Koreshan State Historic Site

The Koreshan State Historic Site is a state park in Estero, Florida located on U.S. Highway 41 at Corkscrew Road. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 4, 1976, under the designation of Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District.

Koreshan State Historic Site
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
The Planetary Court
Map showing the location of Koreshan State Historic Site
Map showing the location of Koreshan State Historic Site
Map showing the location of Koreshan State Historic Site
Map showing the location of Koreshan State Historic Site
LocationLee County, Florida, United States
Nearest cityEstero, Florida
Coordinates26°26.0′N 81°49.0′W
Area135 acres (0.55 km2)
Governing bodyFlorida Department of Environmental Protection

It contains areas of pine flatwoods habitat and the site of a religious colony, the Koreshan Unity, whose last members deeded the land to the state in 1961.[1]

Flora

The Koreshans imported a wide range of plant species from across the world, including: an Araucaria bidwillii (false monkey puzzle) tree, which is indigenous to Queensland, Australia, and drops seed pods as large as a football; a number of sausage trees, which are native to Africa and a favored food of giraffes; eucalyptus, mango and other fruit bearing trees; an extraordinary amount of Japanese bamboo that originally hails from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates; and many flowering trees and plants of a wide variety.

Fauna

Among the wildlife of the park are gopher tortoises, bobcats, gray foxes, North American river otters and American alligators. Birds spotted include swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, northern bobwhites and red-shouldered hawks.

Recreational activities

Activities include fishing, picnicking, and boating, as well as camping, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Amenities include a campground, boat ramp, canoe rentals, trails and a picnic area on the Estero River. Beach activities along the Gulf, and kayak rentals on the river are available within a relatively short distance outside the park.

Hours

Florida state parks are open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays).

Tips for Visiting Koreshan State Park

Here are a few tips that will help you make the most of your visit to Koreshan State Park:

- Visit During Off-Peak Times: Even though the park is open from 8am to sundown, it’s best to visit during off-peak times. The park gets very crowded during the summer months.

- Bring Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Florida is a tropical state, so you’ll need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent to prevent any skin damage and insect bites.

- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park is mostly made up of sand, so it’s best to wear water shoes.

- Bring your Camera: The park is a great place to take photos, so make sure that you bring your camera with you.

- Visit During the Week: The park is very popular on weekends, so it’s best to visit it during the week.[2]

  • Founder's House.
    Founder's House.
  • The Bamboo Landing.
    The Bamboo Landing.
  • An ornamental bridge.
    An ornamental bridge.
  • A gopher tortoise in the park.
    A gopher tortoise in the park.
  • An otter on the Estero River.
    An otter on the Estero River.
  • Herons on the Estero.
    Herons on the Estero.

References
  1. "Florida Memory: State Library and Archives of Florida".
  2. "Koreshan State Park: Estero Florida - Info | Living SWFL". Troy Robillard. Retrieved 2023-04-13.

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