Top 15 Exciting Activities in Okeechobee, Florida

Situated along the northern edge of its namesake lake, Okeechobee is a city with numerous attractive features. The main highlight is one of the largest freshwater bodies in the United States.

Lake Okeechobee is distinguished as a sanctuary for trophy bass, and numerous charter services operate in the vicinity to facilitate fishing excursions. Furthermore, the shoreline boasts an impressive 100-mile-long trail along the dike.

Within the city, Okeechobee offers a main street that merits exploration, hosting a variety of seasonal events. It is situated in one of Florida’s most secluded areas at the headwaters of the Everglades.

Visitors can temporarily escape urban life by visiting local parks and wildlife management areas characterized by expansive grasslands, cypress habitats, and awe-inspiring night skies. Locally, horseback riding and airboat tours provide opportunities for gator spotting.

1. Bass Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

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Lake Okeechobee is historically acclaimed for its trophy bass fishing. Anglers from across the nation converge here for major competitions such as the Bassmaster Elite held in February.

A significant factor contributing to the lake’s popularity is its extensive spawning season, which occurs from September through June. This means opportunities exist year-round to target pre-spawn, bedding, and post-spawn bass.

For those wishing to venture onto the water with a qualified guide, a variety of charter options are available near Okeechobee. Additionally, visitors with personal boats can access a ramp located a few minutes from downtown Okeechobee by Eagle Bay.

2. Downtown Okeechobee

The charming downtown area of Okeechobee is worth exploring, spanning approximately five blocks along SW Park St, with a unique ambiance compared to many main streets.

Central to this area is Flagler Park, which provides a verdant buffer on the northern side adjacent to US 98. The modest buildings on the southern side house a delightful assortment of local boutiques and eateries.

Visitors can find a variety of surprises, from clothing stores to artisanal crafts, home décor, and footwear. Culinary offerings range from pizza and subs to freshly roasted coffee, breakfast fare, and a nostalgic burger establishment.

Flagler Park prominently features a war memorial and serves as the perfect venue for events like the Speckled Perch Festival in March and Okeechobee’s charming Christmas Festival.

3. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail

Encircling Lake Okeechobee is a scenic 110-mile trail atop the dike.

This trail, constructed and maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, was initiated by President Herbert Hoover in the 1930s following a series of natural disasters in the area.

One notable feature of the trail is its elevation, which provides stunning views overlooking the lake and surrounding farmland. Consequently, it offers exceptional opportunities for observing local wildlife.

However, the absence of tree cover can be a disadvantage; thus, it is advisable to traverse this trail during the cooler months instead of the summer heat.

4. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

While certain areas of Okeechobee may seem remote, they pale in comparison to the isolation found in Florida’s largest remaining expanse of dry prairie.

This area, protected by the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, is accessible from Okeechobee, where the expansive grasslands extend unbroken to the horizon.

The park spans 54,000 acres and serves as a crucial watershed for the Everglades, exhibiting distinct seasonal patterns of intense rain followed by periods of fire. Noteworthy wildlife species here include the crested caracara, Florida grasshopper sparrow, and burrowing owl.

The optimal time to visit is between November and March, during which ranger-led buggy tours explore remote corners of the park otherwise inaccessible.

5. Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area

Situated north of Okeechobee, this facility plays a vital environmental role. The treatment cells at Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area capture phosphorus from agricultural runoff, thus preventing it from contaminating Lake Okeechobee and promoting algal blooms.

Within this landscape, visitors can explore three miles of trails that border various ecosystems, including cypress swamps, pine savannas, open grazing fields, and freshwater marshes.

The rich aquatic environment attracts diverse wildlife. The waterways are frequented by bird species such as roseate spoonbills, ibises, sandhill cranes, and limpkins, alongside an abundance of alligators.

6. Wagon Wheel Horse Farm

In the surrounding countryside, Wagon Wheel Horse Farm offers an authentic Florida experience. This established local business provides trail rides for small groups.

The rides traverse the native pine and hardwood forests at the Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area, which remains relatively undisturbed, located just north of Okeechobee.

Guides lead these excursions and prioritize small group sizes, accommodating no more than five riders at a time. My horse was exceptionally gentle, making it an ideal choice for a novice rider such as myself.

7. Lake Okeechobee Park

Lake Okeechobee Park serves as an excellent location to appreciate the striking charm of the lakeshore.

The park’s primary feature includes a lengthy T-shaped fishing pier, which boasts a covered observation area at its center. Armed with binoculars, visitors can delight in scanning the shoreline for wildlife.

While alligators are common sights, numerous wading birds can also be observed. One memorable moment was witnessing a sandhill crane hunt and capture a sizable fish. The area is particularly scenic during the early morning or late afternoon hours.

It is an ideal spot for shore fishing, offering facilities such as a boat ramp, restrooms, and picnic tables.

