Where is Lake Wales, Florida Located in the United States? Lake Wales is a city located in the Polk County of Florida, United States. Lake Wales lies between 27.9014 Degrees North latitudes and -81.5859 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida
About Map: The map shows the location of Lake Wales in the state of Florida, United States. Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida.
Lake Wales Map, Florida, USA
About Lake Wales Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Lake Wales in Florida, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Lake Wales.
About Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida
Lake Wales is a city located in Polk County in the U.S. state of Florida, United States. The city was established in 1911 during the expansion of the railroad and citrus industries in central Florida and was incorporated in 1917. Lake Wales developed historically as an agricultural and tourism center known for its scenic hills and chain of lakes. Today the city is recognized for its historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and its role as a residential and commercial community within Polk County.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Lake Wales is 16,361 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,200 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Lake Wales covers a total area of approximately 20.6 square miles (about 53.4 square kilometers), including about 17.2 square miles (44.6 square kilometers) of land and 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Lake Wales is located in the central part of Polk County in central Florida south of Winter Haven and east of Bartow. The city lies within the Lake Wales Ridge region, known for its rolling hills and numerous lakes including Lake Wailes. Major roadways such as U.S. Route 27 and State Road 60 connect Lake Wales with surrounding communities across central Florida.
Top Attractions & Popular Destinations
Lake Wales offers numerous cultural and recreational attractions that highlight the city’s historic and natural landscape. Popular destinations include Bok Tower Gardens, a historic landscaped garden and landmark tower, as well as Lake Wailes Park and several nearby nature preserves. The city also hosts community festivals, cultural programs, and recreational events throughout the year.
Transportation
Lake Wales is served by major transportation routes including U.S. Route 27 and State Road 60, which provide connections to Orlando, Tampa, and other communities across central Florida. Local road networks link residential neighborhoods with parks, lakes, and commercial districts. The nearest major airport providing commercial air service is Orlando International Airport, located within driving distance to the northeast.
Explore more counties in Florida Counties or view the complete USA States Map section for additional geographic information.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Lake Wales Website.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Sttae Map | USA Region Map | USA Road Map |
| USA County Map | Where is USA in World Map? | US ZIP Code Map |
| USA Time Zones Map | US State and Capitals Map | USA Physical Map |
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information
Lake Wales Facts
| City | Lake Wales |
| State | Florida |
| County | Polk County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Central Florida – Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Area |
| Founded | 1879 |
| Incorporated | 1911 |
| Total Area | Approx. 20.4 sq mi (52.8 km2) |
| Land Area | Approx. 17.2 sq mi (44.6 km2) |
| Water Area | Approx. 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km2) |
| Elevation | Approx. 127 ft (39 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approx. 17,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 16,361 |
| Population Density | Approx. 950 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (UTC−5 / UTC−4 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 33853, 33859, 33898 |
| Area Codes | 863 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 27, State Road 60, State Road 17 |
| Public Transit | Citrus Connection bus service (Polk County Transit) |
| Major Attractions | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest nearby, historic downtown Lake Wales |
| Official Website | https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/ |
Distance from Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida to Other Cities in Florida
- Winter Haven, FL – 15 miles (24 km)
- Haines City, FL – 20 miles (32 km)
- Lakeland, FL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Davenport, FL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Kissimmee, FL – 45 miles (72 km)
- Orlando, FL – 60 miles (97 km)
- Tampa, FL – 70 miles (113 km)
- St. Petersburg, FL – 85 miles (137 km)
- Clearwater, FL – 90 miles (145 km)
- Sarasota, FL – 95 miles (153 km)
- Bradenton, FL – 90 miles (145 km)
- Ocala, FL – 105 miles (169 km)
- Gainesville, FL – 130 miles (209 km)
- Daytona Beach, FL – 110 miles (177 km)
- Melbourne, FL – 95 miles (153 km)
- Fort Myers, FL – 120 miles (193 km)
- Naples, FL – 150 miles (241 km)
- West Palm Beach, FL – 145 miles (233 km)
- Miami, FL – 215 miles (346 km)
- Jacksonville, FL – 180 miles (290 km)
Transportation and Connectivity in Lake Wales
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Orlando International Airport |
| IATA Code | MCO |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 27, State Road 60, State Road 17 |
| Public Transit | Citrus Connection regional bus service |
| Nearest Rail Service | Amtrak Station in Winter Haven |
| Regional Access | Convenient access to Winter Haven, Lakeland, Orlando, and Central Florida attractions |
- U.S. Highway 27: Connects Lake Wales with Clermont, Sebring, and South Florida.
- State Road 60: Provides east-west access to Tampa, Bartow, Vero Beach, and other Central Florida communities.
- Orlando International Airport: Located approximately 55 miles northeast, serving domestic and international travelers.
- Regional Transit: Citrus Connection bus routes and nearby Amtrak service in Winter Haven provide additional transportation options.
