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For a day trip with family or friends, you should not miss out on a chance to visit Bok Tower Gardens in Central Florida. Be ready to explore and immerse yourself in the rich history of the spot along with the picturesque terrain and captivating wildlife.
Bok Tower Gardens is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM with the last admission at 5 PM. As part of COVID-19 safety measures, all visitors should have a mask and worn upon arrival at the Entrance Gate, at the Visitor Center Complex, inside the interior spaces, and when interacting with the staff. 
A Close Look at Bok Tower Gardens
As a must-see spot in Florida, Bok Tower Gardens is centrally situated between Tampa and Orlando among hills of citrus. The area has an expansive reach, offering 50 acres of Olmsted Gardens, 2.5 acres of Hammock Hollow as garden space for children, 20-room Pinewood Estate which is a Mediterranean-style manor along with the 205-foot Singing Tower carillon.
You can find one of the first-class creations of the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. in this lovely spot. When you want to experience the outdoors in the best way, you will surely enjoy the picturesque vistas, peaceful resting spots, and stunning views of the Singing Tower. Depending on the time of year you are going to visit, you will be amazed by the variety of foliage such as magnolias, azalea, and camellias with a verdant background of oaks, ferns, palms, and pines. It is truly a sight to behold – a work of art by nature itself.
Aside from the scenic greenery and foliage, Bok Tower Gardens also boasts its wildlife population. It is home to 126 species of birds along with the gopher tortoise, gopher frog, and the Eastern indigo snake. You will see and encounter several species of birds since the grounds of Bok Tower Gardens is a chosen spot on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
As you explore the place, you will find overlaid principal pathways and several mulled secondary trails. Take note that two main pathways are leading into the core Gardens. There are also several paths you can take to reach the Singing Tower. From the Visitor Center, it will only take an 8-minute walk to reach the Singing Tower.
Admission
Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8 AM – 6 PM with the last admission at 5 PM. The center is open at 10 AM on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Visitor Center, Shop at Bok and Blue Palmetto Cafe is open every day from 9 AM – 5 PM.
The tickets include a single-day admission to selected Garden areas and the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail.
- Adult admission – $15
- Children (ages 5-12) – $5
- Children below 5 years of age are free
- Dogs – $5
If you want to learn more about Bok Tower Gardens, check out the FAQs here.
Activities at Bok Tower Gardens
Let us check out the wide selection of activities at Bok Tower Gardens. Everyone in the family will surely find something worthwhile.
Carillon Music
During your visit to Bok Tower Gardens, you should not miss out on the Singing Tower carillon concert at 1 & 3 PM daily with brief choices performed on the hour and half-hour.
The schedule boasts live recitals by Geert D’hollander from mid-October up to mid-May on Thursday to Sunday.
Listen to the recordings from Anton Brees Carillon Library collection for the rest of the week and during summer from mid-May up to Mid-October.
Photography
Bring along your cameras as you explore the most photographed site in Florida. Take beautiful shots of the scenic vistas, landscaped gardens, and architecture.
If you want to share great shots, do not miss out on several iconic photo spots such as:
- The Exedra overlook during sunset
- The Reflection Pool
- The Window by the Pond
Dining and shopping
Make the most out of your visit to Bok Tower Gardens by getting a snack at Blue Palmetto Cafe. Enjoy a selection of soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, desserts, beer, wine, and many more. Eat indoors or on the patio while enjoying views of the Gardens.
Do not forget to bring something home at The Shop at Bok. The Plant Shop might have something that will make a lovely addition to your garden.
More Activities At Bok Tower Garden
Aside from the highlights at Bok Tower Garden, you should not miss out on the following:
Visitor Center & Exhibit Hall
The Visitor Center boasts a museum with exhibits that will provide you with an insight into the life of Edward W. Bok and his influence along with historical perspectives on the Singing Tower and Gardens. You will find documents detailing Bok’s family history, his time as editor of Ladies’ Home Journal, and his Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography on display.
There is a cut-out of the biggest bell of the Singing Tower. You can compare yourself to the size of the bell standing more than 6 feet tall and weighing almost 12 tons.
There is a miniature reproduction of the Singing Tower which portrays what is inside the walls of the Tower and what is housed on every level. You will also find the earliest keyboard for the carillon in the museum. Visitors have the opportunity to key in a note and inspect the structure of the carillon.
There are also photos and illustrations of the history of the carillon, the building of the Singing Tower, the creation of the bells, and details on every artisan who worked on the Tower, illustrating the monumental undertaking to erect the 205-foot-tall Tower.
You will also find details about the Gardens which was devised by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., as well as the territory of the Lake Wales Ridge, one of the highly threatened habitats in the world. Most of the wildlife that thrives in the area are endangered.
Geocaching
As an associate with the Polk County’s Trek Ten Trails program, there are three geocaches on the 3/4-mile Pine Ridge Nature Trail and others on Bok Tower Gardens.
Simply present your Trek Trails card upon reaching the entrance gate together with four trail stamps and get free admission to the Gardens.
Hiking
For those who love to go on hiking, the Preserve Trail and the Pine Ridge Nature Trail are great choices. You can explore the restored pinelands and fields.
- Preserve Trail. The 1.5-mile trail starts at the gatehouse and links with the Pine Ridge Nature Trail running to the parking lot and Visitor Center. The track is situated surrounded by rolling hills of citrus plantations along with wildflower and native grass shrubbery. There are marks throughout the track that showcase the narration of citrus, flora, and wildlife of the habitat along with the ecological role of fire and the natural history of the Lake Wales Ridge.
- Pine Ridge Nature Trail. The 3/4-mile route will take you on an exclusive longleaf pine/turkey oak territory. At present, the longleaf pine forest is at risk of vanishing. The trail starts in a short distance from Window by the Pond and ends at the Visitor Center and parking lot.
Birdwatching
Bok Tower Gardens is home to 126 species of birds that you can check out throughout the year.
While exploring the landscaped gardens, you might encounter different birds including the Eastern Screech Owl, Snowy Egret, Bald Eagle, and the Wood Duck.
Family Fun
During your visit to Bok Tower Gardens, there is something to discover for visors of all ages. It is the ideal spot for families to enjoy.
- Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden. When children are coming along, this spot features three acres of nature play. The garden teaches conservation and the important link between plants, animals, and people. You will find cooling water features, picturesque art, a boardwalk, vibrant plants, a performance stage, and a music area. Children will surely enjoy many things to climb on, go under and through as well as places to dig, build and create something to their heart’s content.
Final Thoughts
If you are eager to go on a day trip with family or friends, Bok Tower Gardens is the ideal destination in Central Florida. Get your camera ready and head to this lovely spot that will provide you and your family unforgettable moments that you will surely cherish for years to come.
1151 Tower Boulevard
Lake Wales, FL 33853
863-676-1408
info@boktowergardens.org
