Lake Wales, Florida sits on the high ground of the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sand spine running through the middle of the peninsula. This small city is part of Polk County, right in the heart of Central Florida. Lake Wales is a place where the land rises above the flatlands, lakes dot the landscape, and the pace of life is measured by citrus harvests and the slow drift of clouds over the ridge. If you’re looking for things to do in Lake Wales, you’ll find a mix of outdoor escapes, historic echoes, and a sense of Old Florida that’s hard to fake.
Lake Wales matters because it’s not just another dot on the map – it’s a crossroads of natural beauty and Florida history. The city is surrounded by lakes, state parks, and preserves, making it a practical base for exploring the region’s outdoors. It’s also a gateway to the Lake Wales Ridge, a rare ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. For travelers who want to see the quieter, older side of Central Florida, Lake Wales is a strong candidate.
What is Lake Wales known for?
Lake Wales is known for its high ground – the Lake Wales Ridge – which rises above the surrounding flatlands and shapes both the landscape and the local culture. The city is defined by its lakes, citrus groves, and a downtown that still carries the rhythm of the railroad era. Unlike the theme park sprawl to the north or the suburban growth to the west, Lake Wales keeps a slower, more deliberate pace. It’s a place where you’re as likely to hear sandhill cranes as car horns, and where the land itself tells stories older than most Florida towns.
Outdoor identity runs deep here. Lake Wales is surrounded by state parks and preserves, including Lake Kissimmee State Park and the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. The city is also a practical launch point for exploring the lakes and waterways that define this part of Polk County. If you’re after historic sites, small-town museums, or just a good walk under live oaks, Lake Wales delivers without fuss or fanfare.
Best things to do in Lake Wales
- Lake Kissimmee State Park: This park is a cornerstone of the Lake Wales outdoor scene. With over 5,000 acres of prairies, hammocks, and lakeshore, it’s a spot for hiking, birdwatching, and seeing Florida’s cattle heritage up close. The marina offers water access for boaters and paddlers.
- Lake Kissimmee State Park Marina: If you’re drawn to the water, the marina is your gateway to Lake Kissimmee. Launch a boat, fish for bass, or just watch the sunrise over the water.
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park: This preserve protects a rare slice of the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem. Hike the sandy trails, spot scrub-jays, and get a sense of what Florida looked like before highways and subdivisions.
- Kissimmee River RV Park and Marina – Boat Slips: For those traveling with a boat or RV, this spot provides practical access to the Kissimmee River system. It’s a good base for fishing trips or slow mornings on the water.
- Explore Downtown Lake Wales: The city’s downtown is a walkable district with historic buildings, local shops, and the kind of small-town texture that’s increasingly rare in Florida. It’s a good place to start your visit and get a feel for the local pace.
- Day trips to nearby state parks: While not inside city limits, nearby parks like Colt Creek State Park offer more trails, lakes, and wildlife. These parks round out the Lake Wales travel guide for anyone who wants to see the full range of Central Florida’s outdoors.
Parks, beaches, trails, and outdoor places in Lake Wales
Lake Wales is an inland city, so you won’t find ocean beaches here. Instead, the area’s outdoor identity is shaped by lakes, state parks, and the unique habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge. Here’s where to get outside:
- Lake Kissimmee State Park: The park’s trails wind through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, with boardwalks over wetlands and access to the lakeshore. Horseback riding and camping are also popular here.
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park: A quieter alternative for hikers and nature watchers. The sandy trails and scrub habitat are home to rare plants and birds.
- Kissimmee River access: The Kissimmee River RV Park and Marina offers boat slips and river access, making it a practical launch point for paddlers and anglers.
- Lakes and paddling: The area’s lakes are scattered across the landscape, offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, and quiet reflection. While some access points are private, the state parks and marinas give public entry to the water.
For those who want a classic Florida outdoor experience – without the crowds – Lake Wales is a strong base. The parks and preserves here are less trafficked than those closer to Orlando or Tampa, which means more space to roam and more wildlife to spot.
Lesser-known local places worth knowing
Water access and boat ramps
- Kissimmee River RV Park and Marina – Boat Slips: Not just for RV travelers, this spot is a practical way to get onto the Kissimmee River without the hassle of busier ramps.
- Lake Kissimmee State Park Marina: For paddlers and boaters, this is the main public launch into Lake Kissimmee’s waters.
Lake Wales Ridge and preserves
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park: This preserve is less visited than the main state park but offers a rare look at the ancient ridge ecosystem. The sandy soils and scrubby vegetation are a living museum of Florida’s natural history.
