Bok Tower Gardens > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is your photography policy?
• Do you allow pets in the gardens?
• Can Bok Tower Gardens provide sponsorship for our event or fundraiser?
• Is the Singing Tower open for visitors?
• What is the price of admission? What are your hours?
• How do I get to the Gardens?
• Do you allow weddings at the Gardens?
• Do you have wheelchairs or mobility carts available?
• When can I hear the bells?
• Can you recommend nearby accommodations?
• Do you have a place that sells lunch and snacks on property?
• Do you offer fun activities for children?
• Which credit cards do you accept?
• I am interested in booking a group. Who do I need to speak to?
• Are the paths easily accessible by wheelchair, walker or electric cart?
• Can I reserve a wheelchair/mobility cart?
• What is the famous quote attributed to Mr. Bok?
• Do you allow picnics?
• Is the historic mansion open for tours?
• Can I bring my class to Bok Tower Gardens?
• Is there a shuttle to the Tower?
• Can I feed the squirrels?
• How long does it take to walk through the gardens?
• How can I become a volunteer?

What is your photography policy?

We encourage our visitors to make the most of the day by bringing a camera to take photos. Amateur photography is allowed in all areas of the Gardens. Professional photography is only allowed in the Gardens with prior approval from Bok Tower Gardens. Portrait photography of any kind is considered professional photography and requires a prior scheduled appointment through Rita Horton, Weddings & Facilities Coordinator. This includes Engagement, Bridal, Wedding, Pregnancy, Anniversary, Renewal of Vows, Family, Quinceañera, Junior / Senior Class, Homecoming / Prom, Cheerleading / Sports, Graduation, Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Bar & Bat Mitzvah.

To receive more information contact Rita Horton at 863.734.1214 or email rdhorton@boktower.org.

What is the price of admission? What are your hours?

Bok Tower Gardens is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last admission at 5 p.m. Rates subject to change without notice.

• Adults: $10
• Children: (ages 5-12): $3
• Children: (under 5): Free
• Members: Free

Group rates are available with preregistration of 20 or more.

Saturday admission rate: On 8-9 a.m. on Saturdays, the admission rate is now 50 percent of general admission.

How do I get to the Gardens?

From Orlando, take I-4 West
From Tampa, Take I-4 East
Proceed on I-4 to Exit 55. Take Exit 55 and proceed south on U.S. Highway 27 for approximately 23 miles. Proceed two traffic lights past Eagle Ridge Mall. Turn left on Mountain Lake Cut Off Road. At the caution light, turn right (south) onto County Road 17 (also known as Scenic Highway). Proceed on CR 17 for 3/4 miles. Turn left (east) onto Burns Avenue (also known as County Road 17-A). Proceed on Burns Avenue for 1.3 miles. On your left you’ll see a main entrance sign to Bok Tower Gardens. Turn left and proceed to the entrance gate.

From Highway 60 East or West:
Go to Lake Wales and proceed north on U.S. Highway 27. Turn right on Mountain Lake Cutoff Road. At the caution light, turn right (south) onto County Road 17 (also known as Scenic Highway). Proceed on CR 17 for 3/4 miles. Turn left (east) onto Burns Avenue (also known as County Road 17-A). Proceed on Burns Avenue for 1.3 miles. On your left you’ll see a main entrance sign to Bok Tower Gardens. Turn left and proceed to the entrance gate.

From Vero Beach, Take Highway 60 West:
Go to Lake Wales. At Buck Moore Road (the intersection just past WalMart), turn North (right) onto Buck Moore Road (also known as 17-B). Turn between SunTrust and Walgreen’s. Proceed approximately 1.3 miles. At the stop light, turn West (left) onto County Road 17-A (also called Burns Ave.). Proceed on CR 17-A approximately .7 mile to the entrance of Bok Tower Gardens on your right.
Weddings

Do you allow weddings at the Gardens?

Yes, Bok Tower Gardens is a popular wedding site and is listed in “100 Best U.S. Wedding Destination” published in 2006. Gardens’ weddings are limited to 100 attendees. You may find more information by clicking here. Please contact rdhorton@boktower.org.
Mobility Concerns

Do you have wheelchairs or mobility carts available?

Wheelchairs: We have one wheelchair, three adult strollers and five small children strollers. They are available free for visitors to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check in the Tower & Garden Gift Shop upon arrival.

Mobility Carts: We have single-passenger electric personal mobility carts available to rent for $6 for one (1) hour or less, $20 for four (4) hours and $40 for an entire day. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrangements are made in the Tower & Garden Gift Shop.
Bells

When can I hear the bells?

Carillon concerts are featured daily at 1 & 3 p.m. Visitors usually can hear clock music selections at 9 a.m. and every half-hour following.
Additional Questions

Can you recommend nearby accommodations?

For a listing of area hotels that offer accommodations to Bok Tower Gardens visitors at a discounted rate visit our Plan Your Visit page.

Do you have a place that sells lunch and snacks on property?

