Bok Tower Gardens
Florida
Bok Tower Gardens, located on Iron Mountain near Lake Wales, Florida, is a 250-acre sanctuary renowned for its lush gardens and the striking Singing Tower. Created in the 1920s by Edward W. Bok and his wife Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the gardens were designed to protect the area's natural beauty and provide a place of reflection. The centerpiece, the 205-foot Singing Tower, houses a 60-bell carillon and is built from pink Etowah marble, gray Creole marble, and coquina stone, showcasing exquisite Art Deco sculptures by Lee Lawrie and intricate ironwork by Samuel Yellin. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. transformed the originally arid sandhill into a vibrant garden featuring thousands of live oaks, azaleas, palms, magnolias, and other native plants. The gardens serve as a refuge for over a hundred bird species, wild turkeys, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Pinewood Estate, now known as El Retiro, and enjoy tranquil spots like the reflecting pool and wetlands boardwalk. The site offers cultural enrichment through its architecture, natural beauty, and ongoing musical performances from the carillon.
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Tip: Visit during spring for vibrant azalea blooms and mild weather. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid lines and take advantage of any available discounts. Arrive early to enjoy peaceful morning walks and catch live carillon performances. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the extensive trails and bring binoculars for birdwatching. Check the official website for special events and guided tours to enhance your visit.
Zajímavosti
- •The Singing Tower stands at one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, approximately 295 feet above sea level.
- •The tower contains a 60-bell carillon, one of the few in the United States.
- •The Great Brass Door of the tower features 30 scenes from the Book of Genesis, crafted by metalworker Samuel Yellin.
- •Attempts were made to introduce flamingos to the sanctuary, but they did not survive the cooler winters.
- •The American Institute of Architects awarded the tower's architect, Milton B. Medary, a Gold Medal in 1929 for the design.
Historie
Edward W.
Bok and his wife established the gardens in the 1920s to preserve the natural beauty of Florida's Lake Wales Ridge.
They commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
to design the gardens, transforming a sandhill into a flourishing sanctuary.
Construction of the Singing Tower began in 1927 and was completed in 1929, with the tower dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge.
The tower and gardens have since been recognized as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Over the decades, the gardens have expanded from 25 acres to 250 acres, continuing to protect native flora and fauna while serving as a cultural and spiritual retreat.
Průvodce po místě
Singing Tower1927-1929
The 205-foot Gothic Revival tower is the gardens' centerpiece, featuring a 60-bell carillon and exquisite Art Deco sculptures depicting Florida flora and fauna. Its moat is now a koi pond, and the tower’s Great Brass Door illustrates biblical scenes.
El Retiro (Pinewood Estate)1920s
The historic Pinewood Estate adjacent to the gardens, also known as El Retiro, is separately listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers insight into the lifestyle and architecture of the era.
Gardens and Trails1920s
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., the gardens feature thousands of live oaks, azaleas, palms, magnolias, and a variety of native plants. The Pine Ridge Trail and wetlands boardwalk provide immersive nature experiences and birdwatching opportunities.
Kontakt
Telefon: (863) 676-1408