Okeechobee County invites you to keep exploring!  Venture out to natural Florida where beaches and theme parks are not the attraction but open landscapes and big waters are the talk of the town!  Okeechobee, Florida is located on the northern shore of the second largest lake in the contiguous United States.  Lake Okeechobee is 730 square miles of fishing nirvana and is known as the “Bass Capital of the World.”  

The outdoors continues to calls to visitors in this beautiful rural area with a variety of outdoor activities.  Step out onto this “big water” lake on an exciting airboat.  Eagle Bay Airboats is a local airboat operator that will take you out for a quick paced ride though some of the back waters of this beautiful lake then slow things down so that you can get up close and personal with some of the inhabitants of Lake Okeechobee, the alligator.  These alligators may get as big as 10 to 14 or more feet in length and they are truly one of the most fascinating species for visitors.  

As you travel away from the lake there is the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (L.O.S.T).  The L.O.S.T trail is excellent for walking, jogging, biking and bird watching.  This 110-mile trail surrounds the entire lake and leaves no nature lover disappointed.  Okeechobee is a well-loved area for rare and hard to find birds aplenty.  This area is a bird watchers treasure as during the winter months there are a number of winter migratory birds often in large flocks then during the summer months the Sandhill Crane, Mottled Duck, Burrowing Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Caracara are everywhere as well as Florida specialties such as the Snail Kite, Limpkins and a suite of wading birds such as Herons, Egrets and Ibis just to name a few.  

The outdoor activities continue with world renowned shooting sport facilities like Quail Creek Plantation host to one of the United States largest shooting events the Gator Cup and OK Corral that offers exceptional amenities including fantastic on site dining and lodging options. 

As the open air beckons why not respond with a leisurely ride on horseback?  Wagon Wheel Horse Farm has openings throughout the year for a couple or groups to experience Florida’s backwoods while enjoying the gentle sway and nicker of equestrian trail buddies.  Guided trail rides just might be the ticket to relax and escape.

When the sun begins to wane take a stroll downtown to one of our local restaurants.  You may want to try Lightsey’s one of the oldest family run restaurants in town that has been serving only the freshest seafood since 1976.  While walking take time to visit some of the fantastic small shops downtown as well.  Just to name a few is Unique Boutique which has a number of local vendors with great unique antique finds then perhaps some tasty treats to take home from Sweety T’s Bakery, the sugar cookies are unbelievable!

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Everything in Okeechobee is always an easy trip to any lodging option so feel free to stay at one of our great hotels like the Days Inn by Wyndham Lake which has an amazing observation deck and has been recently renovated or the Holiday Inn and Hampton if they are your favorite spots.  There are a number of smaller lodging opportunities such as RV Resorts and Okeechobee is also home to one of the largest KOA’s in the United States. 

Okeechobee is your place for some fun in the sun! Want to learn more? www.visitokeechobeecounty.com or give the Okeechobee Tourism Department a call at 863-763-3959.