Oasis Visitor Center

Before it was a visitor center, the Oasis Visitor Center was a service station complete with a Lockheed Constellation on top.  Pictured in 1973.

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.

 

Exhibitions & Demonstrations
Exhibits are often on display in the Visitors Center throughout the year. Currently, the main lobby displays an exhibit titled "Alligator Wrestling: Danger. Entertainment. Tradition". The exhibit is on loan from the Seminole Tribe of Florida and highlights how alligator wrestling became a part of their unique and amazing culture!

Art exhibits are also appear regularly in the Oasis Auditorium, so check out what is currently on display.

Available Facilities
The Oasis Visitor Center is host to a Florida National Parks Association bookstore and shop, and outdoor public restrooms. Staff are available to assist visitors with information about available activities.

 

The modern visitor center.

NPS Photo

Phone
Phone systems at Oasis are currently down--please contact Reed Visitor Center (239-695-4758) with any questions

Address
52105 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141

Open seven days a week from 9:00am-4:30pm.

 

Off-Road Vehicle Office (Please note: The off-road vehicle office at Oasis Visitor Center is not open at this time. Permits and inspections will occur on a first-come first-served basis at the Nathanial P. Reed Visitor Center (33000 Tamiami Trail East. Ochopee, FL 34141) on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 9:00am -1:30pm. For questions relating to off-road vehicle use, please call 239-695-1117.) The off-road vehicle office is where visitors are issued a permit to drive off-road vehicles in the national preserve. Vehicle inspections and payment are performed at this office.

 

Please click on the image below for a virtual tour!

 

Click on the image for a virtual tour of the visitor center!