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Oleta River State Park facts for kids

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Oleta River State Park
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Oleta River State Park - Entrance Sign.jpg
Entrance sign to Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is located in Florida
Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park
Location in Florida
Location North Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
Area 1,043 acres (4.22 km2)
Created 1986 (1986)
Governing body Florida State Parks
Website Oleta River State Park

The Oleta River State Park is a huge park in Florida, covering about 1,043 acres. It's located right on Biscayne Bay in North Miami, near the big city of Miami. This park is special because it has one of the largest groups of Casuarina trees, also known as Australian 'pine'. These trees are considered an invasive species in Florida, meaning they aren't native and can sometimes take over.

Discovering Oleta River State Park

The most important part of this park is the mouth of the Oleta River. The park is even named after it! People have lived near this river for a very long time, since about 500 B.C. Back then, Tequesta Native Americans used the river banks as a place to camp.

A River's History

Later, in 1841, U.S. troops used the river during the Second Seminole War. They called it Big Snake Creek. In 1881, a Navy Captain named William Hawkins Fulford explored the river further inland. As more people moved to the area in the 1890s, the name of the river was changed from Big Snake Creek to the Oleta River in 1922.

Fun Activities at the Park

Even though the Oleta River doesn't flow all the way to the Everglades anymore, it's still a super popular spot for canoeing. The park is also famous for having some of the best mountain biking trails in the country! Many triathlons and other exciting sports events happen here.

You can also relax on the beach along Biscayne Bay. If you want to get out on the water, you can rent kayaks. For those who love camping, there are even simple cabins available. Oleta River State Park is also home to one of Florida's AmeriCorps chapters, where people volunteer to help keep the park amazing.

Gallery

  • Miami FL Oleta River SP beach01

    Path to beach

  • Miami FL Oleta River SP beach02

    Picnic area by beach

  • Beach at Oleta River State Park
  • Miami FL Oleta River SP pier01

    Picnic area and pier

  • Miami FL Oleta River SP06

    Picnic area and paths

  • Oleta River State Park - Chrysobalanus icaco - Cocoplum fruit 03

    Cocoplum growing in Oleta River State Park - Fruit and branches

  • Oleta River State Park - Chrysobalanus icaco - Cocoplum leaves 01

    Detail of branches

  • Oleta River State Park - Chrysobalanus icaco - Cocoplum fruit 01

    Mature and immature fruits

  • Oleta River State Park - View of Marsh and Mangroves 01

    Marsh and Mangroves

  • Oleta River State Park - Mangroves

    Mangroves

  • Oleta River State Palm - Sabal Palm

    Sabal Palm growing in the park

  • Oleta River State Park - Wild Lantana flowers 02

    Wild Lantana flowers growing

  • Oleta River State Park - Wild Lantana flowers 01

    Wild lantana growing near road leading to entrance to park

  • Oleta Rive State Park - Swimming Beach

    General view of beach

  • Oleta River State Park - Underview of Bridge leading to the park

    Underview of bridge leading to the park

  • Oleta River State Park - Bridge piers protection barrier

    View of barrier underneath bridge to protect pilons

  • Oleta River State Park - View of Water underneath bridge

    View of water with sediments and oyster beds underneath Oleta River bridge

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