Tranquil Bok Tower and Gardens
Tranquil Bok Tower and Gardens
A true oasis amidst turmoil. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., these gardens offer the peace and tranquility sometimes missing in modern everyday life. The Gardens sit 298 feet above sea level located a top "Iron Mountain" the highest hill of Florida's Lake Wales Ridge.
These sub-tropical gardens are the legacy of Edward William Bok (1863-1930) Pulitzer Prize-winning author and editor of Ladies Home Journal. Edward William Bok was born in Den Helder, Netherlands and came to the United States with his parents at the age of 6. The gardens are his way of saying thank you to the nation that gave him a chance to succeed. The are also a refuge for over 100 bird species, while at the same time providing shade for the many people that visit daily.
While Bok enjoyed the natural beauty of his gardens, he remembered the wondrous sound of carillons from his native Holland. Architect Milton B. Medary was commissioned to design and build a majestic carillon tower. It would be the focal point of the sanctuary. While his design was neo-gothic, the design of the elaborate marble sculpture, by Lee Lawrie, that decorates the Tower uses the art-deco influences of Florida. Construction of the tower began in 1927 and was dedicated February 1, 1929.
Bok Gardens and Tower are a great addition to any family vacation. They are a wonderful way to enjoy all that nature has to offer, a gift from one of Americas true success stories, Edward William Bok.
Bok Sanctuary is open year round from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Special event tickets are available.
Admission Rates are as follows.
Adults: $8, Children: age 5-12, $3 and children under the age of 5 are free.
Visit Bok Tower and Gardens on your next trip to Florida, you'll be so glad you did!
A true oasis amidst turmoil. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., these gardens offer the peace and tranquility sometimes missing in modern everyday life. The Gardens sit 298 feet above sea level located a top "Iron Mountain" the highest hill of Florida's Lake Wales Ridge.
These sub-tropical gardens are the legacy of Edward William Bok (1863-1930) Pulitzer Prize-winning author and editor of Ladies Home Journal. Edward William Bok was born in Den Helder, Netherlands and came to the United States with his parents at the age of 6. The gardens are his way of saying thank you to the nation that gave him a chance to succeed. The are also a refuge for over 100 bird species, while at the same time providing shade for the many people that visit daily.
While Bok enjoyed the natural beauty of his gardens, he remembered the wondrous sound of carillons from his native Holland. Architect Milton B. Medary was commissioned to design and build a majestic carillon tower. It would be the focal point of the sanctuary. While his design was neo-gothic, the design of the elaborate marble sculpture, by Lee Lawrie, that decorates the Tower uses the art-deco influences of Florida. Construction of the tower began in 1927 and was dedicated February 1, 1929.
Bok Gardens and Tower are a great addition to any family vacation. They are a wonderful way to enjoy all that nature has to offer, a gift from one of Americas true success stories, Edward William Bok.
Bok Sanctuary is open year round from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Special event tickets are available.
Admission Rates are as follows.
Adults: $8, Children: age 5-12, $3 and children under the age of 5 are free.
Visit Bok Tower and Gardens on your next trip to Florida, you'll be so glad you did!
