Between Orlando And Miami Is Florida's Laid-Back Village With Outdoor Attractions And A Nearby Lake

There is something charming about exploring rural Florida in search of the best underrated state parks and attractions, all the while spotting cattle and horses roaming along stretches of vast country roads. About halfway between Orlando and Miami, you'll find the quaint Village of Indiantown, where you'll see a wide variety of local wildlife in the surrounding natural spaces and experience a more laid-back pace of travel. This village is a popular destination for thoroughbred horse racing, outdoor recreation, and farm-to-table dining.

Driving to Orlando from Miami, you've probably seen signs for Indiantown on the Turnpike and Interstate 95 marking the halfway point of your journey. Originally a trading post for the Seminole community in the 1800s, Indiantown is best known for its cattle and citrus industries. Indigenous people settled in the area because of its vast fishing and hunting opportunities. Lush, grassy prairies provided a habitat for wildlife, and Lake Okeechobee offered a fertile fishing haven. 

The 20th century marked an era of growth for Indiantown, when the railroad began passing through town in 1924. Plans to turn Indiantown into a major hub resulted in the construction of an inn and other buildings, though development efforts waned after the Florida boom ended. The village saw renewed activity in the mid-20th century with cattle ranching and rodeo events. Indiantown was officially incorporated as a village in 2017. Today, it has a diverse population of over 6,600 and plays a crucial role in Martin County's agricultural industry.

Indiantown is known for its equestrian facilities, particularly the Payson Park Training Center, which is popular with the thoroughbred racing community. With several racing tracks and galloping trails, this full-service training center offers a variety of amenities. The Port Mayaca Polo Club is a popular spot to see horses in action and is open to the public during free tournament games. 

Timer Powers Park has an equestrian arena that guests can book for rodeo events and competitions, along with other outdoor amenities. The park sits on 37 scenic acres of lush, green land, equipped with paths for quiet walks and ample playground space for children. Visitors can also boat and fish here, with a pier and boat ramp available for visitor use.

The cattle industry is huge in this part of Florida, since grass grows year-round. For some local culture and fun, the Indiantown Rodeo is a public event where you can see cowboys in action, roping steers and riding broncos. Aside from Indiantown's bountiful horse and cattle industry, visitors can tour the fields and enjoy gourmet farm-to-table meals at Kai-Kai Farm. The farm serves as an event venue and offers guided tours and farm markets year-round.

Indiantown, located 109 miles north of Miami and 134 miles south of Orlando, is nestled just east of Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in the Southeast. Nicknamed Florida's "Inland Sea," this fishing paradise covers an area of 730 square miles. The lake is a crucial resource for surrounding farmlands and wildlife, providing irrigation and fresh water to the vicinity. While Okeechobee is a beautiful lake, it is not recommended for swimming — it's one of the top five Florida destinations with gator-infested waters. Despite its reptilian inhabitants, the lake offers a range of recreational activities beyond fishing.

As you can imagine, there are plenty of opportunities to see native birds and wildlife around this fertile oasis. The nearby Allapattah Flats provide a scenic backdrop for photography and birdwatching, home to a range of protected bird species, including wood storks and sandhill cranes. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding and hiking trails on the premises, meandering through marshlands and shady wooded areas. Hunting and camping are allowed in select areas of Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area; just make sure to brush up on the rules and regulations before visiting. 

Hunters can also stalk big game on the Florida prairie at Fox Brown Outfitters, a 4,000-acre hunting preserve. You'll have access to a variety of native and exotic wildlife, which you can get field-prepped, quartered, and cleaned for free. They also offer taxidermy services, in case you want to display your trophy at home after your Sunshine State safari.