Downtown and small-town texture
- Historic Downtown Lake Wales: While not a single POI, the downtown area is worth a stroll for its early 20th-century architecture, murals, and local businesses. It’s a good place to grab a coffee and watch the world slow down.
Nearby places to explore
Lake Wales sits in a part of Polk County where small towns and lakes are never far away. If you’re looking to pair your visit with another stop, consider these:
- Frostproof: Just south of Lake Wales, Frostproof is another ridge town known for its citrus groves, lakes, and old Florida feel. It’s a natural pairing for a day trip focused on the landscape and small-town life of the ridge.
- Auburndale: To the northwest, Auburndale offers more lakes and a classic small-town downtown. It’s a good stop if you’re looping through Polk County’s lake country.
- Haines City: North of Lake Wales, Haines City is a crossroads town between the lakes, with its own local flavor and access to more water and trails.
Each of these towns has its own rhythm, but all share the lake-and-ridge landscape that defines this part of Central Florida.
How Lake Wales fits into Polk County
Within Polk County, Lake Wales stands out as a ridge town – a place where elevation, lakes, and citrus groves shape both the land and the local identity. It’s not the county seat (that’s Bartow), nor is it a sprawling suburb or resort hub. Instead, Lake Wales serves as a practical gateway to the county’s eastern lakes and preserves. For travelers, it’s a quieter alternative to the busier cities of Lakeland and Winter Haven, and a good base for exploring the less-developed side of the county.
How Lake Wales fits into Central Florida
In the context of Central Florida, Lake Wales is a reminder that the region is more than theme parks and highways. The city sits on the Lake Wales Ridge, which runs through the middle of the peninsula and supports rare habitats found nowhere else. Lake Wales is a good launch point for exploring the natural side of Central Florida – its lakes, prairies, and old citrus towns – without the crowds or the traffic of the I-4 corridor.
Where to eat, stay, and base your visit
Lake Wales offers a mix of practical bases for travelers. The downtown area is the best bet for those who want to walk to shops and local restaurants, while the outskirts offer motels and RV parks close to the main highways. If you’re coming for the outdoors, consider camping at Lake Kissimmee State Park or staying at one of the RV parks near the lakes and river. For those who prefer a quieter stay, look for small inns or vacation rentals in the residential neighborhoods near the ridge.
How to plan a first visit
Lake Wales works well for travelers who want to see the quieter side of Central Florida. It’s best for those interested in hiking, boating, birdwatching, or exploring small towns. A full day is enough to see the highlights – downtown, a state park, and a local meal – but a weekend gives you time to explore the lakes and preserves at a slower pace. Combine Lake Wales with a trip to Frostproof or Auburndale for a deeper look at the ridge country. It’s a strong road-trip stop, a practical weekend base for outdoor exploration, or a slow-exploration place for those who want to linger off the main tourist routes.
Related Sunshine Republic guides
- Polk County, Florida
- Central Florida
- Lake Wales, Florida: Ridge Country, Hidden Lakes, and the Music of Old Florida
- Lake Wales: Florida’s Quiet High Ground Where Time Learn ed to Slow Down
- Frostproof Florida Guide: Things To Do, Lake Reedy, Citrus Groves & Florida Ridge Landscape
- Auburndale, Florida: Between Lakes and Time
- Haines City, Florida: The Heartbeat Between the Lakes
- Unveiling Polk County’s Lesser-Known Places: From Ancient Oaks to Quirky Festivals
- Whimsical Wonders: Central Florida’s Quirky Small Town Museums Unveiled
- Ghostly Carousels and Silent Coasters: Florida’s Forgotten Funlands
FAQ: Lake Wales, Florida
Is Lake Wales, Florida worth visiting?
Yes. Lake Wales is worth visiting for its natural beauty, access to state parks, and authentic small-town Florida atmosphere. It’s a strong choice for those who want to see the quieter side of Central Florida.
What is Lake Wales known for?
Lake Wales is known for its location on the Lake Wales Ridge, its lakes and citrus groves, and its access to state parks and preserves. The city also has a historic downtown and a slower, more relaxed pace than many Florida towns.
What are the best things to do in Lake Wales?
The best things to do in Lake Wales include exploring Lake Kissimmee State Park, hiking in the Catfish Creek Preserve, boating or fishing on local lakes, and strolling through the historic downtown district.
What county is Lake Wales in?
Lake Wales is in Polk County, Florida.
What region of Florida is Lake Wales in?
Lake Wales is in Central Florida.
How many days do you need in Lake Wales?
One to two days is usually enough to see the main sights and explore the outdoors, but a weekend allows for a slower pace and side trips to nearby towns and parks.