The Hamrick Butterfly Garden opened on June 30 of 2020 and it is the most recent addition to the…read morefive block Flagler Park that runs along the center of Main Street. The garden was created through a partnership between Okeechobee Main Street, Waste Management, Inc and the University of Florida's Okeechobee Extension Office's Florida Yards and Neighborhood Program. The garden is designed in four sections with red, white, blue, and yellow butterfly attracting flowering plants. The low maintenance plants were chosen by the Florida Master Gardeners and volunteers from Riverwoods Nature Center. They are drought tolerant and designed to exist on rainfall and not need further watering. Park benches made from 100 percent recycled materials were then added to the garden. The garden was built with donations from local businesses and the city is also selling personalized bricks that will be installed in the walkway. Installed in the garden are 8 large artist designed butterflies and 2 smaller student butterflies that were painted by Okeechobee High School students with the Grand Oaks assisted living center residents. I love how the real butterflies attracted by the plants mingle in and out of the butterfly sculptures. I saw several Monarch Butterflies circling around. You can get food, coffee, or ice cream from one of the restaurants lining Park Street and enjoy it in this tranquil oasis of nature.

I literally spent two hours on Father's Day just to see if this park was a Leathers & associates…read morepark like Jim Space in Arcadia. Sure enough!! Jim Space has a rocket-NASA theme, this is so Okeechobee it's not funny. The Mud-buggy playground, the boat, it's all right on par for the creativity of L&A and the uniqueness of Okeechobee. A well-deserved civic asset!

The playground at the Okeechobee Sports Complex is a well-hidden GEM, I tell you. I'm guessing all…read morethe locals know about it, but I did a couple of pretty thorough (or so I thought, anyway) internet searches and never came up with anything even remotely resembling a playground anywhere near here. Luckily, we have the awesome breakfast lady at Hampton Inn to tell us about such things. And even draw us a MAP. Score! :D I felt like I was privy to some insider info that I was most definitely Not Supposed to Have, which only makes it that much more cool. So this place is probably the most awesome true playground I've ever seen. Not like I'm a huge playground aficionado or anything, but still. It's this ENORMOUS collection of wooden fort-like structures with all kinds of slides and swings, tons of stuff to climb on and explore and have an absolute blast. The entire thing looks to be relatively new, and they definitely are keeping up with stuff like mulch on the ground and maintenance on the structures themselves (I saw a couple of pieces of newer wood, in comparison to the older more weathered stuff that the rest of it is built out of). There's a little area of sand, which kids looooooove and moms hate. Ugh, sand on my floorboards. And in his shoes. And his socks. And then the floor inside when he takes off the shoes. *laughing* There are also a couple of park benches along a little path for the moms to hang out, and a pretty large pavilion right there next to the play area with a whole bunch of tables, a water fountain, a Coke machine, and I'm guessing restrooms somewhere as well (Speculation! Pure speculation!). The good news / bad news is that this thing is huge and sprawling. Good news for the kids: bigger = better, and spread out = more room for running like wild beasts! But somewhat bad news for the moms: there's absolutely no way you can actually keep your child within eyesight without moving around, and moving around a LOT. The structures themselves prevent you from being able to see much more than little bits of blonde hair go running by, a glimpse of legs and shoes elsewhere... you get the idea. And that's fine, really -- I am perfectly okay with not being able to see my kid at Every Possible Second and don't feel the need to Helicopter parent him. But. BUT! The place isn't enclosed on all sides, and there's not a single stationary vantage point where you can ensure that your child hasn't wandered out of the area completely. I'm pretty laid-back about a lot of stuff, but I'm totally not okay with the idea that my kid could walk off (or be taken off, yikes!) while I idly sit in the shade sipping on a frosty beverage. Not a big deal with older kids, but at his age? Yeah. I still need to watch him like a hawk. Anyway, allllll of that was to say - moms, watch your little ones because they can slip right out the back side and you would never know it. And take note playground people, you could totally make this SO MUCH MORE SAFE by extending the fence line a little further around the back side so the only way in and out can actually be seen from one place, be it a bench or the pavilion or even hanging out on the sidewalk somewhere. I don't need creature comforts, I just need to be able to make sure my kid hasn't escaped. A few other things that keep it from being a whopping 5 stars as well. No shade for the kiddos, like every single playground ever in the history of mankind. I dutifully greased up the boy with sunscreen before heading out and of course he still ended up with a slight burn. And nothing that can really be changed on the part of the playground folks, but something for potential playground-goers to be aware of: at 215ish, there was a massive influx of teenagers that walked over after school and completely took over the pavilion. They weren't hanging out in the play area while we were there, but rumor has it that they're always there in the afternoons, and that they do sometimes decide it's fun to play on the equipment. Not sure if they get rough and rowdy or not (they were perfectly well-behaved in the few minutes we were all there together), but something to keep in mind if the "big kids" make you antsy. Because I'm lame and the only picture I took is crap cell phone quality and is only a portion of the entire play area, you can check out some pics at the page I pulled off the county website (and see some of the other little hidden playground areas too, those scheming playground-hiding punks!!), just scroll on down to the sports complex. And be warned, their photos don't do it any justice either: http://co.okeechobee.fl.us/sites/default/files/files/PRBallFieldsParksPlaygrounds030211.pdf All told? SUPER COOL playground. 5 starts from a kid's point of view, only 4+ stars from mom due to lack of shade and effective kid-containment.

