Facts About Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee, often called Florida's "inland sea," is more than just a large body of water—it's a critical part of the state's ecosystem, history, and economy. Spanning the heart of southern Florida, this freshwater lake plays a central role in water management, supports abundant wildlife, and serves as a hub for outdoor recreation.

Here are some fascinating facts about Lake Okeechobee that highlight its size, importance, and unique natural features.

Attribute	Details
Location	South-central Florida, USA
Type	Freshwater lake
Surface Area	730 square miles (1,890 km²)
Average Depth	8 to 10 feet (2.4–3 meters)
Maximum Depth	Approximately 12 feet (3.7 meters)
Diameter	Roughly 40 miles (64 km) across
Shoreline Length	About 135 miles (217 km)
Elevation	12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 meters) above sea level
Outflow	Canals to Caloosahatchee River, St. Lucie River, Everglades
Inflow	Kissimmee River, Fisheating Creek, Taylor Creek
Surrounding Levee	Herbert Hoover Dike (143 miles long)
Nearby Cities	Okeechobee, Clewiston, Belle Glade, Pahokee, Moore Haven
Famous For	Largemouth bass fishing, water management, Everglades source
Main Wildlife	Alligators, snail kites, ospreys, herons, largemouth bass
Swimming Allowed	Not recommended (due to alligators, algae, and vegetation)
Navigation	Boating allowed; marinas available
Recreational Activities	Fishing, boating, birdwatching, hiking, airboating
Scenic Trail	Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), 110-mile loop on dike
Name Origin	From Hitchiti words 'oki' (water) and 'chubi' (big)
Pollution Concerns	Nutrient runoff, algal blooms, agricultural discharge
Restoration Efforts	Part of Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)

1. It’s the Largest Lake in Florida

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Florida and the second-largest (entirely within the continental U.S.), after Lake Michigan.

• Area: Approximately 730 square miles (1,890 km²)
• Diameter: Roughly 40 miles across
• Shoreline: Over 135 miles in circumference

Despite its massive surface area, the lake is relatively shallow.

2. It’s Surprisingly Shallow

Although it looks like a small sea on maps, Lake Okeechobee has an average depth of only 8 to 10 feet (2.4–3 meters). Its maximum depth rarely exceeds 12 feet. This shallow nature makes it vulnerable to wind-driven waves that stir up sediments, affecting water clarity.

3. It's Known for World-Class Bass Fishing

Lake Okeechobee is a legendary destination for sport fishing, particularly largemouth bass.

• It’s ranked among the top bass lakes in the U.S.
• Professional tournaments like Bassmaster are often hosted here.
• Anglers also catch bluegill, black crappie (speckled perch), and catfish.

Fishing is a year-round activity, but winter and spring are peak seasons for trophy bass.

4. It Supports the Everglades

Lake Okeechobee serves as a critical water source for the Everglades, which lie to the south. Historically, the lake overflowed seasonally, sending fresh water south through a vast “River of Grass.” However, today this natural flow is managed by a network of canals, dams, and levees.

5. It’s Surrounded by the Herbert Hoover Dike

After the catastrophic 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, which killed more than 2,500 people due to flooding, the Herbert Hoover Dike was built around the lake.

• This 143-mile dike protects surrounding communities from floods.
• It also supports the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), a 110-mile walking and biking path around the lake.

6. It Has a Rich Indigenous History

The lake’s name comes from the Hitchiti words “oki” (water) and “chubi” (big), meaning “Big Water.” Native peoples like the Calusa and the Seminole lived around the lake for centuries, using its rich ecosystems for food and travel.

Artifacts and archaeological evidence found near the lake point to thousands of years of human occupation.

7. It’s a Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Lake Okeechobee is surrounded by wetlands and marshes that serve as crucial habitat for migratory and native birds.

Bird species frequently spotted include:

• Great blue herons
• Wood storks
• Snail kites (a rare raptor)
• Ospreys
• Roseate spoonbills

The lake is part of the Atlantic Flyway, making it an important stopover for migratory birds.

8. The Lake Is Not Safe for Swimming

Despite its appeal, Lake Okeechobee is not considered safe for swimming. Hazards include:

• Presence of alligators and snakes
• Sudden drop-offs or submerged vegetation
• Occasional toxic algal blooms due to nutrient pollution

Most visitors enjoy the lake through boating, fishing, or hiking along its dike rather than going in the water.

9. It Plays a Central Role in Flood Control and Water Management

Lake Okeechobee is at the heart of Florida’s complex water management system.

• It stores water for agricultural and urban use.
• It helps regulate floodwaters during hurricane season.
• Its discharges, via canals, affect coastal ecosystems in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.

This management has been controversial due to environmental impacts on the Everglades and estuaries.

10. It Has Pollution Challenges

The lake suffers from nutrient pollution, particularly from phosphorus and nitrogen runoff from agriculture and urban development.

• This has led to blue-green algal blooms, which can harm fish, wildlife, and humans.
• Efforts are underway through the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and other state initiatives to improve water quality.

11. Hurricanes Have Shaped Its History

Lake Okeechobee has been the site of devastating hurricanes, especially:

• The 1926 Miami Hurricane
• The 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane

The 1928 storm led to mass casualties due to storm surge and flooding. In response, federal engineers constructed the Herbert Hoover Dike.

12. It Has No Natural Beaches

Unlike coastal lakes or reservoirs, Lake Okeechobee has marshy, vegetated edges rather than sandy beaches. Recreational areas exist, but they typically consist of boat launches, parks, and fishing piers, not swimming beaches.

13. Several Small Towns Rely on It

The lake is encircled by several small towns, each offering a unique experience for visitors.

• Okeechobee City (north shore)
• Clewiston (southwest)
• Pahokee and Belle Glade (southeast)
• Moore Haven (west)

These towns depend on the lake for tourism, agriculture, and water supply.

Conclusion

Lake Okeechobee is more than a body of water—it's a complex, dynamic system that affects ecology, history, and life across southern Florida. From its vast expanse and wildlife-rich wetlands to its cultural significance and environmental challenges, this lake continues to be one of Florida’s most iconic and fascinating natural landmarks.

Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about Florida's geography, Lake Okeechobee never fails to impress with its sheer scale and importance.