Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest makes the landscape itself a destination to explore. Most of it lies in Hendry County; part of it is in Collier County. At Okaloacoochee Slough, you can still observe a pre-Columbian landscape. North of the Everglades or Big Cypress National Preserve, the slough is one of the few places in South Florida where that is possible. Along with individual wildlife sightings, the landscape itself also takes center stage.
Open landscapes and wildlife viewing
At Spirit of the Wild Wildlife Management Area, unpaved roads wind through broad open landscapes with wetlands and pine forests. The area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and seasonal hunting. Hunting rules can change, so check the current regulations in advance. Wildlife you may see includes shorebirds, wild turkeys, burrowing owls, crested caracaras, and white-tailed deer.
If you’re focused on birds, Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6 (STA-5/6) is in eastern Hendry County. More than 200 bird species have been spotted there during seasonal guided tours. The public use area also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Unlike the broad range of activities at Spirit of the Wild, birdwatching is the main focus here.
Riverside setting and regional history
LaBelle Nature Park is in downtown LaBelle, right on the Caloosahatchee River, and offers geocaching. The town and river come together here, and geocaching is a specific way to actively explore the park.
The main exhibit at the Clewiston Museum covers the history of Lake Okeechobee, the sugar and cattle industries, the land, and the community. Information about Seminole heritage and the Big Cypress Reservation expands on these topics. You’ll encounter different perspectives there, from the lake and agriculture to community history and cultural heritage.
Lake Okeechobee: route and boat access
The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is 115 miles long and runs along the Herbert Hoover Dike. There are 13 primitive campsites along the trail, provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At the lagoon on Hoover Dike Road in Clewiston, there are also four boat ramps and two floating docks with access to Lake Okeechobee. This gives you two distinct ways to enjoy the lake: a long route along the dike and convenient access for boats. Before setting out, check current trail conditions, campsite availability and rules, and access at the ramps and docks.
Excursions and seasonal offerings
Billie Swamp Safari offers family-friendly airboat rides through the area of the Florida Everglades known as the “River of Grass.” It also offers swamp buggy rides through the Florida Everglades and a live alligator show. The airboat and swamp buggy rides are two distinct experiences, separate from the show.
Sugar Express regularly offers excursions between Sebring, Lake Placid, Clewiston, and places in between. The specific offerings vary by event. If you’re planning a ride, check the dates for your preferred travel period.
Discover more destinations: Clewiston, LaBelle, Port LaBelle, Walton, Orange, Columbia County, Manatee, Nassau.
Return to the main travel overview: Florida.
