Lake Okeechobee

Fourth Largest Lake in the United States

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and the fourth largest lake in the United States. This massive body of water borders the counties of Okeechobee, Glades, Martin, Palm Beach, and Hendry.

The Seminoles who settled in the area gave the lake its current name, which translated means: “Big Water.” Other popular names for Lake Okeechobee are “Big O” and “Florida’s Inland Sea.”

24/7 urgent care is easily accessible at Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee, only six miles away. A few smaller airfields are nearby, but the closest major airport is Palm Beach International, typically 75 minutes away.

Life on the Water

Lake Okeechobee, aptly named, spans 467,000 acres! Lake Okeechobee is not a typical lake but boasts a reputation befitting its heritage. While water sports are possible on Lake Okeechobee, it is generally not recommended due to the shallow depth.

Angling is the biggest draw for the lake, as it contains such a large natural ecosystem. Big O is one of the premier lakes for bass fishing! All around the lake, you'll find not only massive largemouth bass but speckled perch as well. There are also white bass, sunshine bass, spotted bass, black bass, shoal bass, and many other types of fish here!

What's Nearby?

Small towns like Clewiston, Okeechobee, and Belle Glade, are fantastic places to grab a bite to eat or browse local stores. Sample the local flavor at restaurants like Tin Fish Restaurant, Big Tasty’s, and Lakeside Grill.

Also in these towns are fun events and places to visit, such as the Sugarland tour in Clewiston. This boat cruise tour whisks visitors through the history and ecology of the area.

Explore Nature

Lake Okeechobee is home to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, which is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The majority of this trail sits on the Herbert Hoover Dike, which snakes parallel to the lakeshore.

From this vantage point, visitors can see all the wildlife that Big O plays host to, such as Snail kites, American Bald eagles, Sandhill cranes, and infamous Florida alligators.

Small-Town Life

Lake Okeechobee, despite its size, offers residents that desirable small-town life. Whether you're looking for a retirement residence, world-class fishing destination, or home in gorgeous South-Central Florida, this lake has it all!