Spook Hill
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Spook Hill

3.9
Β·968 reviewsΒ·Lake Wales, United States

Experience the mystery of Spook Hill, a classic Florida gravity hill where cars appear to roll uphill. A fun, free, and quirky roadside attraction for...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings/afternoons

Fewer crowds, more attempts

CrowdLow
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Spook Hill

Spook Hill

Best Time

Weekday mornings/afternoons

Fewer crowds, more attempts

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the mystery of Spook Hill, a classic Florida gravity hill where cars appear to roll uphill. A fun, free, and quirky roadside attraction for all ages!

3.9
(968 reviews)

"Kitschy, retro fun for the family! Spook Hill has been around for ages. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Navigate to the Right Spot

Set GPS to Spook Hill Elementary, then drive past to the end of the road. Signs will guide you! :world_map:

πŸš— Neutral Gear is Key

Stop at the white line, put your car in neutral, and release the brake to experience the magic. πŸš—

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 Β· 968 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gravity Hill Illusion

The Gravity Hill Illusion

End of Spook Hill Road

Witness your car seemingly roll uphill in neutral! A classic optical illusion that's fun for all ages.

Reddit
Retro Roadside Charm

Retro Roadside Charm

Spook Hill Road

Experience a piece of Florida history with this enduring, kitschy roadside attraction that's been delighting visitors for decades.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Illusion

To experience the Spook Hill gravity-defying illusion without crowds, aim for weekdays outside of school hours. Avoid school pickup/drop-off times to ensure a smooth visit and multiple attempts at the phenomenon. Reddit

Combine with Nearby Attractions

Spook Hill is a quick stop, so pair it with a visit to the stunning Bok Tower Gardens or explore the quaint downtown areas nearby. This makes for a fuller day trip experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings/afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more attempts
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Beat the rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What are some spooky places to visit

The only places I can think of is Spook Hill in Lake Wales, and the Ghost Lights down near Wachula or somewhere down there. While waiting for some photos to be printed at Walgreens the other day, I noticed some books near the end of an aisle which were focused on Florida. One…

🎯 Navigate to the Right Spot

Set GPS to Spook Hill Elementary, then drive past to the end of the road. Signs will guide you! Reddit :world_map:

πŸš— Neutral Gear is Key

Stop at the white line, put your car in neutral, and release the brake to experience the magic. Reddit πŸš—

reddit.com

Anyone know any spooky spots or abandoned locations in Lakeland or nearby?

I'm looking to do some exploring, but am new to this area. Anyone have any recommendations?

reddit.com

GF likes ghosts/haunted things πŸ‘»

Do you have any recommendations for ghost tours or supposedly haunted areas around Florida? I have no idea where to even start with taking her on a date like that. Are there any that you went to that were good or do you know of any that should be avoided? For reference: This is…

πŸ“Έ Capture the Fun

It's a quick stop, perfect for fun photos and videos of the illusion. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚫 Avoid School Times

Steer clear of school pickup and drop-off hours to avoid traffic and ensure easy access. Reddit β›”

reddit.com

Ghost Tours

Are there any ghost tours/walks around Lakeland?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Navigate to the Right Spot

Set GPS to Spook Hill Elementary, then drive past to the end of the road. Signs will guide you! Reddit :world_map:

πŸš— Neutral Gear is Key

Stop at the white line, put your car in neutral, and release the brake to experience the magic. Reddit πŸš—

πŸ“Έ Capture the Fun

It's a quick stop, perfect for fun photos and videos of the illusion. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚫 Avoid School Times

Steer clear of school pickup and drop-off hours to avoid traffic and ensure easy access. Reddit β›”

What Travellers Say

3.9
(968 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Spook Hill is a beloved, kitschy roadside attraction offering a fun, family-friendly optical illusion. Visitors appreciate its enduring charm and the unique experience of watching their car seemingly roll uphill. While it's a quick stop, its proximity to other attractions makes it a worthwhile detour for those seeking a bit of retro fun and local flavor. Reddit

"Kitschy, retro fun for the family! Spook Hill has been around for ages. My parents used to go as teens back in the 50's!! It's good clean fun with a creepy(ish) vibe. Also, it's really close to Bok Tower Gardens, so you can make a day of it. There are lots of little "greasy spoon diners" and restaurants too. And the nearby towns are quaint, with an "old downtown" feel.

For Spook Hill, set your GPS to Spook Hill Elementary and it will take you right to it. Drive past the elementary school to the end of the road and turn left and it's right there. You cannot miss the signs (see below). You drive to the white line and stop your car, put it in neutral, then take your foot off the brake and let the magic happen! It's for realz! We were there on a somewhat rainy Sunday and were able to do it over and over again because there was no one else there and it worked every time."

Mia Dorton

"Really cool experience. It is an optical illusion, but nonetheless, it is still a lot of fun. It was not busy, so we were able to do it several times for pictures. Stay away during school pickup and drop-off hours, though."

Lee Seligman

"This attraction takes 10 minutes if there's no line. A really cool experience where your car rolls back up the hill or maybe it just seems to. This has been an attraction in Lake Wales since 1950. It's very popular."

Jennifer Nanek

What People Like

Unique optical illusion
Family-friendly fun
Free admission

What People Dislike

Very short visit

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

To find Spook Hill, set your GPS to Spook Hill Elementary School in Lake Wales, Florida. Drive past the school to the end of the road and turn left. You'll see signs directing you to the attraction. Reddit

Yes, Spook Hill is well-marked with signs once you get close to the elementary school. Following GPS to the school is the most reliable way to locate it. Reddit

Drive to the designated white line, stop your car, put it in neutral, and release the brake. Your car will then appear to roll backward up the hill. Reddit

While some visitors express interest in visiting at night, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to best observe the optical illusion. Reddit

Yes, the illusion works with all types of vehicles, from small cars to larger ones. Just ensure you have enough space to stop and put your car in neutral. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Spook Hill is a free roadside attraction. There are no tickets or admission fees required to experience the illusion. Reddit

Spook Hill is accessible at any time, but it's best to visit during daylight hours and avoid school pickup/drop-off times for the optimal experience. Reddit

Parking is free as Spook Hill is located on a public road. You can pull over safely to the side of the road to experience the attraction. Reddit

The actual experience of Spook Hill takes only a few minutes. If there's no line, you can do it multiple times. Reddit

There are no age restrictions for Spook Hill. It's a family-friendly attraction suitable for all ages. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography & Videography

Capture photos of your car seemingly rolling uphill. It's also fun to get shots of people's reactions to the illusion. Reddit

Absolutely! Videos are a great way to showcase the Spook Hill phenomenon. Ensure you film safely from your vehicle or a safe vantage point. Reddit

The main photo opportunity is the illusion itself. You can also take pictures of the signs and the surrounding retro roadside environment. Reddit

Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full effect of the illusion. Ensure good lighting, which is best during daylight hours. Reddit

Drone usage may be restricted due to proximity to Spook Hill Elementary. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around Spook Hill has several 'greasy spoon diners' and restaurants, offering a classic local dining experience. Reddit

You'll find casual, local eateries offering comfort food and diner-style meals. It's a good spot for a quick and affordable bite. Reddit

While there are no designated picnic areas directly at Spook Hill, you could potentially find spots in nearby parks or enjoy a picnic after your visit. Reddit

You may find local cafes in the nearby quaint towns. It's worth exploring the downtown areas for coffee options. Reddit

The nearby diners are generally family-friendly and offer a casual atmosphere suitable for a family meal after visiting Spook Hill. Reddit

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