After spending a couple of hours tucked inside the cozy atmosphere of a local coffee shop--savoring…read moreboth the caffeine and the quiet hum of conversation--I decided to switch gears and take advantage of the sunshine. Just a short walk away, I found myself at one of the picnic tables nestled in the shade. It felt like the perfect change of pace to get some work done outdoors, the gentle breeze rustling through the trees as I opened my laptop and settled in. This spot is located in the historic district of Okeechobee, a small yet richly storied area that offers far more than meets the eye. You definitely have to stop by here on your way through Okeechobee. The Veteran's Park includes a tank, a helicopter and more as well as Cattleman's Park with sculptures that are a tribute to the area's cattle ranching history. [Review 488 of 2025 - 2126 in Florida - 24050 overall]

Named for Henry Flagler who brought the railroad to Florida, Flagler Park is a passive park that…read moreruns down 5 blocks along the main street of town from Park Street to Hwy 70. Flagler Park contains one of the most impressive Veterans Parks that I have visited. The Veterans Memorial part of the park has a M60 battle tank, UH-1 Huey helicopter, 40mm cannons from WWII, and a torpedo. There is a memorial for local citizens who served in Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, and World War I and II. All of the flags from the different branches of the military are represented. The Veterans Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 2015. Engraved on a bench in the park is the phrase "For all who have served". At the opposite end from the Veterans Memorial is the newest section of the park, the Hamrick Butterfly Garden which opened on June 30th of this year. The garden contains 8 large artist designed butterfly sculptures along with smaller student designed butterflies. The sculptures are set among butterfly attracting plants that draw real butterflies to the garden. During my visit I saw several monarch butterflies fluttering around. Okeechobee stages may events during the year in the park. The Speckled Perch Festival is held on the second weekend in March every year. Other events include Arts in the Park and the Christmas Festival. Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day are holidays celebrated in the park. Flagler park is lined by historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. There is ample free parking on both sides of the street. You can get a takeout meal, coffee, or ice cream and enjoy it at the parks tables, benches, and gazebo. This park in the center of town adds to the charm of Okeechobee.

Named for the battle that took place here in 1837 during the Second Seminole War and it's nice that…read morethey have reserved the space as a park. That said, it is quite basic with very little to see. The park has a nice public restroom, a picnic pavilion that would usually be covered but has lost its thatch and there is a grill. A small parking lot. A display with pamphlets that explain the history is a nice add. Overall? I'd say skip this one unless you specifically want a picnic in the sun where there is open water and wildlife nearby. The caution sign for gators was enough for me to move on swiftly. [Review 443 of 2025 - 2086 in Florida - 24005 overall]

Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park is named for the battle fought here on Christmas Day in…read more1837 during the Second Seminole War. The park is located near Lake Okeechobee, the largest fresh water lake in Florida. The US Army were trying to round up the Seminoles to send them on the Trail of Tears out to Oklahoma. Although they were out numbered, the Seminoles understanding of the land allowed them to elude the government. This battle involved 1,000 volunteers and army soldiers against against several hundred Seminole and Miccosukee warriors along the northern edge of Lake Okeechobee. Troops of the 1st, 4th, and 6th Infantry Regiments were under the command of Colonel Zachary Taylor who after the Mexican-American War would go on to become president. This was the largest and bloodiest battle during the war. The Seminoles had setup on a high hammock that overlooked a dense saw grass swamp. As the troops approached they were able to inflict heavy casualties. Many of commissioned officers and noncommissioned officers were killed during the battle. After taking out about a third of the army, the Seminoles were forced to flee deeper in the the Everglades where they would hide for the next 10 years. During the battle the Seminoles lost only twelve warriors. The government declared themselves the winner of the battle but the Seminole were the only tribe never to sign a peace treaty with the US Government. The Okeechobee Battlefield was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and it was acquired by the Florida Park Service on November 30, 2006 with funds from the Florida Forever Program. In the 1980's, the National Park Service commissioned archaeological excavation which allowed them to more precisely narrow the battlefield area to 440 acres. The original Battle of Okeechobee marker in the park was erected in 1939 by Descendants of Colonel Richard Gentry, commanding officer of the Missouri militia who was killed by the battle, and the Florida Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Recently the park added a new chickee hut and a restroom. Every February a recreation of the battle is staged by volunteers. Admission is $10 and they have food, vendors, and demonstrations. That is really the best time to visit because there isn't a lot to see in the park normally. If you do want to visit at another time it is important to note that the park is closed on Monday and Tuesdays. I really enjoyed visiting this historical site and learning about the battle.

