Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in Highlands County, Florida, US

Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge covers 1,194 acres in four separate tracts on the Lake Wales Ridge east of US 27 between Davenport and Sebring, in Highlands County. Established in 1990, it holds a high proportion of remaining Florida scrub habitat and is not open to the general public.

The refuge was established in 1990, covering 1,194 acres across four separate tracts on the Lake Wales Ridge between Davenport and Sebring. It was the first National Wildlife Refuge designated primarily to protect endangered plants. Since 2012 it has been administered by the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Scientists from Archbold Biological Station conduct research studies in this refuge to understand the Florida scrub habitat and its endemic species.

The refuge is closed to public access to protect the sensitive ecosystems and rare species within its boundaries. Visitors can view the area from outside and learn about its role in broader conservation efforts.

The refuge's four tracts lie on the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sand ridge, and the refuge was the first in the National Wildlife Refuge System designated mainly to protect endangered plants. Among the fourteen listed species is the scrub mint, Dicerandra frutescens, and the Florida ziziphus, Pseudoziziphus celata.