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.
Get more information on making a reservation.
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 Fees
$4.00 for up to 8 people per car. $3.00 single occupant.
All Year: $22.00 per night plus tax
Guided Tours
Koreshan Settlement ranger guided tours are available:
Adult $2.00 - Children $1.00
Self guided tour booklets or audio tapes are included with admission to the park. Inquire at the ranger station.
Boat Ramp $3.18 plus entrance fee
Dump station $6.00 plus entrance fee
Canoe Rental $5.30 per hour, or $26.50 for all day
Activities at Koreshan State Historic Site
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Boat RampA boat ramp is available |
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Campfire CircleKoreshan State Historic Site has a campfire circle located near the campground by the Estero River. Every Friday night from January to March park ranger's give a slide program about natural history, the environment and other subjects related to the park service. The area is also used for scout groups to have meetings and events. Also during the winter every Saturday morning, camper's coffee is offered to campers. Donations are accepted. |
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Canoeing & KayakingCanoeing 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. |
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FacilitiesRestroom facilities are located in the Settlement and in the Camp Ground. Facilities are ADA accessible.
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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.
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Full Facility CampingThe 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 and 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. The large picnic area has a nature trail, small playground, restroom, many grills and tables. The Estero River borders the park and flows into the Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. There is a boat ramp and canoes are available to rent. The Koreshan Historic Settlement is open daily with guided tours on weekends. 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. |
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Guided Tours
Koreshan Settlement guided or self-guided walks are available.
Adult - $2.00
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Interpretive ExhibitInterpretive exhibits are available |
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Nature TrailsThe park features a Hiking Trail along the river and a Running Trail along the park boundary that takes you through a pine flatwoods habitat. For more information on Nature Trails at parks in this area go to Mound Key Archaeological State Park and Estero Bay Preserve State Park and click on the Activities link.
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Pet CampingPet camping is available at Koreshan State Historic Site. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 10:00 p.m. 08:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating, or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as, reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground. |
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PetsPets are allowed in this park's campground and visitor recreation areas. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law. |
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PicnickingThe picnic area is located on the Estero River and is well shaded by Pine trees. Also found there are grills, restrooms and a playground. |
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PlaygroundFor added enjoyment, the park has a children's playground located in the picnic area. |
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RV'sRV camping is available in the park and there is a wastewater dump station available for RV campers. |
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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. |
Special Events for Koreshan State Historic Site
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A READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Date: Saturday, July 5th, 2008
Description: Pack a picnic lunch, and bring the whole family for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Estero Historical Society together with Koreshan State Historic Site, will offer a reading on Saturday, July 5th, 2008, within the park. The event will start at 10 am with the reading about 11 am. The historic settlement will be open for self guided tours along with the nature trail and canoe rentals. For more information or special assistance call the Ranger Office. July 5th Celebration Flyer
Fees: Park entry fee is waived. Canoe rental fees still apply.
Contact: Call the park at 239-992-0311.
Koreshan State Historic Site Ranger Programs
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CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS
Fridays, Janurary - March Sunset During the first hour after sunset, camping guests will enjoy campfire programs on varying subjects about the Real Florida. Programs last about 30 minutes and are usually illustrated with color slides.
Call (239) 992-0311 for more details. -
GUIDED TOURS
Year round - 10 AM Saturdays & Sundays Park admission plus tour fee, $2/adult and $1/child for ages 12 and under. Register at the ranger station. Join a park ranger and learn about the Koreshans, their unique ideas, and their pioneering spirit as you walk through the remains of this pioneer settlement. Buy your ticket at the Ranger Station at least 15 minutes prior to the tour.
Call (239) 992-0311 for more details. -
BREAD-BAKING DEMONSTRATION
Sundays, January thru March from 10 AM until 1 PM. Learn how to make the famous Koreshan Risin’ Bread in a Dutch oven over a campfire. The demonstration will be outside the Bakery in the historic settlement.
Call Call (239) 992-0311 for more details. for more details. -
FAIRBANKS MORSE ENGINE DEMONSTRATION
Saturdays, January through March at 11 AM Learn about the engine and Koreshans generating electricity in the settlement, ending with the 1929 engine being started and run.
Call Call (239) 992-0311 for more details. for more details. -
GUIDED BOTANICAL TOURS
Tuesdays, January thru March at 1 PM. Take a guided walk through the Koreshan gardens with a naturalist and learn about the exotic plants and trees in the gardens. Meet at the Founders Home.
Call Call (239) 992-0311 for more details. for more details. -
DUTCH OVEN BREAD BAKING
Tuesdays, January thru March at 11 AM Learn about Dutch Oven cooking with a volunteer using the original Koreshan bread recipe, and sample Koreshan bread baked over an open fire. Takes place in the picnic area.
Call Call (239) 992-0311 for more details. for more details. -
CAST IRON COOKING AND STORY TELLING
Thursdays, January through March at 11 AM Learn more about Dutch oven cast iron cooking and local history with a sample of cobbler at the end. Takes place in the picnic area.
Call Call (239) 992-0311 for more details. for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koreshan State Historic Site
Koreshan State Historic Site History
Click on the link for more detailed information on the history of the Koreshans: Dr. Cyrus Teed and the New Jerusalem
Koreshan State Historic Site Volunteer Information
Visit the Main Volunteer page for information on volunteering in Florida State Parks
Visit the Main Volunteer page at http://www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/default.cfm for more detailed Information
Koreshan State Historic Site
P.O. Box 7
Estero, Florida 33928
Phone: 239-992-0311
Fax: 239-992-1607
Citizen Support Organization
Koreshan Unity Alliance, Inc.
P.O. Box 2061
Ft. Myers, 33902












