Florida Scrub Jay

Oscar Scherer State Park

A hidden nature preserve for imperiled species surrounded by busy urban areas

Nature Center Will Be Open Daily

The nature center will be open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

No Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Canoe and kayak rentals will not be available at this time. We will not be offering the guided paddle on Wednesdays. Please check back later.

Prescribed Fire - Portions of Orange Trail & Yellow Trail Closures

Wednesday June 7, 2023: Oscar Scherer State Park will conduct a prescribed fire in the southeast portion of the park that will result in the closure of a section of the Orange Trail and portions of the Yellow Trail east of the Legacy Trail. Oscar Scherer's Big Lake on the Yellow Trial will also be closed. Trails will be temporarily closed in order to keep visitors and fire crew safe during fire activity and allow crews to patrol areas. Once the area is safe, the trails will be reopened for visitor use.

Trail closure takes effect immediately. Smoke may impact sections of the park, mainly east of the Legacy Trail. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Deanna 781-910-1576 or the ranger station at 941-483-5956.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

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Location

1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey FL 34229

Get directions

Contact Info

941-483-5956

Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park

Surrounded by urban areas, Oscar Scherer is an unexpected oasis providing visitors with a refreshing escape into natural Florida.

Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

A hidden gem surrounded by housing developments and major highways, Oscar Scherer plays an invaluable role in the preservation of Florida scrub-jay habitat. Bald eagles nest here in the winter, and in the summer, Lake Osprey attracts anglers and swimmers.

South Creek attracts anglers, canoers and kayakers. 

With 15 miles of trails, this park provides solitude, beauty, challenge and a healthy adventure for everyone. Oscar Sherer is a popular stopover for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail, making this an important place for the surrounding community and a worthwhile stop for travelers.

Plan Your Visit

Park Manager Matt Kruse
Learn

Manager's Message

Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park. We are committed to offering visitors an escape from daily life by welcoming you back to nature.
ADA launch
Learn

Canoeing and Kayaking

Enjoy the quiet beauty of nature as you take a serene paddle down South Creek. This tidal estuary is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Legacy Trail Bridge
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Best of Both Worlds

This is what people say when camping or visiting Oscar Scherer State Park. With 1,400 acres, 15 miles of trails and close proximity to shops, it’s easy to leave your troubles at the park gate and get away from it all.
A view of South Creek.
Service

Guided Paddle Along South Creek

South Creeks guided paddle takes you on a journey as you wind through the park. Learn about the estuarine critters, mangroves and the parks history along the way.
The Nature Center at Oscar Scherer State Park.
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Explore the Nature Center

The Nature Center offers interactive ways to learn about park programs, history and wildlife.
Initiative

Florida Park Fit

As people become more aware of the benefits of exercise, they are exploring alternatives to traditional gyms. Florida State Parks and Trails provide a wonderful opportunity for individuals and groups “to find their path to fitness.” 

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Oscar Scherer State Park Photo Gallery

Kayakers at Oscar Scherer State Park
Boardwalk at Oscar Scherer State Park
Big Lake Restoration Project

Big Lake Restoration Project

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Information
Haunted Trails

Come and get a little spooky with the Haunted Trails during the month of October.

Close
Information
Scrub Jay Run

Help support the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and participate in the 5-k run.

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Information
Oscar Scherer Perspective
South Creek Nature Trail
Lake Osprey Beach Pavilion
Florida Scrub Jay
Learn

Florida Scrub-Jay

It’s the state’s only endemic bird, which means the Florida scrub-jay is found nowhere else, and its need for a specific habitat is one reason why scrub-jay numbers are declining. The only bird species that requires a sandy, scrubby habitat to survive is the Florida scrub-jay.
A view of Lake Osprey with people dotted along the shore.
Learn

Lake Osprey and the Scrubby Flatlands

Lake Osprey is a human-made lake that attracts thousands of people throughout the year, and it's the only freshwater swimming lake in Sarasota County.

Upcoming Events

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Event

Father's Day Orienteering Event

Sun, Jun 18, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

Bring your dad to Oscar Scherer for a fun family event in his honor. Three courses are available. Compasses are provided for use during event on a limited basis. Preregistration is required.
Oscar Scherer

Osprey, FL

People Make the Parks

Diana kneels to take a photo.

Staff Spotlight

Diana Stinson has received the District 4 Joe Kenner Award for Interpreter of the Year.
Volunteers Steve and Lana Turner stand on the dock.

Volunteer Spotlight

Steve and Laura Turner are the recipients of the 2022 Special Event of the Year for Resource-Based Recreation.
Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park

Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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