Hendry County: Nature, Lake Okeechobee and History

At the Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area, unpaved roads wind through vast open landscapes, wetlands, and pine forests. Here, you can enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding; seasonal hunting is also among the available activities. Animals you may spot there include shorebirds, wild turkeys, burrowing owls, crested caracaras, and white-tailed deer.

Landscapes and Birdwatching

The Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest is mostly in Hendry County, with part of the forest area located in Collier County. The Okaloacoochee Slough is one of the few places in South Florida north of the Everglades or Big Cypress National Preserve where the pre-Columbian landscape can still be observed. This gives the natural area a distinct significance: alongside its wetlands and pine forest, it is also a landscape that remains visible in this region.

For birdwatching, Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6 (STA-5/6) offers another option. The area is in eastern Hendry County and is known as a birdwatching site. More than 200 bird species have been spotted there during seasonal guided tours. The public-use area also offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. If you plan to join a guided tour, check the dates for your travel period.

Lake Okeechobee and Outdoor Trails

The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is 115 miles long and runs along the Herbert Hoover Dike. This makes it another option to consider when planning your trip. Thirteen basic campsites are available along the trail, provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Before your trip, check campsite availability and the applicable rules; both may be important when planning your stay.

In Clewiston, four boat ramps and two floating docks on the lagoon at Hoover Dike Road provide access to Lake Okeechobee. The number of ramps and docks gives you a clear overview of the facilities there. If you plan to use this lake access, check current access and conditions in advance, as facilities and access rules may change.

History, Excursions, and Unique Experiences

The main exhibit at the Clewiston Museum explores the history of Lake Okeechobee, the sugar and cattle industries, the land, and the community. The Seminole heritage and Big Cypress Reservation are also among the topics covered by the museum. The focus is on both the region’s history and its economic and cultural themes.

Billie Swamp Safari offers family-friendly airboat rides through the area known as the “River of Grass” in the Florida Everglades. It also offers swamp buggy rides through the Florida Everglades and a live alligator show. The range of experiences includes an airboat ride, a swamp buggy tour, and the show.

LaBelle Nature Park is in downtown LaBelle, right by the Caloosahatchee River, and also offers geocaching. Regular excursions on the Sugar Express between Sebring, Lake Placid, Clewiston, and places in between offer another perspective on the region. Since the routes vary by event, check the dates before making firm plans for an excursion.

Discover more destinations: Clewiston, Labelle, Port Labelle, Jefferson County, Okaloosa, Hamilton County, Suwannee County, Franklin County.

Go to the main travel overview: Florida.