Lake Wales offers a variety of reasons to explore: local history, theater, and visual art sit alongside trails and distinctive outdoor experiences. When planning, it makes a difference whether you want to spend time in historic buildings, seek out a cultural program, or would rather be out on the Trailway.
Local History at the Museum and Downtown
The Lake Wales History Museum dedicates its permanent exhibits to local history and industries. The exhibits also include a model railroad with a caboose and seasonal displays. Admission is free; check visitor information before you arrive. The museum is housed in a building that the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad had constructed in 1928. This connects the museum’s themes with the history of the building itself.
Another way to get to know historic buildings is the free app Florida Stories: Walk Lake Wales. It features a self-guided tour of eleven historic buildings downtown. Local murals offer fitting subjects: the Founding Fathers Mural at 65 W. Central Avenue shows the four founding fathers in front of a map of the city. The Passion Play Mural at 130 E Stuart Avenue recalls the Black Hills Passion Play’s winter performances at the Lake Wales Amphitheater.
Spook Hill also pairs a specific location with an unusual sight: cars parked at the foot of the slope on the public road appear to roll uphill. Spook Hill is listed on the National Register under reference number 100003585. If you plan to visit this stretch of road, you can check access locally.
Art, Architecture, and Theater
The Lake Wales Arts Center is the former Church of the Holy Spirit. The Spanish Mission-style building has a central dome, a bell tower, and an arched entrance. The Arts Center offers classes, workshops, and events in painting, sculpture, ceramics, music, theater, and dance. Exhibits at the Michael Crews Gallery change seasonally. So, alongside the architecture, the program features both artistic activities and changing displays.
Since its founding in 1978, the Lake Wales Little Theatre has continuously presented live theater performances in Lake Wales. The season runs from September through June and includes five productions. Since the program may change, it’s worth checking the current schedule before your visit. If you’re planning a stay around a performance, treat the season dates as a guide rather than a substitute for checking specific show dates.
Festivals with Different Flavors
The Lake Wales Arts Festival takes place annually and showcases work by more than 70 visual artists and craftspeople. An annual feature is also a Tasting Trail: five beverage stations serve tasting portions of beer or wine. The festival thus brings together arts and crafts with a tasting experience, though the two activities have different focuses.
Lake Wales Mardi Gras has a different focus. The event has been a Lake Wales tradition since 1984 and lasts two days. The lakeside festivities include a Mardi Gras parade, and the event is described as family-friendly. Since event dates are important for planning a specific trip, check the current dates in advance.
On the Lake Wales Trailway and Beyond
The Lake Wales Trailway is 2.3 miles long and 12 feet wide. It is paved and suitable for biking, walking, skating, and other fitness activities. The trail offers scenic views of Lake Wailes Lake and Bok Tower. The length and width help you assess the Trailway as an activity in its own right; the views connect two named sights with the trail.
For a very different experience, Jump Florida at Lake Wales Airport offers tandem skydiving and an Accelerated Freefall program. Confirm reservations and availability before your trip. The Trailway and skydiving represent different ways to spend time outdoors; which one suits your stay depends on your interests.
Explore more destinations: Bartow, Polk City, Cypress Gardens, Fort Meade, Winter Haven, Mulberry, Haines City, Lakeland
For the full travel guide: Polk.
