Lake Wailes Park
A serene park with a paved lakeside trail, fishing pier, and abundant wildlife, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful lake views
Lake Wailes Park
Best Time
Peaceful lake views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene park with a paved lakeside trail, fishing pier, and abundant wildlife, perfect for a peaceful escape.
"A peaceful, pretty spot for a refreshening walk with a fishing pier and lots of wildlife."
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The paved trail is long; wear comfy shoes for your stroll around the lake.
🎣 Shore Fishing Ready
Bring your gear for shore fishing; the pier is a popular spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fishing Pier & Gazebo
Lakefront
Enjoy serene lake views and a peaceful fishing spot from this picturesque pier with a charming gazebo.
Paved Lakeside Trail
Circumferential
A smooth, long paved path perfect for strolls, jogging, or pushing a stroller with lovely lake vistas.
Abundant Wildlife
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for diverse local wildlife, adding a natural charm to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Park Amenities & Wildlife Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Frostproof, FL fishing spots?
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The paved trail is long; wear comfy shoes for your stroll around the lake.
🎣 Shore Fishing Ready
Bring your gear for shore fishing; the pier is a popular spot.
☀️ Shade is Limited
The lakeside trail has minimal shade, so plan accordingly on warm days.
🦉 Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing nesting areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The paved trail is long; wear comfy shoes for your stroll around the lake.
🎣 Shore Fishing Ready
Bring your gear for shore fishing; the pier is a popular spot.
☀️ Shade is Limited
The lakeside trail has minimal shade, so plan accordingly on warm days.
🦉 Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing nesting areas.
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Picnic tables are available; pack your lunch for a scenic meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Wales Park is praised as a peaceful, pretty spot for a refreshing walk with a lovely fishing pier and abundant wildlife. Visitors appreciate the long, paved trail suitable for strollers and the serene lake views. However, some note a lack of restrooms and concerns about wildlife disturbance.
"Needed a stop to stretch my legs and Lake Wailes Park is a peaceful, pretty spot for a refreshening walk. Has a fishing pier with gazebo, lots of wildlife, benches, picnic tables, and plenty of paved and under tree parking. I did not see any restrooms. And the liter on the shore was an eyesore. But sitting under an ancient oak, the breeze on an otherwise warm day made this park a great rest spot. Looks like the paved walkway goes around the lake"
Uzi Baram
"One of the many hidden gems in Lake Wales. Looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of nature well look no further between the serenity and beauty of Bok Tower Gardens and Lake Wales Park 😀 your search is over for you have discovered the perfect place to explore and discover what Lake Wales, Florida has to offer."
Mary Eisenman
"They have no respect for nature and wildlife. They tree trim around owl nests and have events right under owl nests. All nests should be roped off. An owlet died due to negligence around the nest. Unacceptable. People I know saw porto potties lined up right under the owl nest. These areas should not be disturbed. There are plenty of other places to put Porto potties. The lack of respect for nature is unacceptable."
Melissa Gilmore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Wales Park is located in Frostproof, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with ample paved parking available throughout the park.
Information on public transportation options to Lake Wales Park is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
The park offers plenty of paved parking, including areas under trees for shade. Arriving earlier in the day can ensure you get a preferred spot.
Yes, Lake Wales Park is considered a hidden gem near Bok Tower Gardens, offering a natural complement to the more formal gardens.
While the park is named Lake Wales Park, it's located in Frostproof, FL. It's within a reasonable driving distance from Lake Wales.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Wales Park is generally free to enter, making it an accessible spot for a relaxing day outdoors.
Specific operating hours are not always clearly posted, but parks like this are typically open from dawn until dusk. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
No, advance booking or tickets are not required for Lake Wales Park as it's a public park.
Standard park rules apply, including respecting wildlife and maintaining cleanliness. Specific restrictions are usually posted at the park entrance.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, many public parks allow dogs on leashes. It's advisable to check local regulations or observe if other visitors have pets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy shore fishing, walking the paved trail, picnicking, bird watching, and simply relaxing by the lake.
Yes, the park has a fishing pier and is a viable spot for shore fishing, with visitors seeking out fishing spots in the area.
The park is home to various wildlife, including birds. Visitors have noted seeing owls, though concerns have been raised about disturbing their nests.
The paved trail around the lake offers limited shade, so it's recommended to visit during cooler parts of the day or wear sun protection.
Some reviews indicate that restrooms were not visible during their visit, so it's wise to be prepared.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Lake Wales Park itself. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics.
Absolutely! The park has picnic tables, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal outdoors surrounded by nature.
Since the park is in Frostproof, FL, dining options are likely in the nearby town. Lake Wales also offers various restaurants.
No, there are no concessions or food vendors within Lake Wales Park. It's recommended to bring all your food and drinks.
Grilling policies can vary. It's best to check for any posted rules regarding grills, but picnic tables are readily available for prepared food.
📸 📸 Photography
The fishing pier with its gazebo offers scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The lake itself provides beautiful backdrops.
Yes, with its abundant wildlife and tranquil lake setting, it's a great spot for nature photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography, creating a golden hour effect over the lake.
You can photograph the wildlife, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them, especially nesting birds.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography might require permits, and respecting wildlife privacy is paramount.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Families can enjoy picnics at the available tables, making it a great spot for a relaxed lunch outdoors. The opportunity to see wildlife can also be an engaging aspect for children. However, parents should be aware of the limited shade on the main trail and the absence of visible restrooms, so planning ahead with essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection is key.
🎣 Anglers and Fishermen
Remember to check Florida's fishing regulations and ensure you have the necessary licenses before you go. While the park offers a pleasant fishing experience, it's also part of a larger network of lakes in the region, so exploring nearby waters might also be an option for dedicated anglers.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant wildlife and the serene atmosphere of the park. While shade is minimal, the beauty of the ancient oaks and the gentle breeze can make for a very pleasant experience, especially during the cooler parts of the day. It's a spot to unwind and connect with the natural surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lakeside Trail
While the trail offers lovely lake views, it's important to note that shade is limited. Visitors are advised to prepare for sun exposure, especially during the warmer months or midday. Bringing water, wearing sunscreen, and opting for visits during cooler parts of the day can enhance the experience. Despite the lack of shade, the trail's length and scenic outlooks make it a popular choice for park-goers seeking gentle exercise and a connection with nature.
Some reviews mention that the paved walkway goes around the entire lake, suggesting a substantial distance for those looking for a longer walk. This makes it a versatile spot for both a quick leg-stretch and a more extended exploration of the park's perimeter.
Fishing Opportunities
For those planning a fishing trip, it's advisable to check local fishing regulations and licensing requirements for Florida waters. While the park itself is a draw, the broader area around Frostproof and Lake Wales is known for its numerous lakes, suggesting that Lake Wales Park is part of a larger fishing ecosystem.
It's worth noting that while fishing is a key activity, the park's natural setting also means you might share the space with abundant wildlife. Respecting the environment and other visitors is part of the experience.
Wildlife Encounters and Conservation
However, there have been concerns raised regarding the park's management and its impact on wildlife, particularly nesting owls. Reports mention events and activities occurring too close to owl nests, leading to potential harm to owlets. This highlights a tension between park usage and the need for wildlife conservation. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful and respectful of the natural inhabitants, observing from a distance and avoiding any actions that could disturb nesting sites or habitats.
Responsible park-goers can contribute to conservation by adhering to park rules, refraining from feeding wildlife, and ensuring that any litter is properly disposed of. This helps maintain the park's natural beauty and ensures it remains a safe environment for its animal residents.
Social
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