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Some 55 miles south of Orlando, Bok Tower Gardens is at Florida's highest
point on the Lake Wales Ridge. The 205-foot tower overlooks more than 200 acres
of woodland gardens and boasts a carillon of 57 bells that play in concert every
day at 3pm.
THE GARDENS
In the1920s Edward Bok purchased land on a hilltop at Florida's Lake Wales
Ridge, 298 feet above sea level. He commissioned a famous landscape architect,
Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, to create “a spot of beauty second to none in the
country."
The resulting subtropical garden, with bushes and trees that would provide food
for visiting birds, provides shade to visitors as well as refuge for squirrels
and more than 100 bird species. Tranquil resting places, shady recesses,
picturesque vistas and expansive splashes of color create a contemplative
setting for your personal renewal and enjoyment.
The reflection pool was created to encourage wild life. Its location captures
the reflection of the Tower and offers the first image visitors have when
entering the gardens.
One of the best spots to observe the Sanctuary's native birds, wildlife and
wetland plants is inside the nature observatory known as "Window By The Pond."
The small wooden building has benches that face a large picture window where
visitors can observe birds, reptiles, butterflies and native species in their
natural habitat. On the back wall are drawings of some of the animals that
visitors may catch a glimpse of from this unique human vantage spot. But a sign
also reminds visitors: "this is nature's show not ours. No scheduled
performances."
THE TOWER
Remembering the glorious sound of carillons in his native Holland, Bok decided
to build a beautiful tower as the focal point of the Sanctuary which would be
crowned by a large carillon. Construction of the Tower began in 1927 and was
completed in time for the dedication on February 1, 1929.
CARILLON
A carillon is a musical instrument consisting of at least two octaves of
carillon bells arranged in chromatic series and played from a keyboard
permitting control of expression through variation of touch.
Its keyboard, sometimes called a clavier, is made of long, thin batons, which
are depressed with one’s closed fist. It also has pedals for playing some of the
bells. The carillon at Historic Bok Sanctuary consists of 60 bells ranging in
weight from 16 pounds to nearly 12 tons.
Location
Historic Bok Sanctuary
1151 Tower Boulevard
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 676-1408
Directions:
Take Exit 55 from I-4 and proceed south on U.S. Highway 27 for approximately 23
miles. Proceed past Eagle Ridge Mall two traffic lights. Turn left on Mountain
Lake Cut Off Road and follow signs to Historic Bok Sanctuary.
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