Yes, the Blue Palmetto Café features a wide assortment of lunch and snack selections. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, the Blue Palmetto Café is located near the Visitor Center and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Do you offer fun activities for children?

Yes, the Gardens features many enhancements that offer fun ways for children to discover the natural world.

Upon arrival, check in the Visitor Center for assistance.

• check out complimentary themed reading backpacks
• explore a vine-covered tunnel
• explore the gardens in search of rubbing posts and create “rubbings” using special paper
• secret garden areas with Florida capstone rocks
• play in a large sandbox with toys
• enjoy a picnic
• step inside a fort-like “basket”
• tell time from a “human” sundial
• view wildlife in a garden and at Window By The Pond
• enjoy a fly-by-garden with plants that attract butterflies and more

Which credit cards do you accept?

Bok Tower Gardens accepts American Express, Discover, Master Card and Visa.

I am interested in booking a group. Who do I need to speak to?

Please e-mail the jhink@boktower.org or call (863) 734-1209.

Is the Singing Tower open for visitors?

Sustainer level members are invited to Founder’s Room tours and Tower level members are invited to tour the entire Singing Tower. Since there is only one door that is used for both entering the exiting, safety regulations prohibit non-members from entering the Tower.

Are the paths easily accessible by wheelchair, walker or electric cart?

Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 1929. Most areas are handicap accessible. The incline leading up to the Tower is paved and most of the pathways are mulched.

Can I reserve a wheelchair/mobility cart?

We encourage visitors to bring their own wheelchairs or mobility carts, if needed. The Gardens’ wheelchairs and mobility carts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrangements are made in the Tower & Garden Gift Shop.

What is the famous quote attributed to Mr. Bok?

“Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.” These originally were the words of Mr. Bok’s grandmother, but were adopted by Edward Bok.

Do you allow pets in the gardens?

Although pets are not allowed in the Gardens, we love pets and understand that people often travel with their pets. We have a “pet pen” that we describe as open-air, chain-link enclosed, unattended with water available (you will have to provide a water bowl). Arrangements are made at the Tower & Garden Gift Shop. We ask for $10 and provide a lock; when the lock is returned visitors receive $4.65 back so the fee is only $5 plus tax. If the pet is a cat, bird or very small dog, special arrangements can be made in the Tower & Garden Gift Shop. For further instructions email the Gift Shop or call 863.678.1159.

Do you allow picnics?

We have designated picnic areas with benches for your enjoyment. They are located just off the main parking area. The south picnic area is located on the south side of the parking area and features picnic-style tables and benches with some shade. It is adjacent to some popular family-friendly garden enhancements. The west picnic area is located on the west side of the parking area near the Visitor Center. It features picnic-style tables and benches in a shaded area. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments or purchase them at the Blue Palmetto Café which is located near the Visitor Center.

Is the historic mansion open for tours?

Pinewood is open for walking tours. Upon arrival, please check in the Visitor Center for availability and tour times or call 863.676.1408. Also visit the Pinewood Estate page on our website for information on tour availablity.

Can I bring my class to Bok Tower Gardens?

We invite school groups to make reservations to visit. Please contact the Director of Visitor Services & Programs at 863.676.1408 ext. 2220.

Is there a shuttle to the Tower?

We have a seasonal shuttle service that takes visitors to the Tower and our friendly shuttle drivers will make every effort to accomodate special needs for shuttle service. Please ask for assistance at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. During the annual Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour, the shuttle transports visitors to Pinewood Estate.

Can I feed the squirrels?

For the safety of visitors and the well-being of wildlife in their natural surrounding, we ask you not to feed the squirrels. When visitors feed the squirrels, they can become increasingly aggressive, expecting a treat.

How long does it take to walk through the gardens?

To fully experience the true essence of the Gardens through its many experiences – a historic Olmsted landscape garden, the majesty and music of the Singing Tower carillon, Pinewood Estate mansion tour, the museum exhibits, café, gift shop and more – we recommend that you plan a minimum of three to four hours. Many visitors comment they wish they’d allowed more time in their schedule for a longer stay.

How can I become a volunteer?

You will need to complete a volunteer application for review by Visitor Services staff. You may contact the Volunteer Coordinator by e-mail, by calling 863.676.1408, ext. 2224 or by picking up an application at the Visitor Center.

Can Bok Tower Gardens provide sponsorship for our event or fundraiser?

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Bok Tower Gardens is unable to provide financial sponsorships or program advertising in support of fundraising events. We may be able to provide ticket donations to your event though. Ticket donation requests must be made through email or fax, and received by the Gardens a minimum of six weeks prior to the event in order to allow sufficient time for review and processing. Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we can not guarantee full consideration of a request that is submitted with less time.

While each request receives careful consideration, we regret that we are unable to accommodate all organizations that ask for our assistance.

Please email requests to mcorbin@boktower.org or fax to 863.676.6670 (Attn: Communications Department: Ticket Donations)