Spook Hill
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
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more attempts
Spook Hill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more attempts
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!
"Kitschy, retro fun for the family! Spook Hill has been around for ages. "
🎯 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:
🚗 Neutral Gear is Key
Stop at the white line, put your car in neutral, and release the brake to experience the magic. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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.
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Illusion
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are some spooky places to visit
🎯 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:
🚗 Neutral Gear is Key
Stop at the white line, put your car in neutral, and release the brake to experience the magic. :car:
Anyone know any spooky spots or abandoned locations in Lakeland or nearby?
GF likes ghosts/haunted things 👻
📸 Capture the Fun
It's a quick stop, perfect for fun photos and videos of the illusion. :camerawithflash:
🚫 Avoid School Times
Steer clear of school pickup and drop-off hours to avoid traffic and ensure easy access. :no_entry:
Ghost Tours
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! :world_map:
🚗 Neutral Gear is Key
Stop at the white line, put your car in neutral, and release the brake to experience the magic. :car:
📸 Capture the Fun
It's a quick stop, perfect for fun photos and videos of the illusion. :camerawithflash:
🚫 Avoid School Times
Steer clear of school pickup and drop-off hours to avoid traffic and ensure easy access. :no_entry:
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Spook Hill is a free roadside attraction. There are no tickets or admission fees required to experience the illusion.
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.
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.
The actual experience of Spook Hill takes only a few minutes. If there's no line, you can do it multiple times.
There are no age restrictions for Spook Hill. It's a family-friendly attraction suitable for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography & Videography
Capture photos of your car seemingly rolling uphill. It's also fun to get shots of people's reactions to the illusion.
Absolutely! Videos are a great way to showcase the Spook Hill phenomenon. Ensure you film safely from your vehicle or a safe vantage point.
The main photo opportunity is the illusion itself. You can also take pictures of the signs and the surrounding retro roadside environment.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full effect of the illusion. Ensure good lighting, which is best during daylight hours.
Drone usage may be restricted due to proximity to Spook Hill Elementary. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Spook Hill has several 'greasy spoon diners' and restaurants, offering a classic local dining experience.
You'll find casual, local eateries offering comfort food and diner-style meals. It's a good spot for a quick and affordable bite.
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.
You may find local cafes in the nearby quaint towns. It's worth exploring the downtown areas for coffee options.
The nearby diners are generally family-friendly and offer a casual atmosphere suitable for a family meal after visiting Spook Hill.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Visit during off-peak hours, ideally on a weekday morning or early afternoon, to avoid crowds and allow your children to experience the illusion multiple times. Pack some snacks and drinks, as dining options immediately at Spook Hill are limited, though local diners are nearby.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with nearby Bok Tower Gardens or explore the charming, historic downtowns of Lake Wales and surrounding towns. This allows you to experience a blend of quirky Americana and local Florida culture, making your road trip more memorable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Spook Hill Illusion
While it's a scientific trick of perspective, the feeling of defying gravity is what makes Spook Hill so captivating. It's a simple yet effective roadside attraction that sparks curiosity and provides a memorable moment for families and travelers alike. The lack of complex infrastructure means the focus remains purely on the natural wonder of the illusion.
Many visitors report being able to do the experience multiple times if there isn't a line, allowing for ample opportunity to test the illusion and capture photos or videos. The enduring appeal of Spook Hill lies in its simplicity and the shared wonder it evokes.
Making a Day Trip to Spook Hill
Beyond Bok Tower, the surrounding towns offer a glimpse into Florida's past with quaint downtown areas and local eateries. Exploring these historic downtowns can add a layer of charm to your day trip. You'll find a variety of 'greasy spoon diners' and local restaurants that provide a taste of authentic Florida flavor.
For those interested in local history or a more relaxed pace, exploring the historic architecture and local shops in nearby towns can be a pleasant addition. This approach transforms a short visit to Spook Hill into a well-rounded excursion, blending quirky roadside attractions with natural beauty and local culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit