Bok Sanctuary & Tower

Anywhere in Florida, climbing just a few feet above sea level is quite an accomplishment. Find your way above 200 feet, and you're practically in the mountains. So it makes sense that the highest point in the Florida Peninsula would be marked with something special. That special something is Bok Tower, the centerpiece of the Bok Sanctuary.

Bok Tower and reflecting pool

The Bok Sanctuary and Tower is a bit difficult to find, which is surprising, since it's the tallest thing around. Your best bet is to drive to Winter Haven (From Orlando, take I-4 west to US 27 south), then watch for signs. At some point, it will feel like you're driving away from the tower, but don't worry.

Back in the early 1920's, a magazine and book publisher by the name of Edward Bok spent his winters in Polk County, and often watched the sunsets from the top of Iron Mountain, the highest hill on Lake Wales Ridge. The serenity and beauty of the place convinced him to preserve it as a bird sanctuary. A few years later, he decided the gardens he had created needed a centerpiece, and the carillon tower was constructed.

Edward Bok managed the Bok Syndicate Press, which published the Ladies' Home Journal in the late 1800's. It was the first magazine in the world to top 1-million subscribers.

Tower through the trees

Bok Tower rises 205 feet above the surrounding gardens. Look closely, and you'll see the attention to detail that went into its design: sculpted stone, with an art deco and gothic style. Inside, there's a 60-bell carillon that plays on the hour, along with recitals every day.

You'll find plenty more fun facts about the tower and the sanctuary at the Bok Sanctuary website, which is where I gathered many of my facts.

Iron fence at the base of the tower

There's much more to admire than the carillon tower. There are plenty of hiking and walking trails that circle the top of the hill. Most are lined with flowerbeds, which seem to always be blooming. There's a wildlife viewing cabin with a large window, and you'll probably see everything from birds to squirrels to lizards.

Lizard at Bok Sanctuary

You can easily spend a couple of hours milling around, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the sanctuary. Kids might grow a little bored, but at least there's plenty of room for running around.

Bok Sanctuary looks much different than it did before the hurricane season of 2004. Of the four hurricanes that crossed Florida that year, three passed over Polk County. At one point, one local TV newscast reported the tower had collapsed. While in reality, the tower survived, many tree limbs didn't. So, if the admission of $8 seems a bit steep, just keep in mind the massive amount of clean-up it took to restore the sanctuary.

Park benches at amphitheatre

On your way out, stop by the sanctuary's large gift shop, or the cafe.

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