Lake Wales 7
Lake Wales, Florida, a city located in Polk County, is well-known for its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant community. Founded in 1911, Lake Wales was established by the Lake Wales Land Company, a group of businessmen who envisioned a thriving town surrounded by the hilly wilderness around Lake Wailes. The city’s name was derived from the pristine lake, named after Sydney Wailes, an agent employed by the State of Florida after the Civil War. The area’s natural assets, including pine forests, sandy soil ideal for citrus cultivation, and rolling hills, have made it a picturesque and appealing destination. The city’s diverse economy includes the citrus industry, light manufacturing, and tourism, and it has attracted numerous businesses and industries over the years.
Lake Wales is located on the highest ground in peninsular Florida, offering a stunning landscape of rolling hills and clear lakes that provide year-round recreational opportunities. The city, accessible by U.S. Highway 27 and State Highway 60, is situated in the geographical center of the Florida peninsula. The Tampa and Orlando International Airports are approximately an hour’s drive away. The city’s population, as per the Bureau of Economic & Business Research, University of Florida, is 16,062, and it covers an area of 20.14 square miles.
The region’s rich soil and warm climate have made citrus cultivation a major contributor to the local economy since Lake Wales’s early days. Recently, the city has diversified its economic base to include light manufacturing, construction, and electronics firms. Additionally, Lake Wales is home to a regional mall and the Longleaf Business Park, offering various employment opportunities. The city’s goal, as stated by the City Commission and the city administration, is to encourage quality growth and economic development while preserving the vintage charm that is important to the community.
Education is a top priority for the Lake Wales community. Charter schools have been chosen as the primary vehicle for enhancing the quality of education in the area. The city is home to elementary schools, a middle school, a vocational technical school, and a senior high school. Additionally, private colleges, such as Warner University and Webber International University, are located in the area, along with local extensions of the University of South Florida and Bethune-Cookman. Polk State College, situated 15 miles north of Lake Wales, offers further educational opportunities. The city also boasts a branch campus of Polk State College, the J.D. Alexander Center, located in the historically renovated Old City Hall in downtown Lake Wales. Next article here.
Lake Wales offers an array of attractions and recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. The city is home to Bok Tower Gardens, established in 1929 on nearby Iron Mountain. The gardens, famed for their diverse plant and animal life, provide a tranquil setting for the Bok Singing Tower, which contains a carillon of 57 bells. The Audubon Center and Lake Kissimmee State Park offer additional opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
In addition to its natural attractions, Lake Wales boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. Museums, such as the Lake Wales History Museum, and community organizations, like the Lake Wales Arts Council, provide diverse programs in the arts and local history. The city’s public parks and athletic fields, encompassing over 250 acres within the city limits, are maintained by the Parks and Recreation departments and offer year-round recreational programs. Furthermore, the city hosts a range of organized leisure activities sponsored by community groups, including the Lake Wales Little League, Little Theater, and Children’s Theater.
Lake Wales, with its rich heritage, stunning natural surroundings, and thriving community, continues to be a captivating and vibrant city in Polk County, Florida, attracting residents and visitors with its diverse offerings and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
POI #1 – Walk in Water Campground, 6110 Walk in Water Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898
POI #2 – BlueLake Motel, 3724 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33898
POI #3 – Circle K, 14581 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859