Main Page - The Barnacle Historic State Park

Manager's Message

Do you need a refuge from the 21st century's hustle and bustle? Surprisingly, that refuge is right in the heart of Miami’s Coconut Grove. The Barnacle Historic State Park offers a lovely ever-changing view of Biscayne Bay and a steady gaze back in time into 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 lived as he and his family made a home in the wilds of the South Florida frontier. As the Commodore was known to share this paradise he'd found, it is with 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 Gabriela Goldbaum - relax as your spirit soaks in the peace and tranquility that the park offers as the sun sets and the city slows down. It's the mid-week place to be, breathe, and regroup. After the holidays, Yoga by the Sea resumes on January 7.

Mark you calendars for the next Barnacle under Moonlight concert on Sunday, January 11 and for the Old Time Dance on Saturday, January 31. And, it’s not too early to sign up for Washington’s Birthday Regatta to be held on Saturday, February 21.

You’ll want to save The Barnacle's website as a favorite to keep our event schedule at your fingertips because once the New Year begins there are many more events – something for everyone at The Barnacle. Until then, bring your family and friends for a visit during 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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 10, 11:30 a.m.; 1 and 2:30 p.m. Friday through Monday and for groups by reservation Wednesday and Thursday. The park is closed on Tuesdays, New Year´s, Thanksgiving and Christmas days.