Lake Wales History Museum

Lake Wales History Museum 🚂 Open: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am-3 pm ☀️ Constructed of brick and covered with pink stucco, the Depot at 325 S.

Scenic Highway was built as a passenger station by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1928 at an approximate cost of $51,000. Replacing service at the original depot, the new location was chosen to relieve traffic congestion in the downtown area. A freight room and loading platform were added in 1938. Passenger service to Lake Wales ceased in 1954. In 1966, Seaboard Air Line and Atlantic Coast Li

ne merged to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railway. In 1974, freight service shifted to the West Lake Wales station, and trains no longer stopped at the Lake Wales depot. However, the Spanish style building with the red tile roof remained a landmark of the post-boom era in Lake Wales. Spearheaded by the Bicentennial Commission, efforts began in 1974 to convert the empty building into a museum and cultural arts center for the citizens of Lake Wales.

After you visit the museum today, stop by and see us at the Lake Wales Arts Festival hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Counc...
02/28/2026

After you visit the museum today, stop by and see us at the Lake Wales Arts Festival hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Council! We’re in the Arts Experience tent and we have fun citrus label coloring pages for kids (and kids at heart). It’s a sweet way to learn a little local history while getting creative!

Come say hello, grab some crayons, and add your own splash of color to Lake Wales’ citrus story.

Our friends from myoneblood are here collecting blood donations, and every single donation can help save lives right her...
02/28/2026

Our friends from myoneblood are here collecting blood donations, and every single donation can help save lives right here in our community.

If you’ve been meaning to donate, this is a quick and easy way to make a big impact. Stop by, roll up your sleeve, and help make a difference today!

Walk-ups are welcome. ❤️

The City of Lake Wales, Florida Moonlit Masquerade Party is officially in full swing! 🎉 Come find us at G's Vintage Mark...
02/06/2026

The City of Lake Wales, Florida Moonlit Masquerade Party is officially in full swing! 🎉 Come find us at G's Vintage Market, no mask required to say hello! 🎭

We’re popping up at G's Vintage Market tonight with some antiques for sale, plus Mardi Gras artifacts and history! 🎭✨Joi...
02/06/2026

We’re popping up at G's Vintage Market tonight with some antiques for sale, plus Mardi Gras artifacts and history! 🎭✨

Join us for the City of Lake Wales, Florida Moonlit Masquerade Party and come say hi while you’re out enjoying the fun.

The museum is closed today because we’re soaking up the citrus spirit at the Florida's Citrus Festival in downtown Winte...
01/31/2026

The museum is closed today because we’re soaking up the citrus spirit at the Florida's Citrus Festival in downtown Winter Haven! Join us 11 AM–8 PM for a day full of fun.

Stop by our booth to:
✨ See fun artifacts from our collection
🎟️ Enter our raffle to win a $100 Benefactor Membership
📜 Enjoy a little local history with your citrus celebration

It may be a little chilly, but it’s still a great day to be out and about! Downtown Winter Haven is full of activities, vendors, and citrus-filled fun.

01/30/2026

We would like to share that the Museum and our Executive Director have parted ways. We are grateful for their service and contributions during their time with us.

We are pleased to announce that Nicole Nikdel has been appointed Interim Executive Director and will be guiding the organization during this transition. We appreciate the community’s continued support as we move forward.

01/23/2026
Great event by our friends at City of Lake Wales Recreation!
01/21/2026

Great event by our friends at City of Lake Wales Recreation!

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 🕊️Today we pause to honor the life, legacy, and lasting impact of Dr. Martin Lut...
01/19/2026

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 🕊️

Today we pause to honor the life, legacy, and lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His words and actions continue to challenge us to lead with courage, compassion, and a commitment to justice and equality, values that remain just as vital today.

Did you know, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was officially designated in 1994, transforming the holiday into a national day of action and volunteerism. This day encourages people across the country to serve their communities in Dr. King’s spirit.

As we reflect today, we invite you to consider how his legacy shows up in everyday actions, through service, education, and caring for one another. Together, these small acts help build stronger, more connected communities.

🍊 We’re heading to the Florida's Citrus Festival! 🍊Join us in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as we...
01/16/2026

🍊 We’re heading to the Florida's Citrus Festival! 🍊

Join us in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as we celebrate Polk County’s rich citrus heritage at this brand-new, family-friendly festival brought to you by Destroyer Media and Marketing!

Stop by the museum tent to check out citrus-related artifacts, learn a little local history, and enter for a chance to win a museum membership 🎉

With live entertainment, citrus-inspired food and drinks, local vendors, kids’ activities, art, and more, it’s a full day of nostalgic fun for all ages, and we’re excited to be part of it!

Come say hi, explore the past, and celebrate Florida citrus with us! 🍊✨

📖 Your Next Chapter Starts Here! 📖The Unbound Society Book Club is back at it, and now’s the perfect time to jump in! If...
01/15/2026

📖 Your Next Chapter Starts Here! 📖

The Unbound Society Book Club is back at it, and now’s the perfect time to jump in! If you enjoy good reads and even better conversation, this is your kind of lunch break.

We meet in a relaxed, welcoming setting where all readers are welcome, whether you’ve finished the book or are just getting started!

🗓 4th Wednesday of every month (No book/meeting in December)
⏰ Noon
📍 Lake Wales History Museum | 325 South Scenic Highway, Lake Wales, FL 33853

Bring your curiosity, your lunch, and maybe a friend. We’d love to have you at the table! 📚 Please email us at [email protected] for more information.

Address

325 S Scenic Highway
Lake Wales, FL
33853

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+18636761759

Alerts

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