Location: Okeechobee
Top Things to do in Okeechobee
What to do and see in Okeechobee, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Okeechobee (US: /oʊkiˈtʃoʊbi/) is a city in Okeechobee County, Florida, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 5,621, reflecting an increase of 245 (+4.6%) from the 5,376 counted in the 2000 Census. It is the county seat of Okeechobee County. The Lake Okeechobee area was the site of the worst effects of the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, the first recorded Category 5 hurricane in the North Atlantic and still one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to strike the US.
Restaurants in Okeechobee
1. Arnold's Wildlife Rehabilitation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By zootenval - Okeechobee, Florida
Having recently retired to Okeechobee, we finally visited Arnold's Wildlife Rehabilitation today. This not a zoo, but a rehabilitation center for all manner of animals and birds. According to their website, over 1,000 animals pass through the center eeach year for rehabilitation, and there are 300 permanent residents with safe homes for the remainder of their lives. We saw an impressive number of different species, including camels, wallabys, lemurs, marmosets, panthers and many more. We were shown some of the babies being reared...a Great Horned owlet, a baby opossum, dove, vulture, raccoon and river otter...the owners and team working their are terrific, and their passion shows...we will definitely be back, and are exploring volunteer opportunities...
2. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Granlobo - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We had a lovely 2-night stay here.
The rangers and the host (Billy!) were very nice and helpful. Billy was the most friendly and helpful campground host we've ever encountered (without being over-bearing in any way)...he was great.
In the "family" section we observeed a double-rainbow, deer, and some pretty intense sunlight/heat.
We also encountered a large group of young people on an organized "trip" of sorts...they were OK, but it was more activity than we were hoping for in the middle of the Florida Prairie...so we went back to the "equestrian" area for our second night.
Absolutely gorgeous (shaded) spot under beautiful trees...saw a gator along the road...well-kept...and ended up having a lovely cookout with some relatives who visited us from in-state.
The mosquitoes were low-key and basically a non-issue during the daytime, but my attempt to "star-gaze" at night lasted about 2 minutes until I went back in the camper...so I can't comment much about the "dark sky" aspect of the preserve. :)
This state park preserve is for REAL camping/stargazing/peace & quiet. It's a 20+ minute ride out to a very basic, country store...so bring what you need.
A neat place that we'd visit again on our way through.
3. Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area Trailead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Brianmcgs - Orlando, Florida
Being from the north, my hubby and I were delighted to take a morning stroll in the January sunshine in this beautiful preserve. We saw water fowl of many kinds and of course gators. We felt safe in the area and the availability of a restroom was nice. We would have like to bring our little dog with us. Pets are prohibited which is the only negative.
4. Seminole Casino Brighton
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By LBG8ator - Rockledge, Florida
Always try to visit this little casino on our way to Estero or on our way back to East Coast. Clean...mostly smoke free. Friendly and courteous staff. Clean environment. Extensive offering of slots. Restaurant is ok, but prefer to eat elsewhere. Small bar area providing beer, wine and alcohol. Bingo area has smoke free area with slots. Also, small cafe in area offering sandwiches at reasonable prices.
5. The Big O Flea Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Fred L - Deltona, Florida
Because I had spent so much good time here back in the 90's, I looked forward to this visit. Little did I know that the horse skeleton out front would be more indicative than humorous. The best word I can come up with is depressing, Many booths occupied by somber-faced women offering unsorted stacks of what looked like thrift shop rejects pretty much set the tone. What few vendors there were with decent merchandise were high-priced and unwilling to bargain. This one is off my list.
6. Fort Drum Crystal Mine
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By OK2122 - Great Barrington, Massachusetts
My boyfriend and I went to this place yesterday. It was really cool. The owner does a little orientation and teaches you about the history of the clams and fossils you can find there. He also will show you some really cool pieces he has found. I would highly recommend this place for someone interested in digging for these clams and fossils. It’s $60 to dig, and it’s totally worth it if you take your time. I however wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who expects to stop for a quick 20mins and find a spectacular piece. It could happen, but digging takes patience and time.
7. Animal Adventures
Overall Ratings
3 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By SpartanGirl3 - Dover, New Jersey
I based my plan to visit Animal Adventures in Lake Okeechobee on the stellar reviews here on Trip Advisor. We were so excited to visit. When we arrived at the address (given above) there was not a human being in sight. We saw many neighborhood dogs, a llama, some turkeys and a cat. The signage was AWFUL and confusing. The "sign" for Animal Adventures indicates to turn left off of SW Rucks Dairy Road but the address given is actually in a different spot. Even when we followed the sign, it didn't look like anyone was there (despite the hours being given as 11-4 on weekends).
We were so incredibly disappointed at this bust of a trip. We were prepared with donations and all. What huge disappointment. If those of you who have gone could provide more information on the details of this place it would be great.
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