Main Page - The Barnacle Historic State Park

Manager's Message

Need a refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life? Would you believe that you can find it in the heart of Miami’s Coconut Grove? The Barnacle Historic State Park offers a lovely view of Biscayne Bay and of Old Florida. Commodore Ralph Munroe's home and boathouse are right out of the 19th century and one can well imagine how life may have been as he and his family made a home on the frontier in South Florida. The Commodore was known to share this paradise he'd found, and it is in that spirit that we plan our special events and programs.

Enjoy the park after hours each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. for Yoga by the Sea, with Jennifer Dugan - you'll enjoy the peace and tranquility that the park offers as the sun sets and the city slows down. Our busy season winds down with two lovely events. The Barnacle under Moonlight concert series closes out with Deblois on Tuesday, May 20 and an Old Time Dance on Saturday, May 31 with Mudhole Control picking the tunes and Rae Newoman calling the steps. Won't you join us for a great time after hours in the park?

There’s something for everyone here – so check our Special Events and Ranger's Programs pages for more details on how to join in the variety of events and programs at The Barnacle. Until then, visit us during our regular park hours for a picnic on the grounds and a guided tour of The Barnacle. You'll love our view of "...the Real Florida" and the old Grove.

- Katrina Boler, Park Manager

Welcome to The Barnacle Historic State Park

This beautiful house with a whimsical name dates to a quieter time. The Barnacle, built in 1891, offers a glimpse of Old Florida during The Era of the Bay. Situated on the shore of Biscayne Bay, this was the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove´s most charming and influential pioneers. Munroe's principal passion was designing yachts. In his lifetime, he drew plans for 56 different boats. As a seaman, civic activist, naturalist, and photographer, Commodore Munroe was a man who cherished the natural world around him. A walk into the park passes through a tropical hardwood hammock. In the 1920s, it was representative of the original landscape within the city of Miami. Today, it is one of the last remnants of the once vast Miami Hammock. Enjoy sitting in the rocking chairs on the spacious porch used as a gathering place or on a bench under a tree for solitude.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about The Barnacle Historic State Park, please call 305-442-6866.

Hours of Operation

The Barnacle is open to the public 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday through Monday with guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The park is open Tuesday through Thursday for group tours with advance reservations. The park is closed New Year´s, Thanksgiving and Christmas days.