Located between Tampa and Orlando, Bok Tower Gardens is a historic landmark that’s open 365 days a year. But there’s so much more than a singing carillon to Bok Towers.
- The grounds include acres of ferns, palms and oaks scattered among a groundwork of azaleas, camellias and magnolias.
- Birders can treasure the 126 species of birds.
- A new Children’s Walk has opened, offering younger explorers a variety of family-friendly activities including water features.
- Bok Tower Gardens is also home to Pinewood Estate, the 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion that was built in the early 1930s for Charles Austin Buck, a Bethlehem Steel vice president. Today it’s open for tours.
- The Pine Ridge Nature Trail, a longleaf pine/turkey oak habitat, is a 3/4-mile walking trail through the property.
- The 1.5-mile Preserve Trail’s goal is to educate the public about Florida’s endangered ecosystems and ongoing restoration efforts.
- And of course there’ s the “Singing Tower” itself.The 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco carillon was designed by architect Milton B. Medary and crafted by stone sculptor Lee Lawrie. Concerts from the 60-bell carillon are held daily at 1 and 3 p.m.
Go the Bok Tower Gardens official website for more scheduled activities, operating hours and special events.
