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    Recommended Reviews - Spook Hill

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    Mary D.

    Read about this place and just had to check it out. There's not much to it but it's cute and a place my Dad would have taken us to check out when I was a kid. Just one of those little roadside attractions. Doesn't cost anything and could be a cute photo op. Our car did roll backwards although it wasn't nearly as creepy or exciting as I was hoping lol. Cute nonetheless! If you're in the area check it out!

    Spook hill sign.
    Ron F.

    Just cool!!! Close to Bok Tower botanical gardens. A must visit just for those who wonder... It's an unassuming little side road that is hard to understand. It feels like you are rolling up a hill. At the site there is a sign explaining the hill and what to do. It only takes a few minutes to do but will leave you in awe. Loved it. The best thing... it's free!!! Enjoy the local anomaly!!!!

    Jonathan L.

    As an adult, this was a joke. If you're in the area, it will be something to make you laugh. For my kids, I made it exciting. I read the story and the car rolled backwards slowly down the hill and they were all mesmerized by the simple physics of it. It was a cute moment that they kept asking about during our drive home.

    Abel F.

    Kitschy remnant of the old Florida roadside attraction that is 100% free to experience. Cute. Nothing to write home about but glad I visited.

    Ariel W.

    On Halloween I thought it would be fun to review this eccentric attraction I recently visited. Spook Hill is located on 5th Street Lake Wales which lies on the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient range of sand and limestones hill that used to be islands 2 to 3 million years ago when the sea level was much higher. The hill creates an optical illusion. You pull up to the white line and put your car in neutral, as you roll backwards to appears that you are rolling up the hill. Apparently some people find this terrifying. LOL There are a few legends to explain this phenomenon. One story has it that it is the ghost of a Native American chief Culcowellax who was protecting his village and engaged in a huge battle with an alligator. The battle was so intense that it created Lake Ticowa. The chief emerged victorious and when he died the tribe buried him on the north side of the lake. The tribe later lost their land to settlers. The ghost that causes the cars to move up the hill is either the gator trying to enact his revenge or the chief still trying to protect his land. Another story claims it is the ghost of a pirate moving the cars off the chest of his dead pirate friend that is buried at the foot of the hill. Yet another theory is that there is something underground acting as a magnet drawing the cars up the hill. Spook Hill is quick and it's free and if you are in the area you are obligated to do it once just so you can say you have been there. If you are visiting Bok Towers, Spook Hill is only about a mile away. Next to the hill is the Spook Hill Elementary School whose mascot is a ghost. Too cute! Everyone needs to do this old fashioned Florida attraction at least once.

    David T.

    We came here after going to Orlando for the day. We read the history behind the hill and the stories and tales. We decided to check it out to see if the stories were true. When you read about Spook Hill, the tale says that your car when at the start of a while line will when in neutral will roll uphill. We thought that would be awesome to experience. We arrived at Spook Hill at approximately 11 pm. Right in the middle of the creepiest time to come. Needless to say we heard weird noises and other sense, hair raising things. We moved the car to the white line. We then put the car in neutral and experienced the full effect of rolling backwards. From the white line you roll downhill as the actual hill is formed. If you look at the hill from far away it has an effect that you're rolling uphill. Overall, it's an legend, it was free and it took up 15 minutes of time. I wouldn't do it again but the experience was cool.

    Road leading up to spook hill
    Ian M.

    According to local legend an Native American chief and giant alligator got into a fight. The leader won, but the fight created a huge depression. Then in the late 1880s cowboys had wagons that their horses struggled to pull. Fast forward to today. Spook Hill is located near the Bok Tower. Take the obligatory picture in front of the sign and follow the instructions. Drive up to the white line and place your car in neutral. Unfortunately, our connection to the spirit world was off and our car did nothing. The local elementary has joined in on the fun and its mascot is Casper the friendly ghost. Tip: don't use Google maps; it doesn't take you to the right location. Plug in the address on Waze and it will take you there.

    We picked up speed in neutral going backward UP HILL
    Dianna B.

