LaBelle, situated along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River 45 minutes east of Fort Myers, is a Southwest Florida gem, where visitors can find outdoor adventures, rodeo excitement, and plenty of small-town charm.
LaBelle’s cowboy history dates back to the 1800s, and spectators can catch rodeo events at LaBelle Rodeo Arena. The multi-day LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival celebrates the community’s heritage and a food associated with Florida Cracker and cowboy culture: heart of cabbage palm.
Though its major festival celebrates the cabbage palm, LaBelle, the county seat of Hendry County, has been nicknamed the “City Under the Oaks” and “The Belle of the Caloosahatchee.” Downtown, visitors can stroll the oak-lined streets, shop, dine, and take the Downtown LaBelle Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour to learn about the area’s historic sites and buildings. LaBelle Nature Park, located in the downtown area along the river, offers kid-friendly activities in nature, including geocaching and gentle hiking on a short nature trail. Boaters can use the city dock or go five miles east of downtown LaBelle to Port LaBelle Marina — “where cowboys and captains collide” — for boat slips and access to both coasts, Gulf and Atlantic, via the Okeechobee Waterway.
For rugged land-based adventures, Spirit-of-the-Wild and Okaloacoochee Slough wildlife management areas have opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing. Hendry County also offers access to the Florida Everglades and Big Cypress Reservation, airboat tours, and famed Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest lake.
Plan your trip at Discover Hendry County.
FAMILY FUN
Spend an afternoon picking blueberries and visit the area’s parks and playgrounds.
MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Catch a performance at the community theater, watch a rodeo, visit the museum, and see art on display.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Enjoy the outdoors by land, water, and air.
WATERWAYS
Explore the scenic Caloosahatchee River and boat from coast to coast along the Okeechobee Waterway.
DINING
Relax with a craft cocktail or craft beer and indulge in
SHOPPING
Shop for clothing, antiques, and more.
PLACES TO STAY
Stay at a historic hotel, tranquil campground, or marina.
