Lakeport, in northern Glades County along the northwestern shore of Lake Okeechobee, was founded in 1913 and originally known as the Lakeport Colony.

A dock was constructed on Lake Okeechobee at Lakeport and freight and mail was received while produce, fish, fur, and skins were shipped out, causing Lakeport to be named the “fish capital” of Florida when the railroad reached the city of Okeechobee in the early 1900s, allowing shipping to northern states.  The fish in the lake in the early days consisted of catfish, gar, shad, blue gills and crappie or speckled perch (speck), as they are known here, and bass.  Due to large scale seine netting in the early years of pioneer settlement around the lake, bass is the predominant species left, making Lake Okeechobee the “Bass Capital” of the world.

Celebrated by duck hunters and fishermen, the Lakeport Lodge on Lake Okeechobee’s Rim Canal has 24 rooms and is proximate to the Duck Pub Restaurant. Next door, you’ll find Beck’s Store, where you’ll find all the fishing tackle you need as well as hunting supplies, before you drive down to the Margaret Van de Velde/Harney Pond boat ramp, which boasts boat ramps, picnic tables and restrooms and a boardwalk offering a breathtaking view of Lake Okeechobee. Other local favorites are Cheers and Beers, or visit the Twin Palms Resort. Or try the Aruba RV Resort, home of the Aruba Café/Tiki Hut, which features a Friday night catfish, crab cake, and shrimp skewer dinner.

If you prefer a guided fishing or hunting experience, drive a little further north and visit Chappy’s Outfitters in the Northlake Estates Shopping Center, before visiting The Hide Out Café at North Lake Estates RV Resort, a hidden jewel but a local favorite. Steak and seafood get top billing here, with a prime rib special on Saturdays.

Lakeport hosts the annual Sour Orange Festival, the second Saturday in January each year, which features the celebrated “Sour Orange Dessert Contest,” in which residents and visitors alike are encouraged to enter desserts using the wild oranges which give the festival its name.