C. Scott Driver was an environmental champion for Lake Okeechobee. The fishing guide and lake…read moreactivist came to the public spotlight in 1985 when he demanded that the state clean up Lake Okeechobee. Conservationists fighting to save the lake took up the cause. Driver was a major influence on then governor Bob Graham who appointed a Lake Okeechobee task force that recommended plans to halt lake pollution and establish Florida's water clean-up law, the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act of 1987. Sadly Mr. Driver passed away from leukemia in 2021 but he is remembered as the heart and soul of the waters of Lake Okeechobee. His dedication to the largest freshwater lake in Florida is celebrated with this recreation area on the eastern shore of the Kissimmee River just north of the SR 78 bridge that was named in his honor. C. Scott Driver Park was created for the outdoor enthusiast. It has two stand-alone boat ramps with four singles lanes and 1 double lane. There are also four launch docks and a parking area for vehicles with trailers next to the restroom. While this recreation is enjoyed by boaters it is also a favorite of bird watchers. There are two places for birdwatching, one along the north bound Florida trail and the other on a trail along the Kissimmee River where you may spot great egret, ibis, snowy egret, cattle egret, little blue herons, and wood storks. C. Scott Driver Recreation Area is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.

The Kiwanis Club is an international civic organization founded in Detroit, Michigan, January 21,…read more1915. Originally named the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. the name changed to Kiwanis in 1916, after a Native American expression: "Nunc Kee-wanis" which translates to we trade. The organization was formed to help people professionally and personally through business networking but has since grown to include helping children and communities. The Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Indiantown and was chartered in 1971. Since many of the charter members were dairy farmers and ranchers, the club was originally a breakfast club so everyone could get to work. As the club grew in the 1980's the meeting time was changed to lunch. The Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee supports the children and youth through their many programs and with this park. Kiwanis Park is close to downtown where you can grab a coffee or a snack. Park amenities include a picnic pavilion which can be rented, playground area, two tennis courts, and a skate park. The park has plenty of green space for picnics and leisure activities, with shaded areas that are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Kiwanis Park is spacious and well-maintained, making it a perfect spot for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy some time outdoors.

The Florida Historical Marker Program is one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular…read moreand valued public history programs. It raises awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The blue historic markers tell the stories of the people and places that were important to Florida's history and they can be found in front of churches, schools, roads, archaeological sites, battlefields, and historically important buildings. I discovered this historic marker in front of the Raulerson's former cabin near downtown Okeechobee. Peter Raulerson was born September 1, 1857, in Bartow, Florida. In 1874 when he was 17, his family moved to Basinger where he met and married Louisiana Chandler in 1877. In October 1896 the couple traveled by covered ox cart with their children to a wilderness area three miles north of Lake Okeechobee known called the Bend along Taylor Creek. The area was chosen because it was high and dry, with water nearby and good quality soil. The Raulerson family was the first white settlers in this area where Peter worked as a cattleman. He fenced in 30 miles from Onoshohatchee River all the way to the Kissimmee River. The first building the family erected was a barn to protect there livestock from wild animals and they lived on the second floor for three years. Later friends arrived from Basinger and helped the family build a log home in three days. Peter and Louisiana lived in the cabin with their children. In 1916, the family built a larger house directly east of here where Peter lived until his death in 1947. Elements of the original log cabin are preserved within the structure of this home that was built for a descendants family in the 1920's. Members of the Raulerson family lived in the home until 2016 when the Okeechobee Historical Society purchased it to preserve it as part of their collection of historic buildings that include the Tantie Schoolhouse and the Primitive Baptist Church. The Raulerson family were an integral component of the development of early Okeechobee. In April 1902, the Raulersons helped establish the first post office in a suitcase under a bed. At that time the community was known as Tantie, in honor of Tantie Huckabee, a popular school teacher. The Raulersons daughter, Martha, served as the first postmaster followed by Peter in June 1902. Peter established a Star Route, a privately-contracted mail route, between Tantie and Fort Drum. In October 1911 after the railroad arrived it was decided that Tantie was not a proper name of a town and it was renamed Okeechobee. Peter established the first school in a palmetto shack 1898. In 1909 he helped build the Tantie School, which was School #14 of the St. Lucie County School System. Peter was a trustee of the first brick schoolhouse built in 1916. When the City of Okeechobee was chartered in 1915, he served as the first mayor appointed by Florida Governor Park Trammel. He also served as the first county commissioner from the area in St. Lucie County. He was instrumental in the establishment of Evergreen Cemetery where he and Louisiana are buried and he donated the land for the Primitive Baptist Church. Peter Raulerson passed away in 1947 at the age of 90 and Louisiana died one year later. The couple were survived by their children Lewis, Adline, Harmon, Melville, Faith, Ada, and Cornelius, 22 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and four great-great-grand-children. Many of the historic buildings in Okeechobee have a Raulerson family connection. In 2000, Peter was designated as a Great Floridian with a plaque in his honor placed at the Okeechobee City Hall. Historic Marker F-1028 was erected in 2018 by the Okeechobee County Historical Society, Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners, City of Okeechobee Descendants of Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson, Generous Community Members and Businesses, and the Florida Department of State.

