Main Page - The Barnacle Historic State Park

View of the front of two-story historic house with red tile roof. Musician on patio of house playing a concert for a group of visitors on the lawn.

Manager's Message

Did you know that in the heart of Miami's Coconut Grove there is a refuge from a fast-paced 21st century? The Barnacle Historic State Park, with its ever-changing view of beautiful Biscayne Bay, offers a steady gaze back through time into Old Florida. Commodore Ralph Munroe's home and boathouse are right out of the 19th century and one can well imagine how he and his family made a home and lived a life 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 of the park as the sun sinks and the city slows down. It's the mid-week place to be, breathe, and regroup. Yoga will be on Tuesday, 11/24 so that participants and staff may spend Wednesday evening with friends and family on Thanksgiving preparations.

Check the special events page to stay current on when you need to visit The Barnacle; circle November 22 on your calendar, because that's the time to come to The Barnacle to kick up your heels to a live band at the Old Time Dance. Sunday, November 29 marks the first Starlight Movie Classic of the season. Members of The Barnacle Society are invited to bring a picnic and watch Casablanca shown on the front lawn. Not a member of The Barnacle Society? It's not too late to join! Call 305-442-6866 for information.

Save The Barnacle's website as a favorite to keep our event schedule handy because there is something for everyone at The Barnacle and it happens often! Until then, bring your family and friends 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 Friday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 10 and 11:30 a.m.; 1 and 2:30 p.m. The park is available on Wednesday and Thursday for group tours by advance reservation. The park is closed on Tuesdays, New Year´s, Thanksgiving and Christmas days.