Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida. It is located in the Central Florida Region & Lakeland – Winter Haven, Florida Metro Area
Quick Facts About Lake Wales
- Founded: 1911
- Incorporated: 1917
- Population: Approximately 17,000 residents
- Location: In the Heart of Central Florida, between Tampa and Orlando
- Known For: Bok Tower Gardens, Historic Downtown, Citrus Groves, and Outdoor Adventures
Lake Wales, Florida
Nestled atop the Lake Wales Ridge, a unique geological formation that runs through Central Florida, Lake Wales is a city that celebrates its past, embraces its future, and offers breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. With its historic downtown, breathtaking gardens, and quaint, small-town feel, Lake Wales is a gem of Polk County and a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life with access to modern amenities.
Lake Wales is more than just beautiful scenery and citrus groves — it’s a community of dreamers, doers, and artists who proudly share their city’s rich history and unique charm.
History of Lake Wales
Lake Wales was founded in 1911 by a group of railroad developers and citrus growers who were drawn to the area’s fertile soil and elevated terrain. The Lake Wales Ridge, a prehistoric sand dune, made the area ideal for growing citrus. The city’s early economy was built on citrus farming, which remains an important industry today…