In the small town of Lake Wales, there’s a mysterious spot that has drawn visitors for many years. If you follow the posted directions and put your vehicle in neutral at the bottom of the hill, it will suddenly appear to defy gravity as it rolls backward, uphill. Drive on Spook Hill and experience this fascinating phenomenon in Florida.
Even before the road was paved, there were reports of horses struggling to go down the hill, but having no problem going up.
Flickr/Richard Elzey Local legend claims that this was the site of an ancient battle between a giant alligator and a Native American chief. Others claim that the effect is due to strange magnetic forces, possibly caused by a meteorite that struck the location long ago. It’s definitely one of the most fascinating mysteries in Florida.
The truth is (spoiler alert) that the eerie experience of Spook Hill is an optical illusion.
Flickr/Richard Elzey If you survey the land from the other side of the hill, you can tell that the cars are in fact rolling downhill. It’s still fun to experience the illusion and see how it works, though.
Add this to your list of unusual places in Florida. If you decide to check out this weird illusion for yourself, make sure you try looking in the rear-view mirror as your car rolls backward. Supposedly this helps give you that creepy sensation that you’re rolling uphill. Others have suggested running or biking up and down the hill instead.
Flickr/Richard Elzey
Local legend claims that this was the site of an ancient battle between a giant alligator and a Native American chief. Others claim that the effect is due to strange magnetic forces, possibly caused by a meteorite that struck the location long ago. It’s definitely one of the most fascinating mysteries in Florida.
If you survey the land from the other side of the hill, you can tell that the cars are in fact rolling downhill. It’s still fun to experience the illusion and see how it works, though.
The whole attraction only takes a few minutes to experience, and some people leave underwhelmed, so we recommend combining this trip with one to nearby Bok Tower Gardens, which is also in Lake Wales. That way you won’t be disappointed if you’re less than impressed by the illusion, or if (as some people have reported) you have a hard time getting the illusion to work.
Have you been to Spook Hill? What did you think of this fascinating phenomemon in Florida? Do you have any other legends about mysteries in Florida to share with us? Please let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more unusual places in Florida? These 13 weird places in Florida are as strange as it gets.
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Address: Lake Wales, FL, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
fascinating phenomenon in Florida November 29, 2019 Elisa Regulski What are the most unusual small towns in Florida? Cassadaga, Florida is one of the most unusual places in Florida. This quirky little city is a popular snowbird destination for people looking to get in touch with their spirituality. You’ll see dozens of signs advertising psychic and medium services. There’s even a haunted hotel you can visit! It’s easy to see why people call this place the Psychic Capital of the World. Want to learn more about this unique place? Read our feature article about Cassadaga here. Are there any other Florida mysteries? There are so many unsolved mysteries in Florida. One of the most baffling accounts took place in Fort Myers in 2007. Authorities found the skeletal remains of 8 people, and no one knows how they got there. People speculate the victims were murdered by a serial killer, but the causes of death were never determined. What are the most fascinating attractions in Florida? Coral Castle, located in Homestead, is a quirky attraction unlike any other. The whole structure is made of coral-formed limestone and is built to look like a castle. The strangest thing, however, has to do with how it was formed. The creator claims he sourced, moved, and carved the structures by himself – an impressive feat! If you’re looking for another weird day trip, visit Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee. Will you encounter Skunk Ape, the giant big foot creature? Even if you don’t, you’ll have a great time looking at the exhibits and staring at the animals at the petting zoo.
The OIYS Visitor Center
fascinating phenomenon in Florida
November 29, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What are the most unusual small towns in Florida? Cassadaga, Florida is one of the most unusual places in Florida. This quirky little city is a popular snowbird destination for people looking to get in touch with their spirituality. You’ll see dozens of signs advertising psychic and medium services. There’s even a haunted hotel you can visit! It’s easy to see why people call this place the Psychic Capital of the World. Want to learn more about this unique place? Read our feature article about Cassadaga here. Are there any other Florida mysteries? There are so many unsolved mysteries in Florida. One of the most baffling accounts took place in Fort Myers in 2007. Authorities found the skeletal remains of 8 people, and no one knows how they got there. People speculate the victims were murdered by a serial killer, but the causes of death were never determined. What are the most fascinating attractions in Florida? Coral Castle, located in Homestead, is a quirky attraction unlike any other. The whole structure is made of coral-formed limestone and is built to look like a castle. The strangest thing, however, has to do with how it was formed. The creator claims he sourced, moved, and carved the structures by himself – an impressive feat! If you’re looking for another weird day trip, visit Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee. Will you encounter Skunk Ape, the giant big foot creature? Even if you don’t, you’ll have a great time looking at the exhibits and staring at the animals at the petting zoo.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Cassadaga, Florida is one of the most unusual places in Florida. This quirky little city is a popular snowbird destination for people looking to get in touch with their spirituality. You’ll see dozens of signs advertising psychic and medium services. There’s even a haunted hotel you can visit! It’s easy to see why people call this place the Psychic Capital of the World. Want to learn more about this unique place? Read our feature article about Cassadaga here.
Are there any other Florida mysteries?
There are so many unsolved mysteries in Florida. One of the most baffling accounts took place in Fort Myers in 2007. Authorities found the skeletal remains of 8 people, and no one knows how they got there. People speculate the victims were murdered by a serial killer, but the causes of death were never determined.
What are the most fascinating attractions in Florida?
Coral Castle, located in Homestead, is a quirky attraction unlike any other. The whole structure is made of coral-formed limestone and is built to look like a castle. The strangest thing, however, has to do with how it was formed. The creator claims he sourced, moved, and carved the structures by himself – an impressive feat! If you’re looking for another weird day trip, visit Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee. Will you encounter Skunk Ape, the giant big foot creature? Even if you don’t, you’ll have a great time looking at the exhibits and staring at the animals at the petting zoo.
