Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Belle Glade, FL

Situated in the remote northwestern region of Palm Beach County, Belle Glade is an agricultural city adjacent to the shores of Lake Okeechobee.

Covering over 730 square miles, this water body is recognized as the second-largest freshwater lake in the continental United States. Lake Okeechobee serves as a prominent trophy fishing destination, accompanied by an extensive hiking and biking trail that meanders along the dike encircling it.

Known as ‘black gold’, the soil surrounding Belle Glade is regarded among the most fertile in the nation, with expansive fields dedicated to sugarcane and vegetable cultivation.

Belle Glade serves as an excellent base for various activities, including fishing excursions, airboat adventures, lakefront hiking, and explorations of the Seminole tribe’s Big Cypress Reservation.

Therefore, here is a curated list of the 14 most captivating activities to engage in within and around Belle Glade.

1. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST)

In the 1920s, South Florida and Lake Okeechobee experienced the devastation of two hurricanes in quick succession. Following these events, President Herbert Hoover personally surveyed the area, leading to the development of a levee system around the lake during the 1930s.

Over time, these levees were expanded, culminating in the Herbert Hoover Dike which almost entirely encloses the lake. The dike hosts the multi-use Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, extending for more than 100 miles.

The trail can be accessed along the Okeechobee Waterway in Belle Glade. Ideally, the trail offers its most enjoyable experience during the winter months, and is exceptionally scenic at sunset when the skies exhibit rich crimson hues. However, during other times of the year, the lack of cover may leave visitors exposed to the elements.

If you possess a bicycle, the trail provides a route to both Paul Rardin Park to the north and John Stretch Park to the west, which are further highlighted in this list.

2. Lawrence E. Will Museum

The Lakeshore Civic Center in Belle Glade encompasses several civic functions, including the city hall and fire station. Adjacent to the east is the Lawrence E. Will Museum, named in honor of a local historian and pioneer’s son.

Established in 1976 for the Bicentennial, the museum provides valuable insights into millennia of history within the region.

The exhibits featuring the Belle Glades Culture, which flourished between 500 BCE and 1500 CE, are particularly notable. Artifacts from the Belle Glade Mound, excavated in the 1930s, are also displayed.

Additionally, the museum highlights the significant contributions of African Americans in Belle Glade across various fields, from agriculture to sports. Remarkably, communities situated near Lake Okeechobee have produced more than 60 NFL players.

3. Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

Florida’s Inland Sea has garnered a reputation for trophy fishing, with South Bay being regarded as offering the most diverse fishing opportunities across the entire lake.

This area is particularly favorable for bass fishing, characterized by calm waters and easy shore access at Torry Island. Furthermore, the lake boasts an unusually protracted spawning season, extending from as early as September through the following June.

Throughout this period, anglers can pursue prespawn bass, bedding bass or post-spawn bass, a feature that is unprecedented elsewhere.

While fishing is available from the shore at Torry Island, numerous experienced guides familiar with the lake’s seasonal dynamics are also accessible. A prominent local option is Slim’s Fish Camp on Torry Island, which features the largest contingent of guides on the lake.

4. Torry Island

The 640-acre Torry Island in Belle Glade represents the sole inhabited island on Lake Okeechobee, offering a full-service campground with numerous amenities.

Access to the lake enables activities such as boat launches or shore fishing. Moreover, Torry Island is renowned for birdwatching, with various species including bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, osprey, snail kites, and blue-winged teal frequently sighted.

Be sure to bring binoculars, as an observation tower is located on the island. Additional recreational opportunities include the Belle Glade Golf Club, picnic pavilions along the canal, and the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail.

5. Glades Pioneer Park

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Managed by Palm Beach County, this extensive active park is located on the southern perimeter of the city, flanked by agricultural land and Glades Central Community High School.

In the years leading up to this compilation, Glades Pioneer Park underwent substantial investment. The Orange Bowl Committee designated this venue for a meaningful legacy gift, reflecting Belle Glade’s longstanding tradition of cultivating elite football talent.

The outcome was the construction of the state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar Orange Bowl Field. Additionally, Glades Pioneer Park features basketball and softball fields, tennis courts, a bicycle path, and an outdoor fitness area equipped with 17 stations.

The park also houses the Pioneer Park Aquatic Center, which includes a 25-yard pool and a fun water play area complete with slides and a tipping bucket.

6. Black Gold Jubilee

In 1976, the Bicentennial celebrations in Belle Glade were so successful that the city decided to institutionalize it as an annual event. The gathering derived its name from the area’s remarkably fertile soils and remains a highlight of the annual calendar.

Taking place in April, the Black Gold Jubilee is a one-day event, but the lead-up features a number of activities, including pageants and a fishing contest. On the morning of the celebration, participants can engage in a 5k, a 10k, and a parade on Main Street.

