Above the gardens: Bird's-eye view of Bok Tower

LAKE WALES, Fla. - Sitting atop one of the highest points in peninsular Florida is an imposing historic landmark: The 205-foot-tall Bok Tower, constructed 90 years ago by magazine editor Edward Bok. 

The Dutch-born and Pulitzer Prize-winning Bok was editor of the Ladies Home Journal for 30 years.  His goal was to transform the hill outside Lake Wales in Polk County into “a spot of beauty second to none in the country.”

The carillon tower and surrounding gardens are designated a national historic landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

FOX 13’s Chief Photographer Rick Hardman was granted unique access to fly the SkyFOX Drone over the 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary. The drone allows viewers a very unique perspective of the tower, gardens and surrounding orange groves.

Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There is an admission charge. For more ticket information, go to boktowergardens.org.