The Park opened its gate on August 22, 1986 and welcomed its visitors to a peaceful scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. At 1032 acres, Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in the state. Located on Biscayne Bay in northeast Dade County, the most prominent natural feature of the park is the Oleta River, for which the park is named.

HISTORY

The beauty of the river has drawn man to its banks for centuries. As early as 500 BC, the river was home to the Tequesta Indians who camped along the river's shore. The estuary provided them with a rich and varied diet. When Spaniards first visited the area they encountered bear, deer, panthers, bobcats, wolves, alligators, manatees and numerous birds and small animals.

In 1841, the river was named Big Snake Creek and was part of the route used by Federal troops in the Second Seminole War to travel south from Loxahatchee.

In 1881, Captain William Hawkins Fulford explored the river and settled further inland in the area known today as North Miami Beach. Once "discovered", other settlers ventured north from Miami and by the 1890s, pineapple and vegetable farms had sprung up along the river in the newly formed town of Ojus. The river linked the Everglades with Biscayne Bay. An Indian trading post was established at what is now Greynolds Park. In 1922, Big Snake Creek was renamed the Oleta River by developers.

NATURE

Today, the Oleta River no longer connects north into the Everglades but its beauty and splendor lives on. Waterbirds feed along the mangrove-lined shore and the endangered West Indian Manatee and the North American Crocodile find refuge from south Florida's crowded waterways.

RECREATION

With miles of bicycle and canoe trails, a sandy swimming beach, shaded picnic pavilions and a fishing pier, Oleta River State Park offers visitors an outstanding, outdoor recreational experience within the confines of urban south Florida. Recreational activities including picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, bicycling, mountain biking and jogging. Nine covered picnic pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be rented by reservation. Contact the park office for fees and availability.

For more information: Oleta River SRA 3400 N.E. 163rd Street North Miami, FL 33160 The park also offers visitors another way to escape from the city with 14 primitive cabins that are available to rent. Most of the cabins are equipped with one double bed, a bunk bed and air conditioning. Cabin #1 is handicapped accessible. Cabin #2 has one double bed only. Cabin #3 has 2 sets of bunk beds. While there are no kitchens or bathrooms in the cabins, a bathhouse, with hot showers, is centrally located. Linens are not provided. The cabins rent for $50.85 per night, tax included. For availability and reservations, please contact ReserveAmerica at www.ReserveAmerica.com or 1-800-326-3521

Manager's Message Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in the State of Florida and we are Miami's best kept secret.  We are home to many activities that you would not think you could do right in the center of Miami.  Come and kayak through the pristine mangrove forests, it is a nice peaceful paddle where you can see a large variety of waterbirds and sometimes dolphin and manatee.  For those of you who want something a little more strenuous, we have approximately 15 miles of mountain bike trails ranging in skill level from novice to advanced.  Some of our other activities include swimming in our beautiful man made beach, fishing from our fishing pier, strolling through our butterfly garden or bringing your friends and family out for a picnic.  If you want to make a weekend out of it, we offer rustic log cabins for camping.

Come and visit, we have something for everyone!

Steven Dale, Park Manager

Hours of Operation Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions Oleta River State Park is located at 3400 N.E. 163rd St, off I95 in North Miami Beach.

Park Fees Please call the Park for information at 305-919-1846. Oleta River State Park

3400 N.E. 163rd Street North Miami, Florida 33160 Phone: 305-919-1846 Fax: Contact Park for Number

Citizen Support Organization

Oleta River Adventure Association, Inc. 3400 NE 163rd St. North Miami, FL 33160