An Introvert Respite in the Center of Florida

Who knew that there was a peaceful respite full of music, flowers, and Japanese koi, in the middle of Florida?

Among the crowded and noisy theme parks, which were fun but which gave this introvert a headache and tinnitus, my son and I discovered Bok Tower Gardens.

How did we find out about it? After all, it’s difficult to just stumble upon the 250-acre gardens hidden away in Lake Wales, a city in Polk County, Florida.

Well, we were at LEGOLAND. And one of the features at LEGOLAND is a set of model cities made of, wait for it, legos! A tall lego tower, called the Singing Tower, caught my interest. Upon further research, I discovered that it was about 30 minutes from our hotel. Trip: planned.

My new Legoland buddy.

Bok Tower Gardens is named for Edward Bok, who immigrated to the U.S. from the Netherlands when he was six years old. He became a successful author and publisher, as well as a respected humanitarian and advocate of the the environment. Bok purchased the land to establish gardens and a bird sanctuary, and built the Singing Tower, so-called because its bells toll every 30 minutes. A plaque at the pond in front of the tower indicates that Bok presented these gardens to the American people on February 1, 1929, as a gift expressing his appreciation for the opportunities he had been given.

Bok commissioned architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. (son of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York City’s Central Park) to transform this land into the gorgeous gardens that remain today.

The gardens are indeed impressive. The Children’s Garden contains a spider climb, outdoor musical instruments, and a rock splash play area, in addition to paths and bridges. The lush subtropical foliage boasts a gorgeous display of plants and flowers. Visitors can also access the Bok’s estate house, decorated in a beautiful Mediterranean style.

The most impressive part of the gardens, in my opinion, is the Singing Tower, with its stained glass windows and Japanese koi pond. It was as if we had stepped into an enchanted forest. The tower is built on Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida. Behind the tower, visitors have idyllic views of rolling hills.

The Singing Tower ringed by a Japanese koi pond.

You can spend hours meandering through the many paths and enjoying the views. Bok Tower Gardens is truly impressive in its landscaping and architecture but, mostly, for the peace and tranquility it provides from the bustling tourism of the state.

These koi are not dumb. As soon as they see people, they open up their mouths, expecting food.