Top Places to Visit in Lake Wales, Florida
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Bok Tower Gardens | Botanical Garden & Historic Landmark |
| Lake Wailes Park | City Park |
| Spook Hill | Historic Roadside Attraction |
| Pinewood Estate | Historic Mansion |
| Lake Kissimmee State Park | State Park |
| Downtown Lake Wales Historic District | Historic District |
| Tiger Creek Preserve | Nature Preserve |
| Lake Pierce | Freshwater Lake |
| Mountain Lake Colony | Historic Community |
| Westgate River Ranch Resort (nearby) | Resort & Outdoor Recreation |
Driving Distances from Lake Wales, Florida to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Haven | Florida | 16 | 25 minutes |
| Haines City | Florida | 18 | 25 minutes |
| Bartow | Florida | 22 | 30 minutes |
| Lakeland | Florida | 33 | 40 minutes |
| Kissimmee | Florida | 42 | 50 minutes |
| Orlando | Florida | 55 | 1 hour |
| Sebring | Florida | 48 | 1 hour |
| Tampa | Florida | 68 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Vero Beach | Florida | 77 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Miami | Florida | 205 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
Colleges and Universities in and near Lake Wales, Florida
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warner University | Private | University | Liberal arts, business, education, ministry, and athletics |
| Polk State College – Winter Haven Campus | Public | State College | Associate and bachelor's degrees, nursing, business, and workforce education |
| South Florida State College | Public | State College | Career education, health sciences, business, and transfer programs |
| Southeastern University | Private | University | Business, ministry, education, healthcare, and liberal arts |
| Florida Polytechnic University | Public | University | Engineering, computer science, data analytics, and STEM research |
Waterbodies in Lake Wales, Florida
Lake Wailes, Lake Annie, Lake Pierce, Lake Easy, Crooked Lake, Lake Rosalie, Tiger Creek, Kissimmee River Basin
Stadiums in Lake Wales
Legion Field, Lake Wales High School Highlander Stadium, Warner University Athletic Complex, Polk County Sports Complex, Chain of Lakes Stadium (regional)
Lake Wales, Florida — Key Historical Facts
- Lake Wales was established in the early twentieth century during Florida's land development boom and quickly became an important citrus-growing community.
- The city was officially incorporated in 1917 and expanded as rail transportation encouraged agricultural and commercial development.
- Bok Tower Gardens, dedicated in 1929, became one of Florida's most recognized historic landmarks and remains a major cultural attraction.
- The surrounding ridge landscape and numerous freshwater lakes have played an important role in the city's development, recreation, and tourism.
- Today, Lake Wales is known for its historic downtown, citrus heritage, scenic lakes, and proximity to many of Central Florida's natural and cultural attractions.
References
Florida Related Maps and Info
- Where is Weston
- Where is Delray Beach
- Where is Ocala
- Where is Port Orange
- Where is Wellington
- Where is Sanford
- Where is Jupiter
- Where is North Miami
- Where is Palm Beach Gardens
- Where is St. Cloud
- Where is Margate
- Where is Coconut Creek
- Where is Bradenton
- Where is Apopka
- Where is Sarasota
- Where is Pensacola
- Where is Bonita Springs
- Where is Pinellas Park
- Where is Coral Gables
- Where is Winter Haven
- Where is Titusville
- Where is Fort Pierce
- Where is Ocoee
- Where is Winter Garden
- Where is Altamonte Springs
- Where is Cutler Bay
- Where is North Lauderdale
- Where is Oakland Park
- Where is Greenacres
- Where is North Miami Beach
- Where is Ormond Beach
- Where is Clermont
- Where is Lake Worth Beach
- Where is Hallandale Beach
- Where is Aventura
- Where is Oviedo
- Where is Plant City
- Where is Royal Palm Beach
- Where is Winter Springs
- Where is Riviera Beach
- Where is DeLand
- Where is Estero
- Where is Dunedin
- Where is Lauderdale Lakes
- Where is Parkland
- Where is Cooper City
- Where is Panama City
- Where is Dania Beach
- Where is Miami Lakes
- Where is New Smyrna Beach
- Where is Winter Park
- Where is Casselberry
- Where is Rockledge
- Where is Crestview
- Where is Leesburg
- Where is Palm Springs
- Where is Temple Terrace
- Where is Haines City
- Where is Key West
- Where is West Melbourne
- Where is Venice
- Where is Tarpon Springs
- Where is Sebastian
- Where is Palmetto Bay
- Where is Jacksonville Beach
- Where is Eustis
- Where is Edgewater
- Where is Hialeah Gardens
- Where is Sunny Isles Beach
- Where is DeBary
- Where is Stuart
- Where is Zephyrhills
- Where is Safety Harbor
- Where is Lake Mary
- Where is New Port Richey
- Where is Belle Glade
- Where is Opa-locka
- Where is Lake Wales
- Where is Vero Beach
- Where is Mount Dora
- Where is Lady Lake
- Where is Niceville
- Where is Marco Island
- Where is Wildwood
- Where is Auburndale
- Where is West Park
- Where is Longwood
- Where is Oldsmar
- Where is Key Biscayne
- Where is St. Augustine
- Where is Destin
- Where is Miami Springs
- Where is Minneola
- Where is Atlantic Beach
- Where is Palmetto
- Where is North Palm Beach
- Where is Florida City
- Where is Fernandina Beach
- Where is Callaway
- Where is Holly Hill
- Where is South Daytona
- Where is Orange City
- Where is Lake City
- Where is South Miami
- Where is Gulfport
- Where is Miami Shores
- Where is Lantana
- Where is Wilton Manors
- Where is Cocoa Beach
- Where is Satellite Beach
- Where is Sebring
- Where is Alachua
- Where is Lighthouse Point
- Where is Palatka
- Where is Milton