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Frequently Asked Questions

By 11/30/2009 Comments

What is your photography and drone policy?

AFTER HOURS PHOTOSHOOTS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
Bok Tower Gardens is a no drone zone. Due to strong safety concerns and protection of our National Historic Landmark, drone flight or photography (or flight of unmanned, and/or remote controlled aircraft of any kind) originating from or flying over Bok Tower Gardens property, is strictly prohibited, except in collaboration with Bok Tower Gardens’ Marketing Department and with express written permission.

We encourage our visitors to make the most of the day by bringing a camera to take photos. Photography is allowed in all areas of the Gardens during regular operating hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last admission at 5 p.m. Visitor, artistic and portrait photography is permitted anywhere on the grounds for personal, non-commercial use. Any parties who wish to take personal, non-commercial photography for bridal, wedding, engagement, birthday, reunion, or family portraits by professional photographers on the grounds of Bok Tower Gardens may do so with regular paid admission. Portrait photography may not block, disrupt or hinder visitor access or circulation of paths and walkways.

If you are interested in commercial photography, please 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: $14
  • Children (ages 5-12): $5
  • Children (under 5): Free
  • Members: Free

Group rates are available with pre-registration of 20 or more.

Saturday admission rate: From 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 stop sign, 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 stop sign, 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.

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 Destinations” published in 2006. Gardens’ weddings are limited to 200 attendees, receptions limited to 125. You may find more information on our Weddings page. Please contact rdhorton@boktower.org.

Do you have wheelchairs or mobility carts available? Can I reserve one?

We highly encourage our visitors to bring their own wheelchair or mobility cart to the Gardens, if needed. We have several mobility carts for rent for $10 per hour, $30 per half day and $60 for a full day. Mobility carts are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrangements are made in the Tower & Garden Gift Shop. Wheelchairs are available free of charge.

When can I hear the bells?

The current carillon schedule features live performances by carillonneur Geert D’hollander on Thursday – Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m. and recordings from the Anton Brees Carillon Library collection for the remainder of the week.Visitors can hear clock music selections at 8:30 a.m. and every half-hour following.

Can you recommend nearby accommodations?

Yes, we have several partner accommodations listed for those visiting Central Florida.

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. Opened in September of 2016, Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden offers fun ways for children to discover the natural world. Upon arrival, check in the Visitor Center for assistance.

Which credit cards do you accept?

Bok Tower Gardens accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

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

Please email our Group Sales Representative at programs@boktower.org or call (863) 734-1222.

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 daily public tours of the Tower.

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

Bok Tower Gardens is committed to making the garden experience accessible to all who visit, and we are working to make our facilities and grounds more accessible. However, due to the historic nature of the gardens, some areas may present challenges to persons with disabilities. Most areas are accessible. The incline leading up to the Tower is paved and most of the pathways are mulched.

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.” Originally, these 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 for your well-behaved, housebroken and quiet pet. 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 giftshop@boktower.org or call 863.678.1159.

The two outdoor pet kennels are approximately 2.5 feet wide X 6 feet long and are enclosed by chain-link fencing that rests on concrete pavers.  The pens have a corrugated roof to help protect pets from the sun and rain.  They are also situated under a large oak tree that provides some additional filtered shade.

Dog Friendly Summer

During the dates from June 1 – August 30 we will be allowing dogs into the Gardens. Follow the link for additional information and rules on the dog friendly summer: Dog Friendly Summer Guideline

Do you allow picnics?

Yes, 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?

Yes, Pinewood Estate 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. Please note that Pinewood Estate is a 1930s mansion and due to its historic nature is not fully accessible by wheelchair or stroller.

Can I bring my class to Bok Tower Gardens?

Yes, we encourage school groups to make reservations to visit. Check out our Education pages for program information and contact.

Is there a shuttle on property?

Yes, we have a seasonal on-property shuttle service that takes visitors from the Visitor Center shuttle stop to both the Singing Tower and Pinewood Estate. Our friendly shuttle drivers will make every effort to accommodate special needs for shuttle service. Please ask for assistance at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center.

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 tend to become increasingly aggressive, always expecting a treat.

How long does it take to walk the Gardens?

To fully enjoy 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 would have 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 our Visitor Services staff. Applications are available at the Visitor Center, or you can request information online or call 863-734-1211.

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. However, we may be able to provide ticket donations to your event. 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 receptionist@boktower.org or fax to 863.676.6670 (Attn: Receptionist; Ticket Donations)

Do you allow drones in or near the gardens?

Bok Tower Gardens is a no drone zone. Due to strong safety concerns and protection of our National Historic Landmark, drone flight or photography (or flight of unmanned, and/or remote controlled aircraft of any kind) originating from or flying over Bok Tower Gardens property, is strictly prohibited, except in collaboration with Bok Tower Gardens’ Marketing Department and with express written permission.