Attractions and Places To See around Highland Park - Top 5

The Highland Park area is rich in natural beauty, featuring several prominent lakes and natural monuments. You can visit Lake Wailes Park, which offers picturesque vistas and a paved trail around the lake. Crooked Lake is another significant natural feature, registered as an Outstanding Florida Water, popular for its pristine environment. Additionally, Crooked Lake Prairie spans 525 acres of natural lands, offering diverse ecosystems to explore.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Bok Tower Gardens is a fantastic family-friendly destination, offering beautiful gardens, a museum, and a carillon tower. Spook Hill provides a fun and mysterious optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill, which is always a hit with kids. Many of the lakes, like Lake Wailes Park and Crooked Lake, also offer recreational opportunities for all ages.

The most prominent historical site in the area is Bok Tower Gardens. Built in 1921 by Edward W. Bok, it was originally conceived as a bird sanctuary and has since evolved into a popular spot for recreation, a museum, and a place to appreciate its beautiful vegetation and the iconic Carillon Tower.

Absolutely! You can visit Spook Hill, a gravity hill known for creating an optical illusion. Visitors park their cars at a designated white line and put them in neutral, and the cars appear to roll uphill. Local lore attributes this phenomenon to either a vengeful gator spirit or a protective warrior chief.

For scenic walks, Lake Wailes Park offers a 2.3-mile, 12-foot-wide paved trail that loops around half of the lake, providing beautiful waterfront views. The extensive grounds of Bok Tower Gardens also feature numerous walking paths through diverse botanical landscapes. For a more natural hiking experience, the areas around Crooked Lake and Crooked Lake Prairie are popular with hikers and offer trails through natural habitats.

Yes, the region is excellent for birdwatching and wildlife. Bok Tower Gardens was originally established as a bird sanctuary and remains a prime spot for observing various bird species. Lake Wailes Park is home to several rare and endangered plants, along with a diverse array of wildlife. Crooked Lake is also popular with birdwatchers due to its pristine natural environment.

Lake Wailes Park is ideal for leisurely activities. You can enjoy a scenic walk or jog on the 2.3-mile paved trail that offers picturesque views of Lake Wailes and Bok Tower. It's also a great spot for picnicking, enjoying the waterfront, and observing the diverse array of local wildlife and rare plants.

Yes, Crooked Lake is a large and popular destination for anglers and those interested in boating. Registered as an Outstanding Florida Water, it's one of the largest lakes in Polk County. There are a number of parks and boat ramps located around the lake, providing public access to the water for various recreational activities.

Lake Wailes Park is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a paved trail that allows visitors to enjoy the scenic waterfront views. Many areas within Bok Tower Gardens are also designed to be accessible, allowing a wide range of visitors to experience its beauty.

Visitors frequently praise the serene beauty and diverse offerings of the Highland Park area. The tranquility and stunning views at Bok Tower Gardens, the unique optical illusion at Spook Hill, and the peaceful natural settings of Lake Wailes Park and Crooked Lake are often highlighted. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and family-friendly activities makes the region a cherished destination.

Absolutely. The Highland Park area is perfect for finding peaceful natural spots. Bok Tower Gardens, with its expansive botanical displays and the soothing sounds of the carillon, offers a truly tranquil experience. The shores of Lake Wailes Park and Crooked Lake also provide serene environments for relaxation, picnicking, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.