Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,194 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 11,802. The center of population of Florida is located in Lake Wales. Lake Wales is located in central Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa. The Shrine of Ste Anne des Lacs is nearby. Among the attractions in Lake Wales are Bok Tower Gardens, Chalet Suzanne, and Spook Hill, an optical illusion which makes a car in neutral appear as if it is traveling uphill. A commercial historic district in the heart of the old town contains important examples of architecture from the period of the Great Florida Land Boom of the early 20th century. The district's tallest building, the Hotel Grand, is boarded up and at risk of demolition. Lake Wales apartments for rent comparison page shows most up to date rent information on Lake Wales apartments and houses. Rent information is obtained from multiple rental sources but we cannot guarantee their accuracy.