# Bok Tower Gardens

> The tower at Bok Tower Gardens is 205 feet (62 m) tall and stands on a rise about 295 feet (90 m) above sea level.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/bok-tower-gardens/

A carillon tower in landscaped gardens on one of Florida's highest hills, with shaded paths and a reflecting pool. Come at a calm hour, and check the carillon concert times before you plan your visit.

The tower at Bok Tower Gardens is 205 feet (62 m) tall and stands on a rise about 295 feet (90 m) above sea level. President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the site on February 1, 1929. The carillon has 60 bells from the English firm John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. designed the garden between 1924 and 1928 on 25 acres (about 10 ha); today it covers about 250 acres (about 100 ha).

Olmsted's plan called for 1,000 live oaks and 10,000 azaleas, among other plantings; today the garden's native plants provide habitat for more than 100 bird species. Pinewood Estate (El Retiro), a Mediterranean Revival mansion of 1930–32, can be visited. Carillon concerts take place regularly; check the exact times beforehand. Allow two to three hours for the garden and tower.

- **Nearest town:** Lake Wales, FL
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 27.9355, -81.5797

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Bok Tower Gardens (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bok_Tower_Gardens)

## Nearby

- [Wekiwa Springs State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-wekiwa-springs/) – 54 mi
- [Mount Dora](https://camping-spirit.com/places/mount-dora/) – 60 mi
- [Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-kennedy-space-center/) – 68 mi
- [Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-black-point-drive/) – 71 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Bok Tower Gardens?

Bok Tower Gardens is in Lake Wales, FL, at GPS 27.9355, -81.5797. It is about 43 mi from Orlando.

### Can you camp near Bok Tower Gardens?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cyprus Campground and RV Park, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Bok Tower Gardens?

Places worth a stop nearby: Wekiwa Springs State Park (54 mi), Mount Dora (60 mi), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (68 mi) and Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR (71 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Bok Tower Gardens?

The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)