Lake Wales, FL

Lake Wales is a Polk County city in central Florida, set along the Lake Wales Ridge. Early state surveys helped identify the region around present-day Lake Wales, and the city later grew with citrus, railroads, and inland Florida development. Its best-known landmark is Bok Tower Gardens, whose carillon tower and gardens draw visitors from across the state. Lake Wales feels different from coastal Florida: rolling terrain, lakes, citrus history, older neighborhoods, and a small-city center between Winter Haven and the interior of the peninsula.