Lake Wales, FL: To provide the community with a beautiful destination for healthy walks and mental well-being, Bok Tower Gardens is reopening to the public on Monday, June 1, with timed entry. A soft opening for members is planned for May 26 through May 31.
Until further notice, all visitors/members planning to visit the Gardens must reserve/purchase a ticket at boktowergardens.org before arriving at the entrance gate. Visitors must select their entry time from the following periods: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Visitors may enter at any time during their two-hour entry window and are welcome to stay until 6 pm.
During this first phase of reopening, Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, Pinewood Estate, and the Visitor Center will not be open. Visitors must adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines and remain at least six feet apart from other parties. As the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, visitors must have masks when they come to the Gardens for safety and courtesy to others. Staff members will be wearing masks when in contact with visitors. The Gardens will utlize enhanced cleaning procedures with EPA registered disinfectants and hand sanitizer will be available.
An online ordering portal will be available for the Blue Palmetto Café and The Shop at Bok Outdoor Plant Shop will be open for purchases. Daily carillon concerts will be at 1 pm and 3 pm.
Visitors may access a COVID 19 Frequently Asked Questions page for more details and visitor information.
The Gardens closed its gates on Friday, March 13. In over nine decades, Bok Tower Gardens has experienced the Great Depression, World War II, recessions, and hurricanes; however, the COVID 19 pandemic has been the longest closure in the organization's history. As a non-profit, Bok Tower Gardens depends upon daily admission revenue to assist with operational costs. In the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Gardens is welcoming online financial gifts or membership support.
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About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted Florida’s best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $15 for adults (effective Oct. 1, 2018) and $5 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org.