explore! It's not a zoo, so you may or may not see any wildlife. I've included pictures of things I saw!
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OldCityJohn
Jacksonville, FL49 contributions
Love the Children’s Garden
Jun 2021 • Family
My 20-month-old son visited the tower and gardens on a trip to Tampa recently and he loved the children’s garden. I was shocked by the amazing quality of all of the facilities, but the dozen or so stations in the children’s garden were world class. Will definitely take him back when it is cooler.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lori Hagins
Auburndale, FL733 contributions
Absolutely breathtaking scenery
May 2021 • Couples
This has to be one of Florida's most treasured hidden gems! Since it was our first visit we weren't sure how long we should allow but realized that 3 hours was not near enough time to walk around this beautiful property and take in everything it has to offer...4 would've been better! We absolutely loved all the areas you could sit and just relax while enjoying the gorgeous flowers and plants as well as the beautiful hymns that come from the bells of the Bok Tower!! We also enjoyed seeing the coy and knowing that for a quarter you could feed them to get an even better glimpse of them! There is ample parking and a wonderful area to have lunch (you can either bring your own or get something at the cafe) as well as a beautiful gift shop . Plenty of water stations and restrooms and very well manicured trails. I would recommend wearing close toed shoes as they have many trails with mulch so if you want to get off the paved trail it's easier to walk on but flip flops are fine too!! We will definitely make this a place we visit frequently!!
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Summer
Celebration, FL11 contributions
Love this place !!
May 2021 • Family
Came here several times has beautiful gardens very tranquil even get to feed the fish in the pond ! Replay so just sit and read a book and have a picnic! Would definitely recommend this to friends and family..
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Can pets go on the mansion tour?
Chazyman
Viera, FL131 contributions
No, they are permitted in the adjacent gardens but not inside the mansion. There are signs posted to address this at the visitor entrance to the mansion. Sorry!
William C
Banner Elk, NC15 contributions
what is the time for live concerts on Thursday and Sunday?
Chazyman
Viera, FL131 contributions
Yes, they are at 1 and 3. Now, not all the half-hour concerts are live; some are recorded. You should check before going if you want to be sure. I believe the video is still available during a recorded concert but you might not be able to "meet the artist" to chat after the performance.
William C
Banner Elk, NC15 contributions
What times are the live concerts on Thursday and Sunday?
Ronald T
Lake Mills, WI127 contributions
According to the brochure, live concerts are at 1 and 3 pm Monday through Thursday. Nothing listed for Friday through Sunday. Apparently a new brochure for each week.
CaptiveGuru
Orlando, FL219 contributions
How long are the concerts at 1 and 3?
Joan T
Palm Coast, FL135 contributions
We were there on Halloween day - the 1pm performance was almost exactly 30 minutes. It was an amazing show - mostly movie/tv show tunes (ie: The Adams Family etc). Such a talented man, truly wonderful sound. It was just nice to relax on a bench and enjoy the beautiful day.
Do you have electric scooters available?
Kathy S
Kissimmee, FL770 contributions
No. They have shuttles.
Hola! En que epoca del año es recomendable ir ?
Helen B
Hamburg, Germany94 contributions
Yo también creo que en primavera es lo mejor. Estuve allí en marzo, fue muy lindo con las flores y temperaturas no tan altas. Más tarde en el ano es muy humido y hay mosquitos.
Sandy S
3 contributions
Do you have to sit in a certain area to hear the concert at 1 and 3 PM or can you continue to walk around and hear it from quite a distance as I believe it is suggested to spend 3 or 4 hours here? I think I read somewhere that something is played every 30 minutes in general. Thanks!
RascalPup
Orillia10 contributions
You will be able to hear the bells ring from anywhere but it is best to make your way to, or close to, the designated area. it will be worth the effort! It is a terrific performance and you won't be disappointed!! Enjoy!!
Peachie1212
Cocoa, FL12 contributions
How long does walking Thur the grounds take ?
cloudstuff
Chandler’s Ford, UK209 contributions
We were there last week - you can make it as long or as short as your party wants - we did a guided tour which lasted an hour and was very gentle and hugely informative - plus The Pinewood Estates are well worth adding (pay in entry up car park - extra $6 each.
We were also lucky that there was a live carillon player - he played for nearly an hour - just fantastic.
Nice gift shop too!
Enjoy!
