Sun Burst

About This Episode

Bok Tower Gardens
The Singing Tower

Bok Tower Gardens is the quintessential “hidden gem” of Central Florida. It’s a tropical botanic garden and a National Historic Landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bok Tower Gardens were formally dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929.

Right in the middle of the state you’ll find this beautiful tropical oasis with one of the greatest carillons in America: The Singing Tower! Although the tower’s interior is not open to the public, it contains the Anton Brees Carillon Library, said to be the largest carillon library in the world. It also is home to the Chao Research Center Archives, which keeps various institutional records related to Bok Tower Gardens. Recitals are given daily from the 60-bell carillon set.

Acquired by Bok Tower Gardens in 1970, The Pinewood Estate (originally called “El Retiro”), is a twenty-room Mediterranean Revival mansion. Annually, the mansion is decorated for Christmas with holiday tours being a highlight of the holiday season for locals.

Location: Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Phone: 863-676-1408
Website: https://boktowergardens.org/