Lake Wales, Florida
Lake Wales sits in central Polk County along the scenic Lake Wales Ridge, an area known for rolling hills, lakes, and some of the highest natural terrain in peninsular Florida. Its historic downtown, lakefront setting, and nearby gardens make it a distinctive stop in Central Florida.
About The Community
Besides excellent recreation year-round, Lake Wales has long been shaped by citrus growing and related business. In more recent decades, light manufacturing, construction, electronics, and local commerce have also contributed to the economy, with employment centers such as Longleaf Business Park and retail areas serving the community.
After the Civil War, a pristine lake was named after Sydney Wailes, a Florida government land agent. Lake Wales was founded in 1911 by businesspeople who purchased 5,000 acres in the hilly wilderness around Lake Wailes. They believed the pine forests would support the turpentine and lumber industries, the sandy soil was ideal for growing grapefruit and oranges, and the rolling hills would be a fitting site for a town. In 1913, the spelling of the town’s name changed from “Lake Wailes” to “Lake Wales” by popular demand. The city was incorporated in 1917 and granted a municipal charter in 1921.
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Lake Wales is home to about 16,000 residents and offers a relaxed Central Florida setting with plenty of room to explore. The city includes roughly 110 acres of parks and recreational facilities, including the 2.5-mile Lake Wailes Trail along the waterfront, a community center, a renovated historic gymnasium, neighborhood playgrounds, and sports complexes. The many nearby lakes also create opportunities for fishing, boating, paddling, and bird-watching, with access varying by site.
Vicinity of Lake Wales
The Lake Wales Public Library was originally run by the Lake Wales Woman’s Club beginning in 1919 and moved to its Crystal Lake location in 1960 through local civic efforts. Expanded in 1991, it houses books, audiovisual materials, periodicals, maps, archives, clippings, software, and other community resources.
Additional Details
One of the area’s best-known landmarks, Bok Tower Gardens, is located just north of Lake Wales. The historic bell tower, centerpiece of a magnificent garden, houses one of the world’s great carillons. Visitors also come for Pinewood Estate, the “Old Cracker House,” the Window by the Pond nature observatory, guided garden walks, and panoramic views.
The local museum was once a railroad passenger station. Constructed in 1928 of brick and covered with pink stucco, the Depot served the community until 1974, when freight service shifted to the West Lake Wales station and trains no longer stopped there. The Spanish-style building with its red tile roof later became a museum and cultural arts center. Today it serves as a resource center for the collection, conservation, exhibition, and study of materials related to the history of Lake Wales, while also supporting the arts as part of community life.
The historic downtown commercial district includes shops, restaurants, entertainment, and murals reflecting the early history of Lake Wales. Restored buildings retain much of their 1920s character, and the area hosts art shows, classic car gatherings, and other community events. Triple Canopy Ranch has also hosted outdoor music and camping festivals in the Lake Wales area.
