Park Summary for Print - Koreshan State Historic Site

One of many antique door knobs at Koreshan.

Welcome to Koreshan State Historic Site

Throughout its history, Florida has welcomed pioneers of all kinds. Cyrus Reed Teed was probably the most unusual, bringing followers to Estero in 1894 to build New Jerusalem for his new faith, Koreshanity. The colony, known as the Koreshan Unity, believed that the entire universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere. The colony began fading after Teed´s death in 1908, and in 1961 the last four members deeded the land to the state. Today, visitors can fish, picnic, boat, and hike where Teed´s visionaries once carried out survey experiments to prove the horizon on the beaches of Lee County curves upward. A boat ramp and canoe rentals are available. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the settlement or a ranger-guided tour. For overnight stays, the park has a full-facility campground. Campers can enjoy campfire programs every Friday night from January through March. Located on U.S. 41 at Corkscrew Road.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Koreshan State Historic Site, please call 239-992-0311.

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Hours of Operation

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

Driving Directions

I-75 Exit 123 Corkscrew Road, head west 2 miles, cross U.S. 41 and continue on Corkscrew Road approximately 1000 yards to entrance of park. If traveling U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) Koreshan is located at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road at Estero.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Camping Fee:

$26.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.

Guided Tours

Koreshan Settlement ranger guided tours are available:

$2.00 per adult.

$1.00 per child.

Other fees:

$4.00 boat ramp, plus entrance fee.

$10.00 dump station, plus entrance fee, for non-registered campers.

$5.00 per hour plus tax, canoe rental.

$25.00 per day plus tax, canoe rental.

Activities at Koreshan State Historic Site

	Boat Ramp A boat ramp is available. Maximum boat length 24'. Pet Policy
	Campfire Circle Campers can enjoy campfire programs on Saturday nights from December through March. Pet Policy
	Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing is a popular activity here in the park. The river is a brackish tidal waterway which leads to the Estero Bay approximately 3 miles west. Bring your own, or rent a canoe here. Please stop at ranger station. Pet Policy
	Facilities Restroom facilities are located in the Settlement, and picnic area and in the Camp Ground. Facilities are ADA accessible. Pet Policy Participation Requirements Koreshan has ADA access to 5 of the major buildings in the historic site. The Art Hall, Founders Home, Planetary Court, Large Machine Shop all have ramps and the Generator building has concrete up to the double doors with a wide viewing section for groups or wheelchairs. The shell paths in the settlement are hard pack shell and considered ADA accessible
	Fishing There are several spots along the river for fishing. The Estero River is brackish with snook, mullet, redfish and other popular game fish. Freshwater bass can be found as you paddle inland away from the Gulf. The Estero Bay is located about 3 miles by canoe down the river. It offers abundant saltwater fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The bay is home to bottlenose dolphins, manatees and several game fish. Pet Policy Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping The park has 60 wooded campsites. Twelve sites are designated tent camping only and located next to the Estero River. All sites have electric, water, grill/fire ring and table. Pets are permitted in the campground overnight with current vaccination papers Pet Policy. A wastewater dump station is available for RV campers. A centrally located bathhouse has a utility area with a washer, dryer and sinks. The community campfire circle is for group use, seasonal interpretive programs and camper get-togethers. A volleyball court is next to the campground. For more information on camping in our park simply click on the Reserve America link. Clicking on the park map or selecting one of the camping area links just below the park map will allow you to see a map of the individual campsite locations. Select any campsite icon to see a detailed description of the individual campsite and what it has to offer. 4 paved ADA campsites are available.
	Interpretive Exhibit Interpretive exhibits are available. For information on Programs and Tours: Ranger Programs and Tours Pet Policy
	Nature Trails The park features a Hiking Trail along the river and a Running Trail along the park boundary that takes you through a pine flatwoods habitat. Park Brochure - Map Pet Policy
	Picnicking The picnic area is located on the Estero River and is well shaded by Pine trees. Also found there are grills, restrooms and a playground. Pet Policy
	Playground For added enjoyment, the park has a children's playground located in the picnic area. Pet Policy
	RV's A wastewater dump station available for RV campers not registered in the park. Pet Policy
	Wildlife Viewing Bobcats, Grey Foxes, River Otters and Alligators are all found along the Estero River. During the Winter Manatees are found in our waters. Koreshan is great for bird watching as it is home to over a 100 bird species. Among them are Swallow-Tail Kites, Bald Eagles , Bobwhites, Belted Kingfishers and others. Pet Policy

Special Events for Koreshan State Historic Site

GHOST WALK
Date: Friday and Saturday, January 29th and 30th and February 5th and 6th. 4 walks each evening at 7:00, 7:15, 7:30 and 7:45.
Description: This is a guided tour of the historic settlement by the light of the moon. There are several stops along the way with short vignettes portraying Koreshan life.
Fees: $10 per person, reservations are required. Reservations start December 1st and can be made by calling 239-992-0311.
Contact: Call the park at 239-992-0311
ANTIQUE ENGINE SHOW
Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 20th and 21st from 9 am until 4 pm.
Description: The historic settlement will be alive with all kinds of antique engines, tractors, cars and machinery on display. Our 1926 Fairbanks Morse engine will be started on the hour each day.
Fees: Park entry fee applies.
Contact: Call the park at 239-992-0311
EARTH DAY
Date: Saturday, April 24th from 10 am until 3 pm.
Description: This event is provided by the Sierra Club and features many environmental exhibitors and vendors, with food, beverage and music throughout the day.
Fees: Park entry fee applies.
Contact: Call the park at 239-992-0311

Koreshan State Historic Site Ranger Programs

GUIDED TOURS OF THE HISTORIC SETTLEMENT
Saturday and Sunday at 10 am, daily January through March at 10 am.
$2 per adult, $1 children 12 and under. Purchase your ticket at the ranger station at least 15 minutes in advance.

Participation Requirements

Call 239.947.5255 for more details.
FAIRBANKS MORSE ENGINE DEMONSTRATION
Saturday, January through March at 11 am
At the generator building in the historic settlement. Volunteers will explain how the Koreshan’s generated their own electricity and state the 1926 diesel engine. In addition, there will be a demonstration of the Large Machine Shop. Park entry fee required.

Participation Requirements

Call 239.947.5255 for more details.
KORESHAN BREAD BAKING PROGRAM
Sundays at 1 pm
In front of the Bakery in the historic settlement. Volunteers will be baking the original Koreshan bread recipe in a Dutch oven over an open campfire or charcoal. Park entry fee required.

Participation Requirements

Call 239.947.5255 for more details.
THE FLORIDA CRACKER COWBOY
Thursdays, 11 am - January, February and March. In the picnic area.
The Florida Cracker Cowboy, cast iron Dutch oven cooking program featuring volunteers portraying Bone Mizell And Jake Summerlin. Park entry fee required.

Participation Requirements

Call 239.947.5255 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Koreshan State Historic Site

Koreshan State Historic Site History

The remains of an unusual pioneer settlement are preserved on the banks of the Estero River. In 1894, a religious visionary named Cyrus Reed Teed brought his followers from Chicago to Estero to construct a "New Jerusalem." Teed hoped it would become a city of 10 million people practicing the religion of Koreshanity.

Click on the link for more detailed information on the history of the Koreshans: Dr. Cyrus Teed and the New Jerusalem