The Barnacle Historic State Park
Overview
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.
Activities
Historic Sites
Ralph Munroe purchased 40 acres of bayfront land in 1886 for $400 cash and Kingfish, one of his sailboats, valued at an additional $400. His boathouse was built in 1887 and the upper floor served as his home until The Barnacle was built. Built in 1891, The Barnacle is the oldest residence in Miami-Dade County remaining on its original foundation. The home of Ralph Middleton Munroe was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Interpretive exhibits are available covering the pioneer period of Coconut Grove's history, as well as the plants and animals found in the park. The Barnacle offers guided tours through the historic house museum. Learn more about the fascinating life and accomplishments of Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe and the Era of the Bay. Tickets may be purchased at the park office. Please call for pricing.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are available in naturally shaded areas of the park. Also, The Micco Pavilion at The Barnacle is available for daytime rental.
Park Partners
Directions
Driving
From the North
Take I-95 South to the end, which becomes US 1. Continue South and turn left at SW 27th Avenue. Continue to the end turn right on Bayshore Drive. As Bayshore Drive bends right, it becomes MacFarlane Road. Move onto left lane and take a hard left at the traffic light onto Main Highway. The park is on the left shortly after the intersection of Commodore Plaza. There is no parking available in the park itself, except for those with disabilities.
From the South
Take US 1 North to Bird Road/SW 40th Street. Turn right at McDonald Road and continue to the end which has a traffic light. Turn left on Grand Avenue, making an immediate right onto Commodore Plaza. Continue to the end and turn right onto Main Highway. The park is on the left. There is no parking available in the park itself, except for those with disabilities.
Public Transportation
Buses #22 and #42 from Douglas Metrorail station. Bus #27 from Coconut Grove Metrorail Station. Bus #48 from Government Center and Douglas Metrorail Stations.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(305) 442-6866Links
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