Cradled by majestic oaks along the banks of the Estero River, Koreshan State Park’s historic buildings and gardens are a testament to the industrious lives and unique beliefs of the Florida pioneers.
Koreshan State Park offers a window into the lives of a unique and eccentric pioneer group that made its home under towering oaks on the banks of the Estero River.
In 1893, the Koreshans, a religious sect founded by Dr. Cyrus R. Teed, moved here and built a settlement based on a commitment to communal living and a belief that the universe existed on the inside of the Earth. Living celibate lives, the enterprising Koreshans established a farm, nursery and botanical gardens.
The park is home to 11 immaculately restored and nationally registered historic buildings erected by the Koreshans between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A quiet and peaceful refuge amid busy Fort Myers, the park’s interpretative and natural resources provide great opportunities to learn and to enjoy nature.
Hours
The park is open 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. The historic settlement is open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.
Fees
Admission
- Entrance fees are collected using an Honor Box. Pull up to the station, take a blue envelope, tear off the hang tag, insert the fee in to the envelope and drop the envelope in the pay station.
- Visitors are encouraged to pay ahead of time online using the link on the park’s main page.
- $5 per vehicle (two to eight people).
- $4 single-occupant vehicle.
- $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Camping
- $26 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer. Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.
Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100% disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50% discount on current base campsite fees. (Reservation fee and utility fee are excluded.) Must present documentation at check-in.
Guided Tours
Koreshan Historic Settlement guided tours are available (schedule varies):
- $10 per person ages 12 and over. Tickets can be purchased online or by using any of the QR codes posted throughout the park.
Boat Ramp
- $4 boat launch fee, plus entrance fee.
Dump Station
- $10 dump station use plus entrance fee for those not registered as campers.
Canoe/Kayak Rental
- Canoe/Kayak rental: $7 for the first hour, $5 for each additional hour.
- Single kayak rental: $10 for the first hour, $5 for each additional hour.
- Tandem kayak rental: $15 for the first hour, $10 for each additional hour.
Experiences
Boating
Boating on the Estero River is a popular activity at the park. The river is a brackish tidal waterway that leads to the Estero Bay approximately 3 miles west.
- A boat ramp is available. Maximum boat length 24 feet.
Camping
Koreshan State Park offers 60 campsites, all with electricity and water, a picnic table and fire ring. Twelve sites are designated tent camping only and located next to the Estero River. Four paved ADA campsites are available.
Sites have a vegetation buffer between them for privacy. Firewood and ice are available for campers at the ranger station.
The picnic area and playground are a short walk from the campground. A dump station is available for RV campers. The bathhouse includes a utility area with washers, dryers, sinks and vending machines. Pets, including cats, are welcome in the campground but must be well-behaved and be kept on no longer than a six-foot leash.
- Maximum RV length = 40 feet.
- Hammocks are allowed to be used in campsites number 18, 20, 21 and 22 and must be set up using straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter. Ropes are not permitted.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Fishing
There are several spots along the brackish Estero River where snook, mullet or redfish can be caught. Freshwater bass can be caught in the summer and fall high-water months. The Estero Bay is located 3 miles by canoe down the river and offers abundant saltwater fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Hiking
The River Trail begins on the north side of Monkey Puzzle Island in the historic settlement and parallels the Estero River, through a preserved bamboo forest, transitioning into an oak and cabbage palm forest. The trail ends in the oak shaded, picnic area and playground and is 0.44 miles from end to end.
Hikers also have the option to take the Blue Trail, which connects to the River Trail near its halfway point and creates a loop back to the historic settlement. The distance from the settlement side of the River Trail to the Blue Trail and back to the settlement is 0.64 miles.
A trail map can be found in the park’s brochure.
Paddling
Canoeing and kayaking on the Estero River are popular at the park. The river is a brackish tidal waterway that leads to the Estero Bay approximately 3 miles west. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the ranger station between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Picnicking
The picnic area is located on the Estero River and is well-shaded by pine trees. Also available are grills, restrooms and a playground. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except during park-sanctioned events when alcohol is permitted within designated areas.
