Discover Lake Wales: History, Art, and Theater

Lake Wales offers something for a range of interests: local history, theater, and art are joined by activities on the Lake Wales Trailway. When choosing a hotel, it may matter which of these themes shapes your stay. The following places and offerings provide practical guidance for planning, without assuming that you have just one reason for traveling.

Local History in the Museum and the Cityscape

The Lake Wales History Museum features permanent exhibits on local history and local industries. The exhibits also include a model railroad with a caboose, as well as seasonal presentations. The museum is housed in a building that the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad had built in 1928. Admission is free; check visitor information again before your visit.

The city’s history can also be found beyond the museum in specific landmarks. The Founding Fathers Mural at 65 W. Central Avenue depicts the four founding fathers of Lake Wales in front of a map of the city. The Passion Play Mural at 130 E Stuart Avenue commemorates the winter performances of the Black Hills Passion Play at the Lake Wales Amphitheater. The Florida Stories: Walk Lake Wales app offers a free, self-guided tour through eleven historic buildings in downtown.

Another historic destination is Spook Hill, a public road where cars parked at the foot of the incline appear to roll uphill. Spook Hill is listed on the National Register under reference number 100003585. If you plan to visit, you can check local access conditions in advance.

Theater, Architecture, and Visual Art

Since its founding in 1978, the Lake Wales Little Theatre has continuously offered live theater performances in Lake Wales. The season runs from September through June and includes five productions. As the program may change, it is a good idea to check the current season before your trip.

The Lake Wales Arts Center is the former Church of the Holy Spirit. The Spanish Mission-style building features a central dome, a bell tower, and an arched entrance. The Arts Center offers classes, workshops, and events in painting, sculpture, ceramics, music, theater, and dance. The Michael Crews Gallery complements this offering with changing seasonal exhibitions. This lets you distinguish between stage performances, hands-on artistic activities, and changing gallery exhibitions as you plan.

Trailway, City Walk, and Views

The Lake Wales Trailway is a 2.3-mile-long, 12-foot-wide paved trail. It is suitable for cycling, walking, skating, and other fitness activities. Views along the trail include Lake Wailes Lake and the Bok Tower. The stated dimensions and paved surface give you specific details to consider when including the Trailway in your day’s plans.

The Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens is 205 feet tall and houses a 60-bell carillon. The carillon plays a 30-minute concert daily at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens is designated a National Historic Landmark. Since concert times are useful visitor information, check them again before your visit.

Annual Events in Lake Wales

Lake Wales Mardi Gras has been a tradition since 1984. The two-day, family-friendly event includes lakeside festivities and a Mardi Gras parade. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the current event dates in advance.

The annual Lake Wales Arts Festival showcases works by more than 70 visual artists and craft artists. The festival also includes an annual Tasting Trail, with tasting portions of beer or wine at five beverage stations. The events therefore have different focuses: Mardi Gras centers on festivities and a parade, while the Arts Festival focuses on art and crafts; the Tasting Trail adds tastings to the program.

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