    Everyone has heard of these before. You pull up, you put your car in neutral and you're either "Pushed" forward, or you Roll Up hill.. So we followed the instructions and did just that. With the car in neutral, the car began to roll backward, it picked up speed from 0 to 7 MPH, and we rolled "UP' hill backwards. This being a gravity hill, it appears we rolled UP hill, but we, in reality were rolling down hill, according to the grade of the road, but the video I took says otherwise. It was fun, no mater WHAT happened. Try this for yourself if you're in the area.

    Bill S.

    If, and only if, you are in Lake Wales or very close (such as visiting Legoland), then definitely check this place out. However, if you are in Orlando or West Palm Beach, do not drive here with the only goal of experiencing this phenomenon (unless you are really bored). Simply put, this is a fun and interesting off-beat experience that is 100% FREE. So, you, in essence, are pretty much getting your moneys worth with this excursion. The Yelp directions via the iPhone app are spot on and Spook Hill is just East of the Spook Hill Elementary School. If there are other cars there -- WAIT YOUR TURN. Read the cute sign, drive slowly to the white line in the road, stop, put your car in neutral and BE CAREFUL looking backwards as your car mysteriously rolls uphill and you try to keep your car in the middle of the road and not crash into another dumb tourist. I did this about four or five times and it was definitely interesting and entertaining, but I was just passing by on my way via a side trip to Orlando and I did not make a vacation out of visiting this destination.

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    4 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Children would be fascinated, as I was 40 years ago. Adults tend to put too much thought into this, which takes the fun out of it!

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    2 years ago

    If your in Lake Wales you should check it out. Maybe not worth an hour drive to see it.

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    10 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Cute location and story, but the car rolled down the hill as expected. Its not supernatural.

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    3 years ago

    It didn't work like advertised, but this definitely the best thing to in lake whales!

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    8 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Spook Hill

    Review Highlights - Spook Hill

    Fun and free optical illusion with a spooky (for kids) story to go with it.

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    The Rhodesbilt Arcade - A beautiful place to stroll through

    The Rhodesbilt Arcade

    5.0(2 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    1st I want to thank my friend Ariel W for providing the captivating historic account of this…read morebeautiful building - well done my friend... Mall vs Arcade - What's the difference? Most of us are familiar with the term "Mall" associated with the modern shopping venues being indoors or outdoors "Arcades" are usually designed as covered passages in which the shops are located on both side and are usually multi-storied, most are from earlier periods and all that I've had the privilege of visiting are architecturally amazing and so nostalgic. I was taken back after discovering this treasure in Lake Wales since most I've experienced are located in larger cities - downtown Cleveland, Ohio comes to mind. The Rhodesbilt Arcade is a beautiful example of the period architect and well worth a walk through, the breeze-way transcends time, if you have a few minutes to spare take a stroll through history and take a seat and daydream about what it must of been like when it first opened. For a town of less than five thousand souls when this magnificent structure was erected it must have been quite the sight and people probably traveled from miles around to see it. Renovations have preserved it so generations to come can enjoy it, just as generations from the past have...

    The Rhodesbilt Arcade is a historic building in the commercial historic district of Lake Wales…read more This area of Lake Wales was built during Florida's land boom years in the 1920's. The arcade was erected between 1924 and 1926 and it stretches between Park Avenue and Stuart Avenue. The Rhodesbilt Arcade was built by Jesse T. Rhodes who was nicknamed Good for his craftsmanship and quality of work. In addition to this arcade he built many of the first homes in Lake Wales. Rhodes was born in 1833 in Indiana. He arrived in Florida in 1913 at the age of 30 with his wife Alice in hopes that the warmer climate would help with his poor health. At the time he settled into a Lake Wales, the town was only two years old. He would go on to influence much of the early architecture of the town. This building is designed in a Mediterranean style with a curved parapet, ceramic tile, and arched doorways. The arcade also has hardwood floors, antique tile, and stained glass windows. The two story building is equivalent to today's shopping malls. The interior of the building held store fronts and offices lit by high skylights. Arcades were the most popular type of commercial building in the 1920's. This one still has business and offices operating out of it today. In later years Mr. Rhodes entered the real estate business and subdivided land into commercial and residential tracts. His wife Alice was the first insurance agent in Lake Wales. Mr. Rhodes passed away in 1932 at the age of 48 but his greatest achievement The Rhodesbilt Arcade still stands in downtown Lake Wales. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

