Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Clewiston, FL

Located on the southwestern shore of the expansive Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston stands out as a city with notable attractions. Firstly, the lake is recognized as the largest in the Southeastern United States and is particularly celebrated as a prime location for bass fishing, owing to a lengthy spawning season extending over six months.

Additionally, Clewiston is renowned for its contemporary sugar industry. Visitors can engage in tours of active sugarcane farms, and attending the annual Sugar Festival in spring is highly recommended.

The city’s sugar heritage has led to its nickname, America’s Sweetest Town. Although the surrounding land is predominantly agricultural, the natural beauty of the Everglades, with its sawgrass and cypress domes, is not far away.

Heading south leads to the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, which features an excellent museum dedicated to Seminole history and culture.

1. Lake Okeechobee

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Even amidst Florida’s numerous natural wonders, Lake Okeechobee holds a unique distinction. Encompassing over 730 square miles, it is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and ranks as the second largest in the United States that is completely situated within one state.

Commonly referred to as Florida’s Inland Sea due to its vast expanse, the lake attracts anglers for its exceptional bass fishing opportunities. Major tournaments, such as Bassmaster and Toyota Series, are scheduled each spring, which will be discussed further in this article.

In the wake of the devastation caused by the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane, the United States Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Herbert Hoover Dike. Finished in 1937, this earthwork encircles the lake, spanning 140 miles.

The Clewiston picnic area offers a vantage point from the dike, and the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail provides visitors with an excellent hiking opportunity.

2. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum

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This remarkable museum at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation showcases the fascinating culture and history of the Seminole Native Americans.

The term Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki translates to “a place to learn, a place to remember” in the Seminole language, and the museum narrates the story of the Seminoles through their own narratives.

With more than 100,000 unique artifacts in its collection, including sculptures, clothing, basketry, and beadwork, visitors can engage deeply with the vibrant expressions of Seminole culture.

Emphasizing its location within the heart of the Everglades, the museum is surrounded by a nature trail composed of a boardwalk that meanders for a mile through a cypress dome, featuring interpretive signs that educate visitors about local flora and fauna.

3. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST)

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Running alongside the Herbert Hoover Dike that protects Lake Okeechobee, the scenic trail spans a distance of 115 miles. This exceptional trail offers expansive views of Florida’s largest lake, as well as the adjacent sugarcane fields and orange groves.

The area is also rich in wildlife, featuring a variety of wading birds such as egrets and ibises, as well as numerous alligators. The trail connects a series of parks, marinas, and campgrounds situated along the lakeshore.

For those seeking a shorter hike, an out-and-back walk of one to two miles can be easily accessed from the Clewiston picnic area. It is advisable to explore the trail outside of the summer season due to the limited shade along the path.

4. Clewiston Museum

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Situated alongside the Chamber of Commerce in the downtown area, the Clewiston Museum is a remarkable local history museum. It delves into numerous intriguing aspects of Clewiston’s narrative that visitors can explore.

Exhibits highlight the region’s fertile soils, the sugarcane industry, cattle ranching, and the ecology of Lake Okeechobee. Visitors can also learn about the Seminoles and other indigenous peoples, including the prehistoric Belle Glade Culture.

One particularly captivating display focuses on the megafauna that once roamed the area, showcasing a collection of fossils including giant ground sloths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats.

5. Downtown Clewiston

Primarily located along US 27, Clewiston possesses a central business district that extends a few blocks to the south. While the shops and restaurants are somewhat dispersed, there is a diverse range to choose from.

Dining options are varied, featuring Cuban cuisine, tapas, pizza, sandwiches, a coffee shop, acai bowls, and several chain restaurants situated further east and west along US 27.

Local shops offer home decor, gifts, butcher services, pet supplies, and an assortment of service-based businesses, including a gym and a salon and spa.

Undoubtedly, the central landmark in the city’s heart is the Clewiston Inn (established in 1926), recognized as the oldest operational hotel on Lake Okeechobee.

6. Clewiston Sugar Festival

Source: Sugar Festival / Facebook

Sugarcane has historically been a significant industry for Clewiston. The Clewiston Sugar Festival dates back to the 1930s, originally established as a celebration for employees of the United States Sugar Corporation.

Over the years, this event has transformed into a multi-day festival in mid-March, with music playing a vital role. Notable performers such as Lee Brice, Grand Funk Railroad, and Chase Matthew participated during my visit.

This event attracts visitors from across the state, featuring exceptional food, a car show, a rodeo, a bass fishing tournament, and even a heritage appreciation day at the local museum.

7. Lake Okeechobee Fishing Charters

Several factors contribute to making Lake Okeechobee one of the premier destinations for bass fishing in the United States. A primary reason is the extended spawning season, which begins in December and lasts for six months.

This makes the lake a unique location where anglers can target bass at all stages of their life cycle, from pre-spawn to post-spawn, simultaneously.

In Clewiston, the Roland Martin Marina serves as the gateway to Lake Okeechobee. This facility hosts a small resort that features condos, an RV park, boat rentals, and a tiki bar with restaurant services.

