Oleta River State Park

The Oleta River State Park is considered to be a well known tourist location as well as a relaxing place for the people of Aventura, Ojus and North Miami Beach to go to enjoy a creek, beach and nature trails. To explore the paths and creek lanes that were once used in the past for traders and federal troops who fought in the Second Seminole War. Even with the town of Ojus developing to a more modern stance, the Oleta River State Park still kept its natural charm and its natural wildlife adventures, everyone would come by to hike the trail paths, or go down the creek with their canoes to explore the creek itself and the nearby water around it.

From as early as 500 BCE, The Tequesta Native Americans settled on the banks of the river. The area was abundant in natural resources that assisted them in surviving in there. Spanish Explorers that encountered the area reported sighting bears, panthers, bobcats, deers, wolves, alligators and many other animals that were also part of the wildlife surrounding the river. in 1841 the Europeans named this river, Big Snake Creek. During the Second Seminole War the river was used by the Federal troops to travel south, though the conflicts of the Florida War brought many consequences and struggles to the Indigenous people.

In 1881, a captain from the federal troops explored the Big Snake Creek and was able to settle the area of North Miami, It wasn't until later on that people would eventually move further north and start to a newly formed town named Ojus. As it was witnessing a rise in growth of pineapple and vegetable farms during the 1890's. with the new developments between Biscayne Bay and the Everglades and the river now linking the two locations it became a well spot for expansion. eventually an Indian trading post was set up in what is known as Greynolds Park.

Big Snake Creek eventually had its named changed in 1922, going by the new name of Oleta River. later on in 1938 the Blue Marlin Fishhouse opened as a successful smokehouse, marina, and restaurant which then paved the way for the area's rising popularity. In 1980, The State of Florida eventually acquired Oleta River State Park in order to preserve and nurture the park's natural ecosystem.

“History” Florida State Parks. 2018. 2023

<https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oleta-river-state-park/history>

“A Mini History of Oleta River State Park” The Shoreline. 18 Oct. 2020. 18 Oct. 2020

<https://www.shorelinesolemia.com/life-at-sole-mia/blog/community/a-mini-history-of-oleta-river-state-park/>

“History of the Area” Oleta River State Park. 2023. 2023

<https://stateparks.com/oleta_river_state_park_in_florida.html>

"Oleta River State Park" The Landon. 2023. 2023

<https://www.thelandon.com/things-to-do/oleta-river-state-park>

"Nature and Wildlife in Oleta River State Park" America's State Parks. November 4, 2022

<https://www.americasstateparks.org/oleta-river-state-park/>