Lake Wales History Museum Continues to Grow with Visitors, Events, and Funding
by James Coulter
More visitors. More exhibits and events. Even more opportunities for future growth. These were some of the highlights of the Lake Wales History Museum within the past two years.
At a work session last month, the Lake Wales City Commission was given a presentation on the city’s museum, highlighting its overall growth and renovations over the past 18 months.
Interim Director Nicole Nikdel mentioned how the museum has experienced a significant increase in both attendance and funding, receiving more than 1,000 visitors, securing more than $75,000 in grants, donations, and support, and generating $8,600 through memberships and gift shop sales.
As of September 2025, the museum has fully reopened with new exhibits highlighting the city’s history, including its founding, local attractions past and present, and major industries that contributed to its growth.
More than simply teaching about the city’s past, the museum has also spurred interest in the city’s present, with many out-of-town visitors inspired to explore more of the city after visiting the museum.
“We almost function as a welcome center for Lake Wales because a lot of people are coming down Scenic Highway and come to our building to learn more about the area,” Nikdel said.
The museum has also undergone massive renovations, including an exterior refresh of the museum and collections center, upgraded landscaping, renovated decks and ramps, exterior and interior paint touchups, and a new tile roof.
One major highlight is the museum’s Freight Room, which has received electrical improvements and been utilized to host programs and events such as the museum’s book club through a $12,000 sponsorship.
Likewise, the museum has experienced success in hosting several community initiatives, such as the “Back to School Bash” and the “Load the Locomotive” school supply drive, which served hundreds of families.
The biggest and most successful event, by far, has been the museum’s annual Pioneer Days. Last year’s event drew in more than 9,000 attendees, with 3,300 attendees arriving from outside of the county.
Expectations remain high for this year’s Pioneer Days, which will not only coincide with the 50th anniversary of the festival and museum but also with America’s 250th celebration.
“Our doors are open to the entire community, and we invite you to visit, explore local history, take part in programs and field trips, and celebrate with us,” Nikdel wrote.
Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired about the permanent Museum Director Position. Nikdel clarified that the position “remains officially open” and that she has been “an active applicant,” according to City Clerk Jennifer Nanek.
“She is eager to remain in the role if the board believes her performance justifies it, while acknowledging the city’s right to seek the most experienced fit for the long-term leadership of the museum,’ Nanek wrote.
Commissioner Keith Thompson inquired about the major challenges currently facing the museum, to which Nikdel answered, “community engagement and public perception.”
“The common obstacle is the lingering misconception that the museum is still closed,” Nanek wrote. “To combat this…[the] current strategy focuses on being an ‘active part of the community’ to spread the word that the museum is fully operational, updated, and open for visitors.” Nanek wrote.
