Bok Tower Gardens: A Breathtaking Gem in Lake Wales, Florida
Bok Tower Gardens is a place that seems to have sprung straight from the pages of a fairy tale. And, in a way, that’s not too far from the truth! Its founder, Edward W. Bok, was a Pulitzer prize-winning author. If anyone knew about constructing beautiful stories, it was him.
And perhaps his best story was the one he created in the form of his garden.
With sweeping nature trails, a serene reflection pool, and a gorgeously towering carillon, Bok Tower Gardens is an escape into another realm. A place where everything is at peace, nature inspires, and beauty is found in its grand tranquility.
A Beauty That Must Be Shared
When he was six years old, Edward W. Bok immigrated from the Netherlands to the United States. Initially unfamiliar with his new home, Bok grew to love America – especially the state of Florida.
There he enjoyed winter retreats in Lake Wales, admiring Iron Mountain, its splendid vistas, and sunsets that splashed over the horizon, painting it all a brilliant orange.
The beauty of the place, hardly able to be rendered in words, was something that simply had to be experienced.
On one of his evening walks in 1921, listening to the birdsong around him, Bok decided to preserve the hilltop, and perhaps make it into a bird sanctuary. It was the perfect place to share with others, to “touch the soul with its beauty and quiet.”1
It was important to Bok that his special retreat be shared with the world, rather than kept to himself, for he lived by the words spoken to him by his grandmother:
“Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”2
The idea of a bird sanctuary grew into an entire garden.
Bok purchased the hilltop that offered him the views he so cherished, but the hilltop itself was sandy and arid. So, he hired Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to help him transform even the hill itself into “a spot of beauty second to none in the country.”3
Olmsted Jr. had worked with his father on landscaping the Biltmore estate, which had included an astounding 3-mile stretch of natural-looking (but completely planned to the last leaf) approach road to the mansion.4, 5 When it came to natural architecture, Olmsted Jr. was the best person Bok could possibly find.
Olmsted Jr. worked diligently for five years to create a habitat that was not only stunning to look at, but also provided a haven for local wildlife and migrating birds. Each plant was carefully chosen with Central Florida’s humid climate in mind. The garden was an ode to native plants, as well as a showcase of exotic beauties from around the world.
But there was more than just a gorgeous garden. When the project was complete, Bok’s beautiful retreat also included adventurous nature trails and a bell tower whose song harmonized beautifully with that of the resident birds.
With Olmsted Jr.’s help, Bok had made Lake Wales a more beautiful place for having been there.
Bok Tower Gardens: Soothing For The Soul
Today, Bok Tower Gardens continues to make the world a better, more beautiful place for its existence. Since opening to the public in 1929, the gardens have hosted millions of visitors – both people and, of course, migrating birds. A true gem nestled within Central Florida, you absolutely need to experience the wonder and tranquility provided by the Gardens. Here are just a few highlights from a day in Florida’s Eden…
Be Serenaded by the Singing Tower
A true icon of Lake Wales, the 200-foot tall, neo-Gothic style “Singing Tower” is an architectural marvel. Made from coquina and marble, it harmonizes with the natural landscape, even while towering above it. Adorned with carvings of pelicans, tortoises, and foxes, it celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Perhaps its most striking feature is the bronze door, shining gold in color. Intricately carved into its 30 panels is the story of creation from the book of Genesis – the very beginning of the beautiful world so loved by Edward Bok.
Not only is the Singing Tower aesthetically pleasing, but it also lends itself to the creation of a unique and awe-inspiring soundscape.
This carillon is a callback to Bok’s origins, as carillon art began in the Netherlands and Belgium in the 17th century. More than a simple bell tower, a carillon is a musical instrument of at least 23 bells that are played using a keyboard. (This carillon has 60 bells!6) The keyboard is played with both hands and feet, a bit like an organ, and moves the bell clappers (rather than the entire bell) to make a joyful noise.7
From mid-October to mid-May, you can catch a live carillon concert at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.8 (Shorter pieces are played every hour and every half-hour for your enjoyment.) When the resident carillonneur, Geert D’Hollander, is off-duty, recordings of Bok Tower Gardens’ first carilloneur, Anton Brees, are played instead.9
No matter when you visit Bok Tower Gardens, you will be treated to a true carol of the bells that will make your spirit soar and resonate in your soul.
Meander Down The Garden Path
Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.’s signature lies within the flowers here.
Ensconced in a peaceful, woodland environment, the Gardens are brimming with sensational species of plants, and have abundant alcoves for quiet moments and beautiful photo-ops with loved ones.
Some favorite spots in the Gardens include the reflection pool and sunset overlook.
Olmsted Jr.’s path to the reflection pool has much the same effect as the approach road to Biltmore Estate – the winding trail obscures the view of the destination, building suspense until you burst upon the scene: a carefully constructed and jaw-dropping sight.
The reflection pool provides your first glimpse of the Singing Tower. Framed by trees, you can usually find a mirror image of the tower in the quiet waters of the pool. This spot is an absolute must for photos!
Another great photo-op is the exedra and sunset overlook. This is one of the highest points in Central Florida, as well as the view that so greatly inspired Edward Bok. In that regard, it’s really where Bok Tower Gardens comes full circle, and definitely shouldn’t be missed.
There are so many other amazing things to see in the Gardens – from endangered plants to a gifted Japanese stone lantern. Where will the Garden path lead you?
The Tortoise and the Pine
In addition to the Gardens, you can also explore two winding nature trails that encompass a big part of the Gardens’ mission – to make the world a better place by protecting one of Florida’s most endangered ecosystems.
Walk along the Preserve Trail or Pine Ridge Trail, through tracts of lovingly protected land, where the quickly-disappearing longleaf pine still grows, and where endangered gopher tortoises, gopher frogs, Eastern indigo snakes, and Florida mice still play.
These trails, serene and beautiful, are a joy to walk, made all the better if you’re lucky enough to glimpse one of the wild friends thriving here in the Bok Tower Gardens habitat.
An Entire Day At Bok Tower? You Bet!
There’s simply so much to do at Bok Tower Gardens, you can easily make an entire day out of it. (Frankly, you might just not want to leave!)
Though currently closed due to covid precautions, touring the adjacent Pinewood Estate is a must when available. This gorgeous, Mediterranean-style home is full of history, crafted with the same essence as the Singing Tower, seeking to stir the soul through its thoughtful architecture.
After a day of exploring the Gardens, you can grab some lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café. Enjoy a garden-fresh salad, wrap, or sandwich while taking in the sights from the outdoor patio. (Indoor seating is also available, as well as online ordering!)
If you loved your time at Bok Tower Gardens (how could you not??), then you might want to stop by Shop at Bok for a commemorative souvenir. If you want to try your hand at landscaping like Olmsted Jr., you can also purchase a plant from their Plant Shop for your own garden back home!
A day at Bok Tower Gardens is a great trip for a solo adventure, a romantic date, or family fun. In fact, Hammock Hollow is another garden on the grounds geared specifically toward kiddos! However, taken as a whole, the restful atmosphere of Bok Tower Gardens is its biggest draw, so, older kiddos and teens may have the best chance at truly appreciating this breathtaking experience.
Whether you’re looking to be re-inspired or simply relax, the beauty of Bok Tower Gardens will refresh your spirit and rejuvenate your soul so you can go make the world a better place too.
Have you been to Bok Tower Gardens? What was your favorite part of the experience? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image
Photo: Marianne Serra via Flickr
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