Lake Wales, Florida, is a charming city in Polk County nestled atop the scenic Lake Wales Ridge, offering rolling hills, clear lakes, and a central location between Tampa and Orlando. Incorporated in 1917 and founded in 1911 by the Lake Wales Land Company, it was established on land surrounding Lake Wailes—a name honoring early surveyor Sidney Wailes.
The city grew during the early 20th-century citrus boom, fueled by its fertile, elevated terrain ideal for groves. In 1929, philanthropist Edward W. Bok created Bok Tower Gardens, anchored by the iconic Singing Tower atop the highest point in peninsular Florida. Lake Wales’ historic core includes the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel (built 1926) and preserved commercial and residential districts recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Lake Wales thrives with a revitalizing downtown, cultural attractions, and abundant outdoor recreation—from Bok Tower to nearby Lake Kissimmee State Park—offering both heritage and natural beauty in Central Florida.
