Bok Tower Gardens

Located atop Iron Mountain, the highest point on the Lake Wales Ridge, is an impressive destination for birders, botanists and butterfly enthusiasts alike. Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and is famous for its cultivated gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. However, the site also includes the Pine Ridge Nature Preserve, a 100-acre sandhill ecosystem comprised of longleaf pines and turkey oaks. Walk the trail through this preserve for Gopher Tortoise and birds like American Kestrel, Common Nighthawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Loggerhead Shrike and Bachman’s Sparrow. Check the cultivated gardens for butterflies and hummingbirds in spring and summer, as well as migratory songbirds during September and October, and again in April. Bok Tower Gardens has made significant contributions to the conservation of rare plants on the Lake Wales Ridge and offers excellent educational opportunities about the Ridge’s endangered upland habitats and their bird inhabitants. Birding field trips are offered as well, so call in advance for details and reservations for your group. Non-birding companions will appreciate the 205-foot neo-Gothic/art deco Singing Tower carillon, the gardens, art exhibits and special events.