Lakeland, Winter Haven and Lake Wales

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The 205-foot Bok Tower at Historic Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales is visible from nearby highways.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

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Fantasy of Flight in Polk City will satisfy any aerial fan.

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From beautiful historic sites, to simulations of flight, this driving tour through Lakeland, Winter Haven and Lake Wales shows off a unique side of Florida.

Heritage Highlights

Want to brag that you've seen the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world? If so, take I-4 west to Exit 32 (US98), travel south on US 98 and turn left on McDonald Street to Florida Southern College. The "Child of the Sun" Visitor Center, on Johnson Ave., on campus provides walking tour brochures as well as a display depicting Wright's relationship with the college where nearly a dozen of his buildings are located. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Guided tours available daily. Call 863-680-4597 for information.

Perhaps you've seen that plane by the road en route between Tampa and Orlando on I-4. It's at The Fantasy of Flight, 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E. in Polk City (off Exit #44), where your imagination will soar with the world’s largest collection of vintage aircraft. Go behind the scenes of this working restoration facility. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily. Call (863) 984-3500.


Nature Trek

Birdwatchers flock to the Street Audubon Nature Center, 115 Lameraux Rd., in southeastern Winter Haven to see anhingas, bald eagles, cormorants and many other species of birds. There are about two miles of winding nature trails to hike. The property is open 9 a.m. to sunset. Call 863-259-8497 for information.


Culture Quest

At 298 feet above sea level on the highest hill of the Lake Wales Ridge off U.S. 27, the Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., offers a place of serene beauty that provides "a spot of beauty second to none in the country." A National Historic Landmark, the lush landscape of the Olmsted gardens, the majesty and music of the 60-bell carillon tower and the splendor of the Pinewood Estate creates a hilltop sanctuary that enriches and inspires. The gardens also provide a refuge for friendly squirrels and more than 100 species of birds. Open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily. Call (863) 676-1408.