8. Eagle Bay Airboat Rides

Eagle Bay, a natural lake nourished by Limpkin Creek, is bordered by the expansive dike of Lake Okeechobee. This ecologically rich habitat is ripe for exploration via airboat tours.

With Eagle Bay Airboat Rides, one can swiftly navigate the waters while observing an array of alligators, ranging from hatchlings to individuals exceeding 12 feet in length. A highlight of the excursion is the venture up Limpkin Creek, where visitors enter a pristine cypress swamp environment.

Throughout the journey, educational insights regarding Lake Okeechobee, its diverse wildlife, the levee, and its significance to the Everglades are shared. Tours are conducted daily, and private hour-long tours are also available.

9. Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant

Source: Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant / Facebook

Founded in 1977, this family-owned establishment in Okeechobee provides an authentic taste of the Everglades.

Initially a combination fish market and bait shop, Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant gradually evolved into a dining destination specializing in Floridian cuisine, emphasizing fresh local ingredients. The motto for the Okeechobee sampler states, “If it swims, crawls, or hops, you’ll find it on this plate!”

This dish encompasses gator, fried catfish filets, cooter, catnips, and frog legs. To conclude your meal, indulge in one of their homemade desserts, such as peach cobbler or key lime pie.

10. KOA Campground and Golf Resort

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This KOA (Kampgrounds of America) site in Okeechobee functions like a collection of various resorts consolidated into one accessible location.

Featuring nine holes of golf, a driving range, tennis courts, three swimming pools, and convenient access to Lake Okeechobee, it provides an all-inclusive experience for vacationers.

The accommodations range from spacious RV sites suitable for large rigs to fully furnished deluxe cabins, rustic camping cabins, and upscale tent campsites.

This resort is vibrant throughout the year, hosting a variety of seasonal events such as Mardi Gras celebrations, a Christmas decorating contest, and organized activities like full-moon bike rides.

11. Trading Post Flea Market

Clearly identifiable by the prominent caboose at SE 28th St and US 441, this flea market has been in operation for over three decades.

Open every weekend from 8 AM to 3 PM year-round, the Trading Post Flea Market features over 300 vendor spaces, making it an ideal spot for leisurely browsing, with substantial discounts and unique items.

My visit revealed a vast array of offerings, including fresh produce, Florida-themed souvenirs, antiques, handmade jewelry, electronics, religious artifacts, fossils, shells, apparel, hardware, artwork, and much more.

12. Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival

This unique music festival occurs in the countryside just outside Okeechobee, featuring a diverse lineup.

Hosted among the pines at the expansive 600-acre Sunshine Grove, the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival spans four days, showcasing groundbreaking music across various genres.

The festival encompasses a blend of styles, including experimental music, rave, funk, country, dance, hip-hop, reggae, indie, and their numerous intersections.

Efforts by the organizers ensure a relaxed yet surreal atmosphere. To keep the experience fresh, the festival has taken breaks since its inception in 2016.

A few previous headliners have included Odesza, Tame Impala, Arcade Fire, and Rüfüs Du Sol.

13. Dupuis Wildlife Management Area

Source: Shackleford Photography / shutterstock

Traveling around the lakeshore, one can reach another vast area of protected nature within half an hour. The Dupuis Wildlife Management Area encompasses 22,000 acres of wet prairies, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, open water, and Everglades marshlands.

This property’s remoteness is an attraction in itself, providing some of the clearest night skies I have ever experienced.

Visitors can find a nature center with interpretive displays about South Florida’s ecology and archaeological sites within the WMA, dating back over 2,500 years.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a cypress boardwalk or venture into the wilderness on over 22 miles of hiking trails and another 40 miles of equestrian trails.

14. Seminole Casino Brighton

Source: Seminole Brighton Casino / Facebook

Covering over 36,000 acres, the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation lies just west of Okeechobee and is one of six reservations established for the Seminole Native Americans. Much of this extensive area is utilized for cattle ranching, a longstanding Seminole tradition.

The primary attraction is a state-of-the-art casino that offers 27,000 square feet of gaming space. Although a half-hour’s drive from Okeechobee, to describe this venue as remote would be an understatement; it is truly a paradise for gaming enthusiasts.

The location features over 400 slot machines, a variety of table games, and high-stakes bingo, complemented by a full-service restaurant and lounge.

15. Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park

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The significant Battle of Okeechobee during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842) occurred just outside the city.

This engagement, which took place on Christmas Day in 1837, involved over a thousand federal troops confronting a coalition of Native American warriors from the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes.

Leveraging superior numbers and advanced weaponry, U.S. forces achieved victory, marking a critical juncture in the conflict, as resistance from the Seminole diminished in subsequent years.

Nearly two centuries later, the battlefield stands as a modest historical site, nonetheless significant for those interested in American history. An informative board details the event, alongside an authentic Seminole chickee shelter featuring picnic tables.