Lake Wales Atlantic Coast Line Depot - Listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The depot was established in 1928 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad It was the second station built in Lake Wales since the coming of the railroad in 1911. It continued to operate for several decades as a functioning railroad depot for freight & passengers.
In 1978, the depot was dedicated as the Lake Wales Depot Museum, housing the local history of the Railroad and the City of Lake Wales.
Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center serves as the city’s primary resource for the collection, conservation, exhibition, and study of materials relating to the history of Lake Wales.
From the Scenic Highway website:
"The Ridge Scenic Highway located in Polk County, Florida, extends 38.7 miles along the Lake Wales Ridge, from its intersection with US 27 south of Frostproof to its intersection with US 17/92 in Haines City.
The scenic highway corridor travels through the historic communities of Frostproof, Hillcrest Heights, Babson Park, the Village of Highland Park, Lake Wales, Lake of the Hills, Dundee, Lake Hamilton and Haines City.
This scenic corridor introduces travelers to historic communities and rural agricultural Central Florida. SR 17, or Scenic Highway as it is locally known, serves the historic centers of these communities and provides access to cultural facilities and historic sites that help promote and preserve the local culture.
Winding along the Lake Wales Ridge, SR 17 provides scenic vistas and access to lakes, natural areas, citrus agricultural fields and unique Florida attractions, United States historical sites, and landmarks."
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"Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center (The Depot)
Housed in a restored 1928 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot, the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center serves as the city’s primary resource for the collection, conservation, exhibition, and study of materials relating to the history of Lake Wales.
The museum contains railroad memorabilia and a variety of historical items recalling the early days of Lake Wales, including photographs, newspapers, and items from the area’s first industries.
Three railroad cars are located on the south side of the pink Depot. They include a renovated 1926 Seaboard Airline red caboose, a 1944 diesel engine and a 1916 Pullman car. The museum has various exhibits throughout the year, as well as examples of the award-winning art from the Lake Wales Art Show. A gift shop offers unique gifts at reasonable prices.
Located at 325 S. Scenic Hwy. (U.S. Alt. 27), the Depot Museum and Cultural Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and on national holidays."
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Street address:
325 South Scenic Hwy
Lake Wales, FL USA
33823
Relevant historical Web Sites: (
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