Don’t worry; it’s still only 298 feet above sea level. This is Florida after all!

 Perhaps the locals have a sense of irony, however, as the ridge it is built on is called “Iron Mountain”.

The sanctuary was created in the 1920s by Edward Bok, a Dutchman who wanted to transform the area into a sanctuary that would “touch the soul with its beauty and quiet”. He created beautiful landscaped gardens as well as a walking trail which allows visitors to explore the upland habitat of Lake Wales Ridge. His crowning glory, however, was the building of a 205ft marble carillon tower which is now a National Historic landmark.

We took a walk around the wildlife trail and were very impressed both by the plant life and by the wildlife. A birdwatcher’s “hide”, or to give its official name, the “Window by the Pond”, kept us enthralled for a while as we watched birds reptiles and racoons at the pond.

The wonderful marble tower itself is the focal point of the sanctuary, and its artistic detail is impressive. Don’t forget your camera, as the shot of the tower reflected in the water is not to be missed.

The carillon itself houses 60 bells, all made in Loughborough, England, and there are daily concerts, with brief selections being played every half hour throughout the day. Unfortunately it is not possible to enter the “Singing Tower” as it is not open to the public, but you can visit the museum in the visitor centre where there are exhibits relating to the bells and the playing of the carillon, as well as information on the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.

This is probably not a place to take the kids, but those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando will very much appreciate the peace and solitude of the beautiful gardens.

If you want to turn a half-day into a full day, why not visit the nearby town of Lake Wales as well?

Bok Tower gardens are open from 8am till 6pm, and entrance is $10.

To get there proceed south from Orlando on U.S. Highway 27 for approximately 23 miles. Two traffic lights past Eagle Ridge Mall turn left on Mountain Lake Cut Off Road. Then turn right (south) onto County Road 17 (also known as Scenic Highway). Proceed on CR 17 for 3/4 miles then turn left (east) onto Burns Avenue (also known as County Road 17-A). After about a mile, on your left, you’ll see the entrance sign to BokTowerGardens.