Weddings
The historic district within Koreshan State Park offers a rustic location suitable for wedding parties of up to 75 guests. This area can be reserved for your event up to 11 months in advance.
- For availability, conditions and fees, please email Michael.Duey@FloridaDEP.gov.
Wildlife Viewing
Many gopher tortoises make their home in the park and can be seen in the historic settlement. River otters, alligators, manatees and dolphins can all be found along the Estero River.
Koreshan is great for bird-watching as it is home to over 100 bird species, including swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, bobwhites, belted kingfishers and many wading bird species.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Koreshan State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all our visitors. These amenities include:
- Historic buildings: Art Hall, Founders House, Planetary Court, Large Machine Shop, generator building, Cast Iron Café area.
- Four campsites with concrete pad, picnic table, ground grill and nearby restrooms.
- Picnic facilities with pavilion, tables and grill.
- Restrooms.
- Parking.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks
Boat Ramp
A boat ramp is available. Maximum boat length 24 feet.
Campfire Circles
A campfire circle is available in the campground.
Campgrounds
Koreshan State Park offers 60 campsites, all with electricity and water, a picnic table and fire ring. Twelve sites are designated tent camping only and located next to the Estero River. Four paved ADA campsites are available.
Sites have a vegetation buffer between them for privacy. Firewood and ice are available for campers at the ranger station.
The picnic area and playground are a short walk from the campground. A dump station is available for RV campers. The bathhouse includes a utility area with washers, dryers, sinks and vending machines. Pets, including cats, are welcome in the campground but must be well-behaved and be kept on no longer than a six-foot leash.
- Maximum RV length = 40 feet.
- Hammocks are allowed to be used in campsites number 10, 19, 23, 24, 26, 36, 40 and 60 and must be set up using straps at least inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter. Ropes are not permitted.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Canoe Kayak Launch
Paddlers may use the boat ramp to launch their own canoes or kayaks. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the ranger station between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Historic Site
The National Historic District within Koreshan State Park is the heart of Cyrus Teed’s “New Jerusalem” as it would have appeared more than 100 years ago. Eleven buildings on the National Register of Historic Places dating from 1882 to 1920 are located within the district.
Visitors can glimpse the frontier lifestyle of the Koreshans by viewing the Founder’s House, Planetary Court building or Damkohler’s cabin.
The Koreshan’s role in commerce and industry is evident in the Bakery, New Store, Large and Small Machine Shops and the Generator Building. Their contribution to local culture is evident in the landscaped Victorian Gardens and the Art Hall.
The Art Hall, Founder’s House, Planetary Court, Large Machine Shop and Generator Building are accessible to all. Please contact park staff should you require assistance.
Every Sunday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., the historic settlement hosts a farmers’ market with vendors providing a variety of fresh, local food and produce and unique arts and crafts.
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive exhibits depicting the life and culture of the Koreshans can be found in many of the historic structures in the settlement.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are available in the campground for use by registered campers.
Parking
Parking is available at the ranger station, historic settlement, picnic area and boat ramp.
Pets
Pets are welcome in the park if they are kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and are well-behaved and maintained at all times.
- Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
- Service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.
- See our Pet Policy.
Picnic Pavilion
The park has a 22’ x 44’ pavilion available for rent in the picnic area. Email Michael Duey for information. When not rented, the pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two charcoal grills are located on the west end of the pavilion. The pavilion is located 300 feet from the picnic area parking lot and is near a playground and restrooms. The pavilion overlooks the Estero River.
Playground
For added enjoyment, the park has a children’s playground located in the picnic area.
Restroom Facilities
Accessible restrooms are available at the entrance to the historic settlement, the picnic area and the campground bathhouse.
RV
Koreshan State Park is a great place to RV or tent camp with 60 sites available in the campground.
- Maximum RV length = 40 feet.
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