    Photos
    The Rhodesbilt Arcade - Vivid Colors

    Vivid Colors

    The Rhodesbilt Arcade - Still a thing of beauty

    Still a thing of beauty

    The Rhodesbilt Arcade

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    Lake of the Hills Community Center

    Lake of the Hills Community Center

    5.0(1 review)
    3.1 mi

    The Lake of the Hills Community Center is a historical landmark in Polk County on the northwestern…read morecorner of Lake Starr. A community social club formed in 1904. Early developer W. J. Howey created a land company that purchased several hundred acres around Starr Lake and in Lake Wales for home development. The railroad brought wealthy northerners to the winter community of Mountain Lake estates where the Bok Tower carillon was built. Howey believed they would also flock to his community and in anticipation of their arrival he set aside two acres for a recreational community site in 1914. In 1929 members of the local community built a one story stucco building. At first you had to be a Howey land owner to join the club but soon membership was open to anyone. On March 24, 2000, the stucco building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2014 over 100 people attended a 100th Centennial Celebration and the name was changed to Lake Of The Hills Community Center. Today the Community Center is a gathering place hosting several social events throughout the year, including ice cream socials, spaghetti and covered dish dinners, meetings, monthly programs, and it is a host site for the annual 39-Mile Scenic Highway Yard Sale which is how I arrived here. The building can be rented for private events. As a fan of historic architecture it was a treat to visit this gem and see the old photos and history on the wall. The view of Starr Lake from the clubhouse is gorgeous. I love the old fashioned feel of this sweet community center that has been a stalwart of Lake Wakes for over a century.

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    Lake of the Hills Community Center
    Lake of the Hills Community Center
    Lake of the Hills Community Center

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    Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery

    Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery

    5.0(5 reviews)
    11.9 mi

    I was in Frostproof for the 30 Mile Scenic Highway Yard Sale, In search of a boost of caffeine I…read morestumbled on Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery which is located in the historic Atlantic Coast Line Train Depot in downtown Frostproof. The railroad came to town in 1911 and the station was built in 1912. The railroad helped to transport citrus from farmers all across the Lake Wales Ridge. To care for this restored landmark Mister Chris roasts coffee from around the world and ships it across the Continental United States. Today the depot is in the two acre Freedom Station Park. The park is a venue that can be rented and it also stages events such as Wall Street Market in Freedom Station Park and the "Mister Chris' Community Campfire series. This unique coffee shop combines history, music, art, and coffee, all the things I love. As you sip your coffee there are six rooms to explore: Hall of History, the Brew Ha Ha, the Study, the Paris Cafe, the Music Room and the Workshop which is the brew bar, gift shop and entertainment area. The workshop is located in what was once the depot cargo area. Chris has a collection of teapots, Beatles memorabilia, train stuff related to the depot, antique furniture, albums, collectibles, art, and on and on. I put my coffee down in a table and was startled to see a fish swimming under it. I didn't realize it was a fish tank table. There are surprises around every corner. Mr. Chris is a trusting soul. Coming from South Florida I couldn't believe he leaves all of his things out for people to look through and enjoy. This is such a wonderful business. I would come here every day if I could.

    Such a great place! Loved the decor and atmosphere. There was live entertainment tonight and she…read morewas pretty good. We only had a cup of coffee which was good. I look forward to returning the next time I visit Frostproof.

