Visit the Heartland

Known as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World,” Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida (the second largest in the nation), and for boaters, anglers and other recreation lovers, the Lake’s appeal is as massive as its acreage. The Lake is bisected by the 154-mile Okeechobee Waterway, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico across to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing watercraft access to both. Another attraction: The 100-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

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Even novice canoers enjoy adventures on this scenic, easy-flowing river. Hikes alongside the lake are popular, too, as is the extraordinarily rich fossil hunting, allowing visitors to explore and discover pre-historic eras and species such as mastodons, mammoths and prehistoric bison.

A highlight of the Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, the Okaloacoochee Slough is an experience of abundant nature in its purest form. View over 100 bird species, deer and other wildlife, including the occasional Florida panther and black bear. The Slough is also a great place for hunting, fishing, hiking and biking.

Where endless blue sky meets infinite grassland, this unique preserve protects the largest remaining tract of Florida dry prairie, home to awesome panoramas and a wealth of protected species. The lack of light pollution also means the night sky puts on a spectacular show; spot the Milky Way without binoculars.

The three charming communities—Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, known collectively as the Glades—welcome visitors to annual events like Harvest parades as well as everyday fun like boating, fishing and airboat tours on Lake Okeechobee, camping on Torry Island Campground and Pahokee Campground and exploring the Glades Pioneer Park.

This old-growth hammock offers an immersive and inviting experience of nature, a wetland forest with more rare and unique species than any other Florida state park. Here, wilderness and history are preserved and enjoyed beneath magnificent towering oaks, as visitors explore nine different trails, a boardwalk through a cypress swamp, a three-mile bike loop and more. The Florida panther and black bear may be glimpsed, while deer, alligators and a variety of birds may also be viewed.

Since 1950, the action on this raceway has made hearts race as the world’s best and most famous drivers battle for the win.  The world-famous 12 Hours of Sebring annual endurance race for sport cars draws drivers eager to tackle the ultimate challenge: One of the three legs of the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing, which includes 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona.

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The very best show off their skill and courage in this four-day annual event, the oldest rodeo east of the Mississippi, which draws top PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) athletes seeking a spot in the national finals in bull and bronc riding, barrel racing and more.

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Ready for edge-of-your-seat excitement? Sponsored by the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association, this annual outdoor rodeo is beloved by enthusiasts and a delight for families and others looking for a weekend of thrills and spills courtesy of the top professional athleticism of contestants competing in calf roping, bull riding and more.

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Hungry for delicious local grown produce and locally created crafts? Sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street, the Market on the Park is held bi-monthly from October through April.

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