We rented a canoe and opted for the 5-mile trip, although we arrived later in the day and had to…read moresettle for the 1:30 trip. Despite the timing, it was incredibly peaceful as the sounds of traffic faded away, leaving only the symphony of nature - birds, animals, and plenty of sightings of alligators and turtles.

Awesome time, great prices. Very friendly staff. I would recommend this place to any new kayakers,…read morealmost no current and a nice breeze.

The Florida Historical Marker Program is one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular…read moreand valued public history programs. It raises awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The blue historic markers tell the stories of the people and places that were important to Florida's history and they can be found in front of churches, schools, roads, archaeological sites, battlefields, and historically important buildings. I always enjoy discovering one of these blue historic markers which have taught me so much about the state I love. I discovered this one in the Evergreen Cemetery next to the graves of Okeechobee pioneers, Peter and Louisiana Chandler. To find the marker make a right when you enter the cemetery. It is located near the front. Peter Raulerson was born September 1, 1857, in Bartow, Florida. In 1874 when he was 17, his family moved to Basinger where he met and married Louisiana Chandler in 1877. In October 1896 the couple traveled by covered ox cart with their children to a wilderness area three miles north of Lake Okeechobee known called the Bend along Taylor Creek. The area was chosen because it was high and dry, with water nearby and good quality soil. The Raulerson family was the first white settlers in this area where Peter worked as a cattleman. He fenced in 30 miles from Onoshohatchee River all the way to the Kissimmee River. The first building the family erected was a barn to protect there livestock from wild animals and they lived on the second floor for three years. Later friends arrived from Basinger and helped the family build a log home in three days. In 1901, Louisiana gave birth to Cornelious Vanderbilt Raulerson, the first white child to be born in what would become Okeechobee. Legend has it that when he was playing outside she attached a cowbell to him to scare off the bears and panthers that roamed the area. In April 1902, the Raulersons helped establish the first post office in a suitcase under a bed. At that time the community was known as Tantie, in honor of Tantie Huckabee, a popular school teacher. The Raulersons daughter, Martha, served as the first postmaster followed by Peter in June 1902. Peter established a Star Route, a privately-contracted mail route, between Tantie and Fort Drum. In October 1911 after the railroad arrived it was decided that Tantie was not a proper name of a town and it was renamed Okeechobee. Peter established the first school in a palmetto shack 1898. In 1909 he helped build the Tantie School, which was School #14 of the St. Lucie County School System. Peter was a trustee of the first brick schoolhouse built in 1916. When the City of Okeechobee was chartered in 1915, he served as the first mayor appointed by Florida Governor Park Trammel. He also served as the first county commissioner from the area in St. Lucie County. He was instrumental in the establishment of Evergreen Cemetery and donated the land for the Primitive Baptist Church. Peter Raulerson passed away in 1947 at the age of 90 and Louisiana died one year later. The couple were survived by their children Lewis, Adline, Harmon, Melville, Faith, Ada, and Cornelius, 22 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and four great-great-grand-children. Many of the historic buildings in Okeechobee have a Raulerson family connection. In 2000, Peter was designated as a Great Floridian with a plaque in his honor placed at the Okeechobee City Hall. Marker F-825 was erected in 2014 by the Okeechobee Historical Society, The Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners, The Family of Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson, and the Buxton-Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home.