When it comes down to it, Florida has a ton of natural lakes. In fact, there are nearly 8,000 natural lakes in Florida that have a surface area of at least one acre. But out of all of those beautiful lakes, which one is the largest? Lake Okeechobee, of course. Lake Okeechobee in Florida clocks in at 448,000-acres, making it the fourth-largest natural lake in the country and easily the largest in the state. Take a look…

Lake Okeechobee in Florida is the largest freshwater lake in the state, making it a real natural gem.

Flickr B A Bowen Photography

But beyond the statistics making this lake so impressive, it’s the sheer natural beauty that is what makes visiting so remarkable.

Flickr Ronald Woan

The name Okeechobee is a combination of the Hitachi words oki (water) and chubi (big).

Flickr Ronald Woan

Covering 448,000 acres of space, roughly about 700 square miles of surface area, there are plenty of ways to see and enjoy this magical lake.

Flickr dconvertini

It isn’t just the lake itself that is a true staple for Floridians, but also the wildlife that calls this lake home that makes it so special.

TripAdvisor Capt. Kenny Elkins

Alligators, rare birds, reptiles, amphibians—whenever you visit, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of many.

TripAdvisor Capt. Kenny Elkins

Visiting during differing times of year will yield different experiences, for instance, when you visit during summer you’re likely to catch large fields of American Lotus in bloom.

TripAdvisor Capt. Kenny Elkins

For those visitors who don’t even know where to start, don’t worry—you can take a ride along with Okeechobee Airboat Rides and get a fully narrated tour of the area.

TripAdvisor Capt. Kenny Elkins

Enjoy marveling at the sunset as it dips below the vast horizon when you visit the natural gem that is Lake Okeechobee.

Flickr Ronald Woan

Have you ever visited Lake Okeechobee before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you want to learn more about how to visit Lake Okeechobee, make sure to visit the Visit Florida page.

Flickr B A Bowen Photography

Flickr Ronald Woan

Flickr dconvertini

TripAdvisor Capt. Kenny Elkins

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA