Lake Okeechobee
Central Florida

Lake Okeechobee is an inland lake - known as Florida’s inland sea - and occupies an area of 750 square miles, making it the second largest freshwater lake in the United States. Affectionately called the ‘Big O’, the name ‘Okeechobee’ comes from the Seminole word for ‘big water’, a legacy of the Seminole Indians who once occupied the area, finally being routed in 1858 after the third and final Seminole War. It was in 1906 that commercial fishing began on a large scale, started by Captain TA Bass. Huge hauls of fish were produced and fishing camps began to set up along the shore, the community growing as fishermen and their families settled in the area. Today, this is an agricultural area, with citrus and sugar cane crops, and visitors can always be sure of a warm welcome.

FISHING…
Situated on the lake’s southwest shore, Clewiston has a great deal to offer vacationers, especially those keen on fishing. Here you can fish for largemouth bass, speckled perch or Okeechobee catfish.

SOMETHING SWEET…
Clewiston is also home to a huge sugar cane industry and is known as ’America’s Sweetest Town’. Take the Sugarland Express, which takes you on a tour of a local sugar cane farm and mill and gives you the chance to sample some sugar cane. The annual sugar cane festival is held in April and you can be sure of some good old fashioned Southern hospitality at the 1930s’ Clewiston Inn, well known for its Southern cooking and Mexican specialties.

SPOT THE WILDLIFE…
The 110 mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) is accessed from Clewiston and circles the lake, giving an elevated view from the top of the 35 foot dike. The trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and was specially made for cyclists and hikers. The annual ’Big O’ hike is held in November, giving you the chance to spot manatees, alligators and many other species. For bird watchers, this is a great chance to see a huge variety of bird life, including kites, eagles and osprey. Motorists can use the specially marked roads, allowing them to view this fantastic habitat.

LEARN ABOUT THE AREA’S HISTORY…
The 3 hour boat trip from Clewiston is a great way to find out about the lake’s natural heritage and also gives an insight into the history of the area. If you want to find out even more, the Clewiston Museum is situated in the old Police Station and Jail. South of Clewiston, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum at the Big Cypress Indian Reservation is a must if you want to have an insight into Seminole Indian culture and history. You can also visit an Indian camp here by taking an airboat ride with Billy Swamp Safari.

HAVE A PICNIC OR GO CAMPING…
West of Clewiston, LaBelle is surrounded by fields of citrus. This is a countrified town with its historic town hall and bookstore where you can spend time browsing. In February the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival is held along the river. Swamp cabbage comes from the cabbage palm - Florida’s State Tree - and was a Pioneer food. Visit the nearby Ortono Lock and Dam - a great place for camping, fishing, mooring a boat or just for having a picnic.

A RELAXED, SMALL TOWN…
The town of Okeechobee is at the lake’s north end and you can also access the Scenic Trail from here. This is a relaxed small town where you can camp overnight on the Kissimmee River, which flows into Lake Okeechobee. From the marina, you can take an airboat ride, giving you the chance to see more of the lake. The fishing and farming legacy has never been forgotten and every March it is celebrated by holding the Speckled Perch Festival and Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Rodeo.

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