INDIANTOWN, FLORIDA

Indiantown, Florida is one of the newest villages in the state, being established in 2017.

It has a population of about 7,000 and is 24 miles southwest of Stuart and 14 miles east of Lake Okeechobee's Port Mayaca. 

Its status as a village may be new, but the community known as Indiantown has been there for many years. 

Seminole Inn
Wikipedia, by Sebas Torrente

Indiantown is located on the north bank of the St. Lucie Canal, one of the main links of the well known Okeechobee Waterway.

The waterway is the passage across Florida from Stuart on the Atlantic Coast to Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico.

The main highways entering Indiantown are State Road 710 that connects Okeechobee City to  West Palm Beach, and State Road 76 connecting Stuart to Port Mayaca.

The Seminoles established a trading post on this site in the 1800s. They chose this land because it was higher than the surrounding swamps and a good place to catch fish and hunt food.

White settlers began to move into the area in the 1890s, but the town didn't take off until the 1920s, spurred by the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s.

The biggest thing to happen was when the Seaboard Air Line Railroad came down to Indiantown from Coleman in west Central Florida. 

The head of the railroad was S. Davies Warfield, and his railroad passed through Indiantown on its way to West Palm Beach.

Indiantown Seaboard Airline Railway Station 1926

Warfield wanted to make Indiantown the southern hub of his railroad, and planned a modern city with paved streets, schools, housing, and a railroad station. 

The railroad station was built and so was a hotel, the Seminole Inn. 

Mr. Warfield's niece, Wallis Warfield, worked for him in the hotel.  She became famous years later as Wallis Warfield Simpson who married British King Edward VIII. 

The king gave up his crown to marry, in his words, "the woman I love", and they became the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and lived happily ever after in comfortable wealth in castles and villas all over the world.

Duke and Duchess of Windsor

The Florida Land Boom began to fizzle out big time in 1926 and S. Davies Warfield died in 1927.  The worst was yet to come when the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane nearly wiped out the area.

The glory days of Indiantown died before they had a fair chance to get off the ground.

Indiantown is not a fancy or pretentious town.  It has many modest homes in simple neighborhoods that reflect the working class nature of many of the people who live here. 

There is also a scattering of upscale homes living side by side with their plainer neighbors. 

A popular modern neighborhood is the Indianwood Golf and Country Club on the north side of town.

The town is self sufficient with a middle school, and a downtown area along SR-710, known as Warfield Boulevard, with many stores, shops and restaurants.

You will see a Dunkin's Donuts (important!), an auto parts store, a Little Caesars Pizza, Cracker's Cafe, a medical center, and a post office among many other enterprises. 

There is at least one great Mexican restaurant in Indiantown.

The Seminole Inn is still operating and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  It is a popular place to dine and enjoy some authentic Old Florida lodging. 

This historic place enjoys a high Tripadvisor rating for both food and lodging.

Young Lady With Eggs at Holy Cross Catholic Church

Holy Cross Catholic Church is an important center of community worship and activities. 

The young lady in the photo above is presenting some of the many agricultural products grown in the rich soils of the area.

INDIANTOWN, FLORIDA MARINE SERVICES

Because of its strategic location on the Okeechobee Waterway, Indiantown has developed a thriving marine service industry.

The Indiantown Marina is a popular stop for boats and yachts crossing the waterway. 

It is also a natural hurricane hole for boaters all over the state looking for a haven when those nasty storms are on their way.

Indiantown Marina

The marina has a full service boat yard, but also allows boat owners to work on their boats themselves.

In addition to full service boat slips, the marina has one of the largest dry storage facilities I've ever seen. 

I could easily spend a day walking among the boats stored up on the trailers or cradles awaiting their owners to come for them some day.

Another interesting place in Indiantown is the Payson Park Thoroughbred Training Center, which since 1957 has been a top thoroughbred winter horse racing training facility. 

The park has been refurbished and modernized by a new owner.

THINGS TO DO IN INDIANTOWN, FLORIDA

Timer Powers Park
14100 SW Citrus Blvd, Indiantown, FL 34956 | (772) 597-3321

Timer Powers Park is a beautiful outdoor space perfect for families and nature lovers. We enjoy the wide-open fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Visitors appreciate the scenic walking trails and the peaceful surroundings.

