Attractions and Places To See in Okeechobee County - Top 20

Okeechobee County is dominated by Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake, which is excellent for fishing, boating, and airboat tours. You can also visit Lakeside Ranch STA, a 2,700-acre natural area for hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing, or the Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area for birdwatching and nature walks.

Yes, the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), much of which is paved, encircles the lake atop the Herbert Hoover Dike, offering extensive opportunities for both hiking and cycling. You can find various routes, including easy to difficult options, in the Hiking in Okeechobee County and Road Cycling Routes in Okeechobee County guides.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for stargazing and astrophotography due to its minimal light pollution. The Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Welcome Center can provide more information, and the Kissimmee Campground even offers special astronomy campsites.

Lake Okeechobee is home to a high concentration of alligators and diverse aquatic creatures. At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, you might spot endangered species like the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, along with other birds and prairie wildlife. Areas like the Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area and Lakeside Ranch STA are also rich with indigenous flora and fauna, making them great for wildlife viewing.

You can explore the Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park, a National Historic Landmark marking a significant battle of the Second Seminole War. Other historical sites include the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South (built in 1907) and the Freedman-Raulerson House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Okeechobee Historical Society Museum and Schoolhouse also offers insights into early settler and Native American history.

Downtown Okeechobee features local shops, restaurants, and the Okeechobee Mural and Visual Arts Program. You can also experience thrilling airboat rides through the marshes, visit the Wagon Wheel Horse Farm for horseback riding, or attend one of the county's various rodeo events like the Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo.

Families can enjoy the vastness of Lake Okeechobee for fishing and boating, or take an exciting airboat tour. The Lakeside Ranch STA offers easy trails for walking and cycling. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park provides opportunities for camping, wildlife spotting, and prairie buggy tours. Many facilities, including the Lake Okeechobee Observation Deck and Pavilion, are also family-friendly.

Yes, several attractions are designed to be accessible. The Lake Okeechobee Observation Deck and Pavilion is wheelchair accessible, offering fantastic views of the lake. The Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Welcome Center also provides accessible facilities for visitors.

The cooler, drier months from November to April are generally considered the best time to visit Okeechobee County for outdoor activities. The weather is more comfortable for hiking, cycling, and exploring natural areas like Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, which is also ideal for stargazing during these months. Summers can be hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views over Florida's largest freshwater lake from the Lake Okeechobee Observation Deck and Pavilion. The extensive opportunities for hiking and cycling along the Herbert Hoover Dike & Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail are also highly valued, as is the unique experience of stargazing at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.

Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area for a premier wildlife refuge experience. For a unique cultural insight, visit the Okeechobee Historical Society Museum and Schoolhouse. Thrilling airboat rides offer a distinctive way to see the wetlands and wildlife up close, providing a memorable adventure.