Bok Tower Gardens

Florida, United States

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Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida, was established in the 1920s by Edward W. Bok, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor and humanitarian who wanted to create a sanctuary for people and wildlife on one of Florida’s highest points, Iron Mountain.

The gardens were designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., who transformed an arid sandhill into a lush haven featuring over 250 acres of native plants, azaleas, magnolias, and palms. Central to the gardens is the 205-foot Singing Tower, a Gothic Revival carillon tower built with pink and gray marble and coquina stone, completed in 1929 and dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge.

The tower houses 60 bronze bells that play regularly, surrounded by a moat filled with koi fish and vibrant gardens, including a reflecting pool. The estate also contains Pinewood Estate, known as El Retiro, and nature trails winding through the sanctuary.

Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a peaceful retreat with rich horticultural displays, cultural heritage, and frequent public events dedicated to conservation and appreciation of natural beauty.​