Lake Wales & the Ridge

The southeastern corridor of Polk County, centered on Lake Wales along the Lake Wales Ridge — a geographic spine of higher elevation running north-south through central Florida. Lake Wales is known for the Bok Tower Gardens (a National Historic Landmark), Historic Downtown with murals and local shops, and a growing arts community. The Ridge Scenic Highway (US-17/US-27A) passes through this area, offering views of lakes and citrus groves. Lake Wales serves as the commercial center for the surrounding agricultural communities in southeastern Polk County. This region has a distinct identity from the metro's urban core — more rural, more historic, and defined by the ridge landscape and citrus heritage. Citrus Connection provides bus service connecting Lake Wales to Winter Haven and points north.