The park is great for sports, with facilities for baseball, soccer, and more. The covered pavilions are ideal for gatherings and events. It’s a wonderful spot for a relaxing day outdoors. 

DuPuis Management Area
23500 SW Kanner Hwy, Canal Point, FL 33438 | (561) 924-5310

DuPuis Management Area is a vast and scenic natural reserve just a short drive from Indiantown. We enjoy hiking the extensive trails and observing the diverse wildlife.

Visitors appreciate the opportunities for horseback riding, camping, and fishing. The area’s beautiful wetlands and pine flatwoods create a peaceful and picturesque environment.

It’s a great place to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities. The friendly rangers and informative signs make exploring the reserve easy and enjoyable.

Indiantown Marina
16300 SW Famel Blvd, Indiantown, FL 34956 | (772) 597-2455

Indiantown Marina, discussed earlier, is a popular spot for boating and water activities. We enjoy the convenient access to the St. Lucie Canal and the friendly, helpful staff.

Visitors appreciate the full-service facilities, including boat storage, repairs, and fueling. The marina’s peaceful setting and well-maintained docks make it a great place to relax by the water.

It’s perfect for a day of boating or a weekend getaway on the boat. The beautiful surroundings and excellent amenities ensure a pleasant experience.

Big Mound Park
15205 SW Indian Mound Dr, Indiantown, FL | (772) 597-3363

Big Mound Park is a great place for outdoor fun and community events. We enjoy the sports facilities, including baseball fields and basketball courts.

Visitors appreciate the playground and picnic areas, perfect for family outings. The park’s large open spaces are ideal for playing and relaxing.

It’s a wonderful spot for hosting gatherings and enjoying recreational activities. The friendly atmosphere and well-kept grounds make it a popular destination for locals.

Seminole Inn
15885 SW Warfield Blvd, Indiantown, FL 34956 | (772) 597-3777

The Seminole Inn, pictured and discussed earlier, is a historic and charming hotel offering a glimpse into Old Florida. We enjoy the quaint, comfortable rooms and the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors appreciate the delicious Southern cuisine served at the on-site restaurant. The inn’s beautiful gardens and historic decor create a unique and relaxing environment.

It’s a perfect place for a peaceful getaway or a special event. The friendly staff and cozy ambiance make every stay memorable.

Indiantown Rodeo
21479 SW Citrus Blvd, Indiantown, FL 34956 | (772) 597-2184

The Indiantown Rodeo is an exciting event that showcases the skills and traditions of rodeo culture. We enjoy the thrilling rodeo events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and roping.

Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and the chance to see talented cowboys and cowgirls in action. The rodeo is a great place for family fun and entertainment.

The friendly crowd and enthusiastic participants create a memorable experience. It’s a wonderful way to experience a piece of Western heritage right in Florida.

Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area
County Road 714, Indiantown, FL 34956 | (772) 597-5828

Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful natural area perfect for outdoor adventures. About one mile north of Indiantown take a right at CR 609. Go six miles to CR 714. Take a right on CR 714 and the entrance with the gated shellrock road will be on your left in a little over a mile.

We enjoy exploring the extensive trails and observing the abundant wildlife. Visitors appreciate the opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. The area’s diverse habitats, including wetlands and pine flatwoods, provide a peaceful and scenic environment.

It’s a great place to connect with nature and enjoy recreational activities. The friendly rangers and informative signs enhance the experience.

Indianwood Golf and Country Club
14007 SW Golf Club Dr, Indiantown, FL 34956 | (772) 597-3794

Indianwood Golf and Country Club is a top-notch destination for golf enthusiasts. We enjoy the well-maintained courses and the beautiful, serene setting.

Visitors appreciate the challenging layout and the friendly, welcoming staff. The club offers excellent facilities, including a clubhouse, pro shop, and dining options.

It’s a great place for a round of golf or a relaxing day at the club. The scenic views and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot to unwind.

Payson Park Thoroughbred Training Center
9700 SW Kanner Hwy, Indiantown, FL 34956 | (772) 597-3555

Payson Park Thoroughbred Training Center, discussed earlier, is a premier facility for racehorse training. We enjoy watching the majestic thoroughbreds in action. Visitors appreciate the state-of-the-art tracks and expert trainers.

The serene, well-maintained grounds provide an ideal environment for conditioning top racehorses. It's a must-see for equestrian enthusiasts.