Oscar Scherer State Park

Oscar Scherer State Park offers visitors a number of recreational activities, as well as a preserve of Florida's natural habitat and wildlife. Several threatened species, including the Florida Scrub-Jay call the park home. Bald eagles, bobcats, river otters and alligators can also be seen in the park.For bicycle enthusiasts the park offers several trails totaling approx. 15 miles. Mountain bikes are recommended due to the sandy nature of many of the trails.

Canoeing in South Creek is one of the more popular activities at the park. You can bring your own, or rent a canoe or kayak by the hour or day. South Creek, fed by rainfall, flows through the park and out into the Intracoastal Waterway which leads out to the Gulf of Mexico. A variety of wildlife can be seen from a canoe or kayak including heron, egret and other wading birds.

Oscar Scherer wouldn't be a Florida State park without fishing. Lake Osprey, inside the park, is a 3 acre freshwater lake offering anglers a chance to catch bream, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish. A fishing license is required for anyone over 15 and can be purchased at most bait and tackle shops or at the Sarasota County Tax Collector's office just up the road across from Sarasota Square Mall about 4 miles north.

Picnic areas are available in the park along with picnic tables, charcoal grills, pavilions and a playground. The South Creek picnic area has a restroom, pavilion and canoe launch. At Lake Osprey, there's a bathhouse and nature center and a small swimming beach on the lake.

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.