WELCOME TO

VISITOR MAP & GUIDE1153 TOWER BOULEVARD | LAKE WALES, FLORIDA 33853863-676-1408 MAIN | BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG

PLAN YOUR VISITThe Gardens are open 365 days a year

8 a.m.-6 p.m.

VISITOR CENTER & MUSEUMOpen 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily

Your experience begins with a brief orientation film that explores the Gardens’ history. You can also view the changing art exhibits.

BLUE PALMETTO CAFÉOpen 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily

Our Chef has crafted a variety of delicious signature salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps for your enjoyment.

THE SHOP AT BOKOpen 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily

Find unique treasures to commemorate your visit, including the perfect plant from the Plant Shop to place in your home garden.

Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is supported by tax-exempt gifts and contributions and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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OLMSTED LANDSCAPE GARDENSOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Bok Tower Gardens is one of the finest works of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. Meandering pathways through the 50-acre shaded woodland garden and bird sanctuary with a mix of more than 1,000 native and non-native plant types, intimate garden rooms, wide open spaces, and breathtaking vistas.

SINGING TOWERCarillon concerts at 1 & 3 p.m. daily

The 205-foot neo-Gothic Singing Tower was designed by architect Milton B. Medary, awarded in 1929 the American Institute of Architects gold medal for his design. Stone sculpture by Lee Lawrie, ironwork by Samuel Yellin, and tile mosaics by J. H. Dulles Allen adorn the tower in an Art Deco style. Hewn of stone native to the Southeast, the tower houses a 60-bell carillon – one of the world’s finest.

HAMMOCK HOLLOW CHILDREN’S GARDEN Open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Step through our pint-sized keystone gate and into a world of adventure where young visitors discover places to climb, build, dig and create.

WILD GARDENOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

The Wild Garden showcases Florida native plants and wildlife. The eight-acre area is planted with a rich diversity of native plants creating a series of ecosystem gardens including a pine forest, oak hammock, wet prairie, wetland, bog, pine flatwoods, and pond.

PINEWOOD ESTATE & GARDENSSeasonal hours

Pinewood Estate & Gardens, is a one-of-a-kind 1932 Mediterranean-style home and Olmsted-designed landscape. The home is one of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in the Southeast. Acquired by the Gardens in 1970, the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tickets are available at the Information Desk. The second floor of Pinewood Estate is not accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Strollers are not permitted inside.

GET INVOLVEDEnjoy a full calendar of learning opportunities and special events. Visit boktowergardens.org for a listing of programs and upcoming events.

KEEP YOUR GARDENS GROWING Your membership keeps the gardens growing, supports lifelong learning programs, sustains our heritage of art and culture and preserves the unique biodiversity of the Lake Wales Ridge.

Apply today’s admission to the price of a membership to receive 365 days of admission, discounts & other exclusive benefits! Ask how in the Visitor Center!

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEERSLead tours, staff the Information Desk, assist the horticulture department, help in retail services and much more! Find out more and submit your volunteer applications online at boktowergardens.org/volunteering.

PINE RIDGE NATURE PRESERVE & TRAILSOpen 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

The 2.5-mile preserve trail takes you through virgin sandhill pine forest as well as restored pinelands past quiet sitting places and spectacular vistas. The open, sunny trail travels through fire maintained habitat that is burned every 3-5 years to encourage native grasses and wildflowers that sustain wildlife in this open forest. Songbirds, turkeys, raptors, tortoises, lizards and a host of other wildlife can be found here. Interpretive signs along the trail tell about the flora and fauna of this habitat, the ecological role of fire, and the natural history of the Lake Wales Ridge.

THE GROUNDS OF

WELCOME TO THE GARDENS!Bok Tower Gardens is a dynamic, engaging and enjoyable experience for people of all ages. Focal points and activities throughout the Gardens provide for leisurely strolls, enlightening moments, and engaging activities.

Established in 1929 by Edward W. Bok as a gift to the American people, the 50-acre garden was designed by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. to be a contemplative and informal woodland setting.

Acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines fashion a lush backdrop of flowering foliage and the spectacular seasonal color of azaleas, camellias and magnolias showcasing an ever-changing work of art. The 205-foot marble and coquina Singing Tower is the pinnacle of the gardens with tile mosaics, animal carvings, custom ironwork, and daily carillon concerts.

Dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on Feb. 1, 1929, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark.

VISITOR GUIDELINES• Respect the grounds and do

not climb trees, walk through plantings, or pick flowers, plants or fruit.

• Respect and be considerate of others.

• Bok Tower Gardens is a SMOKE FREE environment. There is no smoking anywhere on the premises.

• Do not feed or handle wildlife, except feeding koi fish.

• Shoes and shirts are required.

• Children must always be supervised by a parent or guardian.

• Well-behaved dogs are welcome and must be on a maximum 6ft. leash at all times while on property. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and for any damage caused by their pets.

