Plan Your Visit
Nestled in the heart of Lake Wales, Florida, the Lake Wales History Museum stands as one of Polk County's oldest and most cherished institutions. Currently closed for renovations but when open, our museum offers a gateway to the past, inviting visitors to explore exhibits that celebrate our rich local heritage. We warmly welcome all guests to experience our collections and learn about the vibrant history of Lake Wales during our regular business hours. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the museum provides an enlightening experience for all ages. Come and discover the stories that have shaped our community!
Frequency Asked Questions
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Admission to the Lake Wales History Museum is free! The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Friday with the last admission at 4:30 PM.
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From Orlando, take I-4 West
Proceed on I-4 to Exit 55. Take Exit 55 and proceed south on U.S. Highway 27 for approximately 23 miles. Proceed two traffic lights past Eagle Ridge Mall. Turn left on Mountain Lake Cut-Off Road. At the stop sign, turn right (south) onto County Road 17 (also known as Scenic Highway). Proceed on CR 17 for 2 miles. On your left, you will see the main entrance to the museum. Turn left and proceed to park.
From Tampa, Take I-4 East
Proceed on I-4 to Exit 55. Take Exit 55 and proceed south on U.S. Highway 27 for approximately 23 miles. Proceed two traffic lights past Eagle Ridge Mall. Turn left on Mountain Lake Cut-Off Road. At the stop sign, turn right (south) onto County Road 17 (also known as Scenic Highway). Proceed on CR 17 for 2 miles. On your left, you will see the main entrance to the museum. Turn left and proceed to park.From Highway 60 East or West:
Go to Lake Wales and proceed north on U.S. Highway 27. Turn right on Mountain Lake Cutoff Road. At the stop sign, turn right (south) onto County Road 17 (also known as Scenic Highway). Proceed on CR 17 for 2 miles. On your left, you will see the main entrance to the museum. Turn left and proceed to park.From Vero Beach, Take Highway 60 West:
Go to Lake Wales. Turn right onto Frontage Road and proceed to 4th Street. Turn right onto 4th Street and then left onto East Polk Avenue. On your right, you will see the main entrance to the museum. Turn left and proceed to park.From Sebring, Take U.S. Highway 27: Turn right (east) onto West Central Avenue (Woody’s, McDonald’s on the southeast corner) continuing for approximately 0.8 miles. At the light, turn right (south) onto County Road 17 (also known as Scenic Highway). Proceed on CR 17 for 0.2 miles. On your left, you will see the main entrance to the museum. Turn left and proceed to park.
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Give yourself plenty of time to visit. Generally, you should plan to spend a minimum of 1 to 3 hours viewing the exhibits; however, you can easily spend the day visiting the galleries and taking a quick walk to downtown Lake Wales to shop and dine at our local stores and restaurants.
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The Lake wales History Museum follows the guidance provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only trained service animals that perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed into all public areas and galleries of the museum.
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Please do not bring any food or drinks into the museum.
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The temperature in the galleries is maintained at a cool 75 degrees. Consider bringing a sweater in case you get chilly.
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You are welcome to bring your camera; however, flash photography and videography are prohibited. Non-flash photography is permitted for personal use only. Commercial photography, including filming of any kind, must be coordinated and approved before your visit. Contact the museum for more information.
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If you need lost & found assistance, please visit the reception desk or call 863-676-1759.
For visitors joining us for the Lake Wales History Museum, a selection of comfortable accommodations awaits to ensure your visit is as enjoyable as it is memorable. Choose from cozy hotels to charming inns, all conveniently located near the museum for easy access to the city of Lake Wales.
ACCOMODATIONS
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LAKE WALES/WINTER HAVEN
*12% Offer via the link above or if you mention Pioneer Days while booking via phone.
CAMP CENTRAL RV PARKS LLC
*$50 Discount Offer via the link above or if you mention Pioneer Days or the Lake Wales History Museum while booking via phone or at check-in.
COURTYARD WINTER HAVEN
*$165/Night Offer via the link above or if you mention Pioneer Days or the Lake Wales History Museum while booking via phone at (863)-292-3000.
Accessibility
The museum is committed to ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for all guests. We offer a zero-entry ramp to the main galleries for visitors with mobility disabilities, along with designated accessible parking spaces and restrooms to enhance ease of access. While the second level is currently accessible only by stairs, we are actively working to install a wheelchair lift to improve accessibility further. Our exhibits feature text in larger fonts for easier reading, and audio tags are available to enrich the experience with additional information.