The Lake Wales Museum is operated with the support of the City of Lake Wales.
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Please check the website for holiday hours
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 Line 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.
The mission of the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center is to preserve Lake Wales’ heritage and inspire, educate, and unite the public with our story.
Exhibits that explore the history of Lake Wales, Walk Lake Wales architectural tour; model railroads and more
Reviews, get directions and information Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center.
