Barnacle State Park

Completed in 1891, this house built by Commodore Ralph Munroe is Miami-Dade County’s oldest house still situated in its original location. A long, shady path is lined with small placards telling you about the native trees and plants surrounding you. This tropical hardwood hammock is one of the last examples left of Miami’s original landscape.

The main house is preserved as a time capsule of Munroe’s life and times. Beyond the house is a large grassy area leading to the boat house, and fantastic views of the ocean.

3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove

305-442-6866

Web Site:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle

The park is open every Friday through Monday from 9 am to 5 pm.

There is a payment box where you can drop in your entrance fee of $1 per person (children under 6 are free).

At the main house, you can sign up for the ranger-led tour, which is offered at 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm, and is limited to 10 visitors.

Tours are offered Friday through Monday, and only groups with a reservation can take tours on Wednesday and Thursday.

This tour is the only way you will be able to enter the house itself to view the period furniture and artifacts.

Fun concert events, called Barnacle Under Moonlight, are held one night per month from September through May.

The park hosts many fun and unique events during the year. Check out the Events Page for more details.

Reader: Christie Wolfe
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
Review: "I decided to take my sons into the Barnacle after breakfast one morning in Coconut Grove. The path down to the Home, Boat House and open area was filled with insightful information on plaques that told us about the native plants we were surrounded by. My five year old had us read each and every one. When we got to the open area and boat house near the water he wanted to play and run and honestly didn’t want to take the tour of the house; however, I still signed us up. The tour took us on a journey that my son really got into. Our guide spoke clearly and was not boring, she was very knowledgeable about the home and the artifacts, managed her large group well, answered all of our questions and ensured we had a good experience. Bottom line we all got something out of the tour and property that rests in our own backyard. An unobtrusive donation is pleasantly asked for upon entering the grounds on a collection box."

Reader: Michelle
Review: "I recently visited The Barnacle while in Miami with relatives and found it fascinating. We enjoyed strolling though the Hammock, House and Boathouse of Commodore Munroe and his family, even the Marine Railway was interesting. The fact that it has survived two major Hurricanes with little damage shows how well the construction is (Dade County Pine?). We enjoyed every bit of the visit even though we did not go on the tour. My family and I are Native Floridians and we were very glad to be able to view some of Old Florida on its original site. The people of that Era were very strong people."