It also acts as the primary launching point for fishing charters, with numerous local guides who possess comprehensive knowledge of the lake. Engaging with these guides offers anglers the opportunity to learn new techniques while maximizing their chances of catching trophy bass.

Some of the charter services available include Lake Okeechobee Fishing Guide, Mark King Fishing, Hooksetter Adventures, JJ Bass Fishing, and Bass Fishing Charters with Capt. George Mro.

8. Florida Ridge AirSports Park

A short drive west of Clewiston leads to Florida Ridge AirSports Park. Established for over three decades, this venue caters to motorless hang gliding.

During this time, they have conducted numerous tandem flights, making it an ideal experience for newcomers. Participants fly with an expert instructor while enjoying breathtaking views.

This memorable experience involves being towed by an Ultralight aircraft up to elevations of 1,000, 2,000, or 3,500 feet, followed by a gentle descent back to earth. The higher the starting altitude, the longer individuals can practice controlling the glider.

To preserve this incredible adventure, opting for an in-flight media package is highly recommended.

9. Skydive Spaceland Florida

Source: Skydive Spaceland-Clewiston / Facebook

For those seeking a thrilling experience, no adventure is more exhilarating than jumping from an airplane at high altitude.

Located just minutes west of downtown Clewiston, Skydive Spaceland Florida is a family-operated establishment that offers a range of skydiving experiences.

Options are available for everyone, from novices to seasoned jumpers. Individuals who have never skydived can begin with a tandem jump.

After free-falling at a velocity of 120 mph, you have the opportunity to pull your own ripcord for a gentle five-minute flight, gracefully gliding through the skies alongside Lake Okeechobee.

10. Sugarland Tours

From October to March, visitors have the chance to learn about the local sugar industry. Given that this crop is cultivated in only a few regions of the United States, this experience is truly invaluable.

Sugarland Tours invites participants to board the 24-seat Sugarland Express for a 3.5-hour educational journey. This tour includes historical insights, a video presentation, and a visit to the railroad siding, often allowing spectators to witness trucks loading sugarcane onto train cars, depending on the season.

The tour culminates with an in-depth visit to a local farm, covering soil preparation and the process of raising, harvesting, and processing sugarcane at a sugar mill.

11. Clewiston Golf Course

Source: Clewiston Golf Course / Facebook

The 18-hole golf course is centrally located near downtown and just off US 27. Designed by the esteemed team of Wayne Stiles & John Van Kleek, the Clewiston Golf Course has been operational since the 1930s.

Unlike many contemporary courses that have undergone alterations to align with current trends, this course delivers a golfing experience reminiscent of that enjoyed a century ago.

As with any course adjacent to the Everglades, weather conditions will affect play. Whether visiting during optimal conditions or perhaps when it is a bit dry or damp, the surrounding beauty is undeniable.

Encounters with alligators on the course are a common sight, and during my round, I observed an osprey monitoring the fairway.

12. Civic Park

Source: clewistonsugarfestival.com

Civic Park serves as a beautifully maintained community space that integrates seamlessly with the downtown district. Under the shade of mature trees and within manicured gardens, it provides an ideal location for relaxation.

Given its central location, it hosts many of Clewiston’s major public events, including the prominent Clewiston Sugar Festival, which will be discussed subsequently.

Additional events include occasional concerts, markets, seasonal lights at Christmas, and a commemorative ceremony on Veterans Day.

The park’s picturesque gazebo is a favored venue for wedding photos, while amenities include a playground and picnic tables.

13. Billie Swamp Safari

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A visit to the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation to experience the pristine wilderness of the Everglades is highly recommended.

Billie Swamp Safari offers thrilling airboat rides through the cypress domes, as well as eco-tours via swamp buggy. During my airboat adventure, I was fortunate to observe a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and striking wading birds.

The facility also includes a restaurant and exhibits featuring both native and exotic animals such as crocodiles and capybaras.

During the latest update, Billie Swamp Safari was temporarily closed, though the animal exhibits and restaurant operations continued.

14. Clewiston City Pool

Located directly north of Civic Park and the library, the city’s public pool underwent recent renovations.

Officially named the C.S. Mott Community Pool, this facility has been upgraded to comply with Florida’s codes regarding lightning detection as well as water filtration and purification.

Established in 1950, it is officially the oldest municipal pool currently in operation within the state.

While the facility may appear modest, it truly shines on hot summer days, with three lifeguards on duty at all times.

Noteworthy is the separate splash pad, featuring a fenced area accompanied by covered picnic tables.

15. Hendry County Fair & Livestock Show

This wholesome showcase celebrates the region’s rural culture and had recently marked its 70th anniversary during my visit. Taking place over five days in February, the Hendry County Fair & Livestock Show is a growing event in every sense.

Attendance continues to rise, with over 15,000 people present at the most recent edition. A significant feature of the event is the market livestock sale, which showcases dozens of hogs and steers.

A variety of livestock categories are eligible for prizes, ranging from junior to intermediate and senior divisions. The fair also includes pageants, agricultural exhibits, delicious fair food, and numerous amusement park rides and games to delight younger attendees.