Overview

Hype:

Built in the 1960s, this building was once a private airport with a hanger and restaurant. It was rather eye-catching from the road due to the passenger plane mounted to its roof as decoration. Later it was a service station. The building was eventually purchased by the National Park Service in the 1980s to be used as a visitor center. Today, the building serves as the Oasis Visitor Center. Inside, there are exhibits, educational materials, sales items, and an introductory film. Outside, you can find an accessible boardwalk that takes you along a canal that is a perfect place to spot an alligator or two! Staff are available to assist visitors with information about available activities.

Time:

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Features:

Visitor Centers
Displays
Shopping
Potable Water
Restrooms - Flush
Road Access is Paved

Links: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/oasis-visitor-center.htm

Location

Closest City or Region: Big Cypress National Preserve

Coordinates: 25.857419, -81.033565

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April 5, 2024 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Madilyn Dye,

Story

After finishing our Caribbean cruise, we caught a taxi shuttle to the airport where we picked up our rental car. We drove west to the Everglades and signed up for an airboat tour. We had a couple hours until that started, so we drove to the Shark Valley Visitor Center to pass the time. It ended up being too busy and there was a line to enter the park, so we went to Big Cyprus National Preserve instead. It was a bit of a drive, but Madi didn't mind because it gave her more time to listen to her audiobook (Ranger's Apprentice). We did their boardwalk hike and saw several alligators and birds and fish. Then we drove back for our airboat tour.