Oscar Scherer State Park

Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park

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

This hidden gem is a refuge not only for visitors, but for the imperiled Florida scrub-jay, bald eagles and other birds that nest along the shores of Lake Osprey. Fifteen miles of trails and access to the iconic Legacy Trail make this a destination for hikers and bikers, while the lake invites swimming and fishing.

Visitors looking for wildlife will find that early and late in the day are the best times. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a tidal blackwater stream, which flows to a nearby bay. Canoes and kayaks can be rented. Try both freshwater and saltwater fishing from the creek banks, or anglers can fish the shores of Lake Osprey, which is also the park’s swimming destination.

Picnic areas are equipped with grills, and pavilions can be reserved for a fee.

A visitor center allows you to discover exhibits and videos about the park’s plants and wildlife. Fifteen miles of trails provide solitude, beauty, challenge and a healthy adventure for everyone. The Lester Finley Barrier Free Nature Trail, located in South Creek Picnic Area, is accessible to those with sight, hearing or mobility impairments. It has a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock, butterfly observation area and drinking fountain. The park also has access to the Legacy Trail. The paved rails to trails is suitable for walking, biking, jogging, or inline skating, and runs from Venice, Florida, to Sarasota and passing through Oscar Scherer State Park.