The Point Where The Most Counties Meet

America's Four Corners Monument lets guests stand in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah all at once, drawing about 250,000 people annually. Lesser known and rarer, Florida surpasses this multipoint with five counties converging at a single spot in Lake Okeechobee. The Big Water Heritage Trail leads through each of these five counties, passing waterfront parks and Old Florida towns. Along the way, airboat excursions let explorers reach the record-breaking quintipoint to experience all five counties at once.

America's Only Quintipoint

Lake Okeechobee is Florida's largest lake and the 8th-largest natural freshwater lake in the United States, covering roughly 730 square miles. Located on the south-central Florida peninsula, it contains the nation's only quintipoint, a point where 5 borders meet. 5 Florida counties surround the lake, whose interior is divided among them. The rare multipoint includes the counties of Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Martin, and Okeechobee.

A Controversial Split

Originally, Lake Okeechobee was completely located within the borders of Palm Beach County. By factoring the lake into its total area, the county secured significant state and federal highway funding. Florida's Legislature eventually recognized this disparity and initiated a bill to divide Lake Okeechobee among its 5 surrounding counties. Despite objections from Palm Beach, the property lines were changed in 1963.

How Is Lake Okeechobee Divided?

Lake Okeechobee is divided among its 5 counties like an uneven pizza. Although no physical boundaries exist on the water, many maps depict the divisions. The intersecting lines form triangular "slices," meeting near Lake Okeechobee's center. The sections range in size, with the largest being in Palm Beach County and the smallest being in Hendry County.

The Big Water Heritage Trail

The Big Water Heritage Trail winds through all 5 counties in Florida's record-breaking quintipoint. The scenic drive navigates around Lake Okeechobee, linking natural, recreational, historical, and cultural points of interest. Highway signs point to noteworthy stops, and drivers can stop by businesses to procure trail brochures. There are also many ways to reach the invisible point where the 5 counties meet in Lake Okeechobee.

Clewiston (Hendry County)

Many people begin their Big Water Heritage Trail drive in Clewiston, a town in Hendry County. Trail brochures are available at the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, and the town itself has plenty to see and do. Most know it as a gateway to Lake Okeechobee's southwestern shore. At the Roland Martin Marina, visitors can rent boats, book fishing guides, and board Lake Okeechobee Airboat Rides and Eco-tours.

Clewiston is also known as "America's Sweetest Town." Although the nickname comes from its thriving sugar cane industry, Southern hospitality is also on hand. During its annual Clewiston Sugar Festival in March, all are welcome to join in the fun. The multi-day event celebrates the local harvest with live music, food booths, and sugarcane grinding demonstrations.

Lake Okeechobee Park (Okeechobee County)

Lake Okeechobee is a famous freshwater fishing destination, supporting large populations of largemouth bass. Shore angling is a popular pastime at Lake Okeechobee Park on the lake's northern shore. Herons and ospreys can often be spotted here, attracting birders and wildlife photographers. An observation deck and pavilion stretch into the lake, providing panoramic views and ample space for angling.

Okeechobee Airboat Rides (Okeechobee County)

Elsewhere in Okeechobee County, Okeechobee Airboat Rides lets passengers "Experience the Wild." The agency tailors their airboat adventures, ranging from family-friendly tours to rides through the lake's untamed interior. Departing from the Okee-Tantie Marina, the tours last 1 to 1.5 hours, led by skilled guides who narrate the trip. Passengers can spot a range of local wildlife around the quintipoint, including alligators and wetland birds like the great blue heron.

Moore Haven (Glades County)

The Caloosahatchee River and Lake Okeechobee converge in Moore Haven, a peaceful recreation hub. The Glades County seat has plenty of ways to explore its outdoors without Florida's usual crowds. Riverwalk Park has fishing docks and picnic pavilions with views of the Caloosahatchee. Nearby, Moore Haven Park also hugs the waterway with picnic shelters and a playground.

Further inland, Moore Haven's compact downtown is an inviting place to recharge before hopping back on the Big Water Heritage Trail. Olde 27 Coffee serves unpretentious drinks and bites next to the historic Glades County Courthouse. Built in 1926, the Classical Revival-style government building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Port Mayaca Lock & Dam (Martin County)

The Port Mayaca Lock & Dam is a sightseeing locale in Martin County. The site offers unobstructed, sweeping views of Lake Okeechobee's eastern shore where it joins the St. Lucie Canal. Lawn picnics and waterfront walks are a few ways to breathe in its views. The Canal Point attraction is also a gateway to the Florida Trail Port Mayaca Recreation Area Trailhead to hike Lake Okeechobee's eastern shore.

Pahokee Marina & Campground (Palm Beach County)

Palm trees line the Pahokee Marina and Campground on the south-eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee. Both are open year-round, pairing 125 pet-friendly campsites with a full-service marina. Whether spending the night or resting off the Big Water Heritage Trail, the sunsets here are a must. Lakefront strolls, shore fishing, and paddling are just some of the ways to unwind at this Palm Beach County attraction.

Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (All 5 Counties)

The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) is a multi-use path that travels through all 5 counties around Lake Okeechobee. Part of the longer Florida National Scenic Trail, this roughly 110-mile route is a majestic way to see the lake. It can be hiked, biked, or ridden on horseback year-round.

The trail sits atop the Herbert Hoover Dike at a roughly 30-foot height. Lake views are complemented by the sights and smells of sugar cane fields and orange tree groves. Wildlife spotting is also frequent along this route, ranging from wading egrets to sunning alligators.

A Five-County Adventure

Reaching Florida's quintipoint isn't as easy as stepping into the Four Corners Monument. Still, the rare multipoint is worth exploring for its setting in beautiful Lake Okeechobee. While the boundaries are invisible, the lake's 5-slice divide lets each county spotlight itself. Driving the Big Water Heritage Trail lets people explore America's Sweetest Town and the mid-lake quintipoint all in the same day. Along the way, other quiet waterfront parks and Old Florida towns make this 5-county drive even more memorable.