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    Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery
    Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery
    Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery

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    Saint Anne Shrine

    Saint Anne Shrine

    5.0(3 reviews)
    6.3 mi

    The Saint Anne Shrine may be one of the most unique religious sites in Central Florida. There is a…read more100 year old shrine in the middle of a residential neighborhood that is across the street from a lake. The history of Saint Anne dates back to the 1920's when a contingent of French speaking Catholics came from Canada to Florida to escape winter. Six miles outside of Lake Wales they built a shrine to St. Anne de Beaupre, Mary's mother and the grandmother of Jesus at their winter retreat. On the south shore of Saint Anne Lake, fellow Canadian and winter resident Napoleon Pelletier helped them to build a white chapel, a towering grotto that was a replica of the site where the Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes in France, a pedestal with a statue of Jesus Christ. and a tiered monument to Saint Theresa. A moat was added surrounding the grotto and a bridge to cross it was built out of native Florida rock. It didn't take long for the faithful to began to flocking to the shrine. One of the stories say these included French artist, Francies Marsollier and his son stricken with tuberculosis. He pledged to dedicate his life to beautifying the shrine if his son would live. As the son began to heal, Francies painted murals in the church and created sculptures for the grounds. Another story had Napolean Pelletier arriving at the lake with his son stricken with cancer and when the boy was healed by the water of the lake, Pelletier stayed and built the shrine. As word spread of the healing powers of the lake, more people came to visit the shrine including a Catholic Bishop to bless the cross Franciers made. At its height of fame, thousands of people would show up for the Feast of St. Anne on July 26th. During WWII people stopped coming. By the early 1960s, the Catholic Diocese of Orlando de-sanctified the church and tore it down. The sculptures made by Franciers were taken to other churches or lost. In the 1980's a priest attempted to sell the shrine as a housing lot but the neighbors came together to prevent the sale and saved what was left of the shrine. Today you can still see the remains of the shrine by the lake and the grotto. To find the grotto look for the white cross between houses 1233 and 1270. In the grotto area is the grave of Napolean Pelletie. The marker says Napolean was born in Canada in 1857 and he passed away on March 7, 1942. According to the marker he is credited with building and maintaining the shrine while he was alive. Based on the offerings left it looks like the shrine is still being used today. It is so peaceful and serene here. I was the only person on a weekday. If you are visiting downtown Lake Wales it is only about a 15 minute drive out to the shrine.

    So beautiful and calming. I call myself fortunate that I live near this beautiful shine. It's a…read moreplace to go when you need peace in your soul.

    Photos
    Saint Anne Shrine
    Saint Anne Shrine
    Saint Anne Shrine

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    Site of Fort Clinch

    Site of Fort Clinch

    5.0(1 review)
    10.9 mi

    I love finding a historical marker. They are filled with nuggets of interesting history about the…read moresurrounding area. I found this one while driving through Frostproof on my way to Lake Wales. This is not one of the blue state historic markers. Instead this green marker was installed by the Polk County Historical Society. When the government enacted the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the army was sent to drive all of the Native Americans out west on the Trail of Tears. The Seminoles resisted and the Second Seminole War broke out. Forts like this one in Frostproof were set up all across Florida to aid the US Army in their mission. The settlement in the area now known as Frostproof was established like many in central Florida at the time, as a fort, then called Fort Clinch. Fort Clinch was built on January 13, 1850 on the shore of what was then called Lake Mocha Poka. The fort was a stockade which consisted of six or seven buildings. garrisoned by 1st. Art., 7th Inf. U.S. Army and Florida Mounted Volunteers. Several men who served here went on to prominence during the Civil War. These included George G. Meade who would become a Union Major General, and Confederate Generals A.P. Hill, and Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson. The fort was named after the local Lake Clinch which was named after the popular Seminole War commander Duncan Lamont Clinch (1787-1849). Clinch served in both the 1st and 2nd Seminole Indian Wars. Three forts in total were named after him, this fort in Polk County (1850), Ft. Clinch at the mouth of the Withlacoochee River (1836) in what is now Levy County, and the most famous Fort Clinch (1847) which still stands in Nassau County. This settlement was abandoned only months later on June 8th. By the 1880s, Frostproof began to see its first permanent settlers as homesteaders were attracted to the abundant hunting and fishing in the area.

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    Site of Fort Clinch
    Site of Fort Clinch

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    Spook Hill - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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