The Evolution into the Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Gardens

By the 1990s, the museum expanded its vision beyond static exhibits. The idea of combining history, art, and nature led to the creation of the Cultural Gardens, which surround the museum building. These gardens were designed as both a tribute to the region’s horticultural heritage and a living classroom for visitors.

Modeled after traditional Florida gardens, the landscape features native plants, citrus trees, and sculptures that reflect the area’s agricultural and artistic traditions. The gardens also serve as a space for community events, concerts, and educational programs—transforming the museum into a vibrant cultural hub.

In the following decades, the museum underwent significant renovations and expansions. Modern exhibit design, interactive displays, and digital archives were introduced to make history more accessible and engaging. Today, the Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Gardens offer visitors an immersive experience that bridges the past, present, and future.

Exploring the Museum: Exhibits and Collections

The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of historical topics, each designed to tell a facet of the Lake Wales story. Among the most notable are:

1. The Founding of Lake Wales

This exhibit traces the early years of settlement and development, featuring maps, photographs, and personal journals that detail how pioneers transformed the ridge into a thriving community.

2. The Citrus Legacy

Perhaps the most iconic of all Lake Wales industries, citrus cultivation is explored in depth through vintage equipment, branding labels, and oral histories. The exhibit explains how the orange groves brought prosperity and identity to the region.

3. The Railroad and Transportation

The depot itself is the exhibit’s crown jewel. Visitors can walk along the original platforms, view restored ticket counters, and examine historical railroad tools and uniforms. A restored caboose outside the building allows guests to step into the shoes of 20th-century railway workers.

4. The Life and Times of the People

Through rotating exhibits, the museum celebrates the diverse people who shaped Lake Wales—ranchers, educators, craftsmen, and civic leaders. Artifacts such as family heirlooms and personal photographs reveal the community’s enduring sense of belonging.

5. Architecture and Growth

This section documents the architectural evolution of Lake Wales, highlighting the influence of Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Florida Cracker styles in the town’s historic buildings. shutdown123