History

Temporary Trail Closures

Mountain bike trails are occasionally closed for maintenance at Oleta River State Park. Check with the ranger station for updated trail availability.

The fishing platform at Blue Marlin is closed. The fishing pier at Oleta River State Park is open.

 

Park Capacity

This park frequently reaches capacity, especially on weekends. If the park closes due to capacity issues, it will not reopen until the following day. Please consider this when planning your visit. 

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 in the area known today as North Miami. 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. The historic Blue Marlin Fish House Restaurant was established in 1938 as a commercial fishing operation and evolved into a smokehouse until the 1980s. Reopened in 2007, the Blue Marlin offers tasty smoked fish and wraps.

Former Governor Bush

The Florida Forever Bill was created to assist the state in purchasing environmentally significant conservation and recreation lands.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, champion of the Everglades, was a regular visitor at Oleta River State Park from its opening in 1986 and was also in attendance for the opening ceremony.

Former Governor Graham

The state of Florida acquired Oleta River State Park for the purpose of protecting and restoring the natural and cultural values of the property to benefit Floridians. The original acquisition took place in March 1980 and several individual parcels have been added since then, with a total park acreage of more than 1,000 acres. The Florida Park Service manages Oleta River State Park, which provides outdoor recreation compatible with conserving and protecting the property.

Historic Blue Marlin

The Blue Marlin was a thriving smokehouse, fish house, marina and restaurant that opened in 1938. The original owner of the Blue Marlin, Daniel Diefenbach, was mayor of North Miami Beach in the 1950s. Visitors to Oleta River State Park can still get a great meal at the Blue Marlin.

Oleta River

Thousands of years ago, Tequesta Indians situated their settlement camp on the river. Known in the 1800s as Big Snake Creek, the waterway was renamed the Oleta River by developers in 1922.