Following these festivities, attendees converge on Torry Island for a packed day filled with live entertainment, carnival rides, family-friendly games, vendors, and exceptional food. To conclude a delightful day, a fireworks display is held after sunset.

7. Paul Rardin Park

Offering a tranquil lakeside respite, Paul Rardin Park is a modestly sized park adjacent to the Okeechobee Waterway. This location provides areas to launch a boat or canoe/kayak, as well as direct access to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail.

From personal experience, the park excels as a perfect picnic spot during the cooler months. Numerous shelters equipped with grills are available, while children can enjoy the playground facilities.

As with any location around Lake Okeechobee, alligators are commonly observed, along with an array of turtles, raptors, and wading birds.

8. Black Gold Airboat Tours

In true Everglades fashion, the most effective means of traversing the natural grass flats surrounding Lake Okeechobee is via an airboat tour. Black Gold Airboat Tours offers such experiences directly from Belle Glade.

In my perspective, the primary reason to venture into this ecosystem is to witness alligators, which abound in the area. Recent estimates indicate that nearly 30,000 alligators inhabit these shores.

Private tours with Black Gold span 90 minutes, available throughout the week. Your guide will be certified by the US Coast Guard and can also organize half-day or full-day bass fishing excursions.

9. Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center

On the east side of the city lies the Belle Glade campus of Palm Beach State College, established over 50 years ago. My main motivation for visiting is the performing arts offerings.

The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center features classic small-town entertainment, predominantly in the form of tribute acts ranging from Motown to Country Music.

The season also includes children’s theater performances and the annual Festival of the Trees during the holiday period.

With an auditorium seating 467 people, the center also provides gallery space, hosting at least seven exhibitions annually that range from contemporary photography to quiltmaking.

10. Belle Glade Municipal Golf Course

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Belle Glade is home to the only 18-hole golf course situated along the shore of Lake Okeechobee.

The Belle Glade Municipal Golf Course is a scenic venue featuring multiple tee-box options suitable for individuals of varying ages and skill levels. In terms of value, it is unlikely one would find a better deal than this course.

The course presents diverse landscapes, including mature hammocks, water features, and expansive views over sugarcane fields. The back nine offers a thrilling experience with several alligators present, allowing for a free drop if your ball comes to rest near one of these creatures.

A pro shop and driving range are also available for those wishing to practice their swing beforehand.

11. John Stretch Memorial Park

Located a few miles west of Belle Glade, the LOST passes this lovely public park, which boasts over 50 acres of canal front. The dike rises 20 feet, offering breathtaking views at sunset.

Infrastructure enthusiasts will find interest in the Clewiston Lock located on the park’s eastern boundary, facilitating water traffic into the Okeechobee Waterway from the Miami Canal.

Adjacent to the dike is a historically preserved radial pump engine presented by the South Florida Water Management District.

The park is equipped with various amenities including a multipurpose field suitable for cricket, a basketball court, a kayak launch, playground facilities, picnic areas, and a pavilion.

12. Pahokee Marina and Campground

Among the various cities located on the shores of Lake Okeechobee, only Pahokee, situated approximately ten miles north of Belle Glade, provides direct water access.

This quaint locale, with a population of just over 5,000, features a waterfront campground with over 125 sites offering full RV and tent hookups.

The scenic lakeside pool is a personal favorite, and the marina serves as an excellent base for fishing excursions, airboat tours, or hiking along the lake’s rim via the LOST.

13. Clewiston

West of Belle Glade, the nearby substantial community of Clewiston brings to mind two major aspects: sugar plantations and Seminole culture.

Clewiston serves as the gateway to the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, encompassing an 82,000-square-mile property inhabited by around 600 individuals and featuring one of America’s largest cattle operations.

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum, which chronicles the culture and history of the Seminole people, stands as the primary attraction. The permanent collection is remarkable, comprising 200,000 artifacts ranging from clothing to basketry, dolls, and sculptures.

The ideal time to visit Clewiston is during mid-March for the Clewiston Sugar Festival, a tradition that has roots tracing back to the 1930s, featuring performances by some of America’s top country music artists.

14. DuPuis Wildlife and Environmental Area

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Just east of Lake Okeechobee lies 22,000 acres of public lands under the stewardship of the South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

It is hard to imagine, but the DuPuis Wildlife and Environmental Area was once a cattle ranch. Since then, a significant portion of the previously drained wetlands has undergone restoration.

This area, featuring cypress swamps and freshwater marshes, is encircled by thousands of acres of drier pinelands.

Easily accessible from Belle Glade, the area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, an equestrian center, graded roads for vehicles, along with backpack and group campsites.

For hikers, the 61-mile Ocean to Lake Trail connects Hobe Sound on the coast to the LOST along the lakeshore.