• Picnicking is welcome anywhere on the property, but we recommend our designated picnic areas.

• Dispose of waste in proper containers.

• Casual, non-commercial photography for personal use is permitted. Approval and reservations are required for commercial still photography and filming.

• Your admission ticket serves as permission for the Gardens to use your photo or image during your visit.

• Bicycles, skateboards, skate shoes and personal golf carts are not permitted in the Gardens.

• Weddings and social events are only permitted with advance registration and separate fee.

• All admission and ticket sales are final.

• Prices and hours are subject to change without notice.

• Bok Tower Gardens reserves the right to ask any person to leave.

The Shop at Bok

Blue Palmetto Café

Rain Shelter

Exedra

Peace Lantern

Rain Shelter

Singing TowerWalk time from Oval:

8 minutes

Window by the Pond

Pinewood Estate and GardensWalk time from Oval: 5 minutes

Endangered Plant Garden

Visitor Center

Info Booth

Information

Shuttle Stop

Restrooms

Water Fountain

First Aid

Picnic Area

Defibrillator

SMOKE FREE

Bok Tower Gardens is a SMOKE FREE environment. There is no smoking anywhere on the premises

SHUTTLE SERVICEShuttle service is available for persons with disabilities, with four shuttle stops located throughout the Gardens. Pick-up is available every 15-20 minutes. Shuttle service is subject to availability. Shuttles do not run during the 1 & 3 p.m. concerts.

Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden

ACCESSIBILITYThere are designated accessible parking spaces in the parking area. Mobility carts and wheelchairs are available at The Shop at Bok. Most areas of the Gardens are accessible except the second floor of Pinewood Estate. For additional needs, please visit the Information Desk in the Visitor Center.

1. RIVER OF STONEThis unique pebble pathway at the Visitor Center features a simple, flowing pattern.

2. POLLINATOR GARDENStop along the meandering path and focus on the buzz and flutter, you may see 20-30 different types of pollinators working the blossoms in search of nectar.

3. KITCHEN GARDEN, OUTDOOR KITCHEN & ALEXANDER DISCOVERY CENTERThese areas offer fun and educational activities. See program guide for details.

4. HAMMOCK HOLLOW CHILDREN’S GARDENStep through our pint-sized keystone gate and into a world of adventure where young visitors discover places to climb, build, dig and create.

5. PINE RIDGE PRESERVE TRAILHike through one of Florida’s most endangered ecosystems. Interpretive signs along the trail give details about the area.

6. WILD GARDENThe Wild Garden showcases Florida native plants and wildlife in a series of ecosystem plantings.

7. WETLAND BOARDWALKExplore a 170-foot boardwalk that meanders through a recreated wetland prairie and bog.

8. WINDOW BY THE PONDLook out from this small observatory into a Florida pond ecosystem. Watch as birds, reptiles, butterflies and other animals coexist in their natural habitat.

9. ENDANGERED PLANT GARDENThis display of approximately 30 rare plants from around Florida showcases the species we are working to protect.

10. 1929 DEDICATION MONUMENTThis marker is to dedicate the creation of the Garden and wildlife sanctuary by Edward Bok and is located at the original entrance, that begins the historic garden created by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.

11. PINEWOOD ESTATE & GARDENSStep back in time to a luxurious 1930s lifestyle as you tour this 20-room Mediterranean-style winter home and gardens. An additional ticket is required for entry. The mansion is partially accessible by wheelchair.

12. REFLECTION POOL VISTAThis iconic view of the Singing Tower is the perfect place for a photo with friends or family while visiting the Gardens.

13. EXEDRA & SUNSET OVERLOOKThe marble Exedra was given as a gift to Edward Bok from his friends in the nearby community of Mountain Lake. The sunset view from here inspired Mr. Bok’s dream of the Gardens.

14. CONCERT VIEWING AREAView the carillonneur’s performances at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. during our live performance season. See carillon program for availability.

15. PEACE LANTERNThis Tōrō, or Japanese stone lantern, is adorned with peace doves and was commissioned as a gift from Usaburo Tsujita as a tribute to Mr. Bok’s efforts toward world peace. Mr. Tsujita was an attendant of Mr. Bok in the 1920s. In 1955, it arrived with only the request to be placed within sight of Mr. Bok’s grave.

16. SINGING TOWERMade of pink marble and coquina, the 205-foot tall neo-Gothic and Art Deco Singing Tower houses the 60-bell carillon. Donor level members and above are eligible to tour the Founder’s Room on the first floor, offered on pre-scheduled dates throughout the year.

17. EDWARD W. BOK’S BURIAL SITEEdward Bok fell ill and passed away on Sunday, January 9, 1930 within sight of his Singing Tower. His wife previously convinced him to be buried at the place he loved most. His grave rests in front of the Tower’s great brass door.

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Pine Ridge Preserve& Trails

Additional Picnic area available on south side of the parking lot.