Lake Wales 2
Lake Wales is a charming city located in Polk County, central Florida, U.S. It sits among rolling hills on the highest ground in peninsular Florida, surrounded by numerous clear lakes that provide year-round recreational opportunities. The city is situated in the geographical center of the Florida peninsula, accessible by U.S. Highway 27 (north/south) and State Highway 60 (east/west), with Interstate 4 crossing the state 25 miles north of Lake Wales and both the Tampa and Orlando International Airports approximately an hour’s drive away.
The city has a population of approximately 16,062, covering an area of 20.14 square miles. Lake Wales has a rich history, founded in 1911 by the Lake Wales Land Company, a group of businessmen who believed in the potential of the hilly wilderness around Lake Wailes. They envisioned a thriving turpentine and lumber industry, as well as an ideal site for growing citrus due to the sandy soil and rolling hills. The first settlers arrived in 1911, and the town was incorporated in 1917, with the City of Lake Wales being granted its municipal charter in 1921.
The local government operates under a commission/manager form, with four city commissioners and the Mayor elected at-large to serve 2-year terms. The City Commission appoints the City Manager, the City Clerk, and the City Attorney. Lake Wales has a strong commitment to education, with charter schools chosen to enhance the quality of education. The city is home to four elementary schools, one middle school, one vocational technical school, and one senior high school, along with private colleges and local extensions of universities.
The city’s climate is classified as a humid subtropical climate, bordering on a tropical monsoon and dry-winter tropical savanna climate. It boasts rich soil and warm weather, making citrus a major contributor to the local economy. Additionally, Lake Wales has successfully attracted light manufacturing, construction, and electronics firms, further diversifying its economic base. The area is also home to a regional mall, providing employment opportunities for approximately 1,200 individuals. Lake Wales has a vibrant leisure scene, offering recreational programs, public libraries, and more than 250 acres of public parks and athletic fields maintained by the Parks and Recreation departments. See another article.
Lake Wales is known for its various attractions, including the Historic Bok Sanctuary, Bok Tower Gardens, and Spook Hill, an optical illusion that makes a car in neutral appear as if it is traveling uphill. The city’s historic architecture reflects the period of the Florida land boom of the 1920s, and it is home to the Lake Wales History Museum housed in the old Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot. The city also hosts Mardi Gras celebrations annually before the start of Lent.
In summary, Lake Wales, Florida is a city with a rich history, diverse economy, strong educational institutions, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. Its commitment to preserving its vintage charm while encouraging economic growth makes it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
POI #1 – Dollar General, 8655 State Rd 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33898
POI #2 – The Harbor Waterfront Resort, 10511 Monroe Ct, Lake Wales, FL 33898
POI #3 – Saddlebag Lake Resort Association, 499 Saddle Bag Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898