Overview
Mountain Lake is a private residential club community in Lake Wales, set on about 1,100 acres on one of the higher points of the Florida peninsula. Baltimore native Frederick S. Ruth founded it in 1915 as a winter retreat for wealthy families, and the club describes it as Florida's first private community.
Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. laid out the residential grounds, and Seth Raynor designed the golf course, which is being restored by Tyler Rae. The Mediterranean Revival Colony House near the course serves as the residents' club and has guest rooms. The community was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Mountain Lake Estates Historic District in 1993.
Access is limited to members and their registered guests. Membership is geared to those who live at Mountain Lake or keep a second home there. Edward Bok, a publisher, acquired 100 acres of nearby high ground that became the site of Bok Tower Gardens.
Membership
Private; membership is aimed at residents and second-home owners, with limited availability for people living outside the community. Access is limited to members and registered guests.
The Community
Private gated community of about 1,100 acres on the Lake Wales Ridge, founded by Frederick S. Ruth; residential areas laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Mountain Lake Estates Historic District (1993).
Golf
Mountain Lake
Designed by Seth Raynor
Restoration by Tyler Rae under way.
Highlights
- Mountain Lake Estates Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993
- Seth Raynor golf course; Olmsted-designed grounds
Sources
Sources
Information compiled from public sources and last checked October 2026. Details such as membership terms change often; please confirm directly with the club.
