Miami is home to an eclectic array of architectural wonders and styles - and perhaps no building is more evocative of original Miami architecture than Barnacle Historic State Park. Located on the picturesque Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, the Barnacle in Miami is a sprawling house that was built by Ralph Middleton Munroe, a great sailor whose passion for building sea vessels and yachts has made him a famous name in the nautical world.
He built the Barnacle in 1921 and designed it to seamlessly integrate with the natural wonders around the estate. In 1973, the estate was placed on the National Register of Historic Houses, making it an important historic landmark in southern Florida.
Today, the Barnacle holds the distinct honor of being the oldest house with its original foundation in the Miami area. The estate boasts a museum with an interpretive exhibit, picnicking facilities, and a historic park that's home to some of the best wildlife watching in the Miami area. If your trip to Miami includes a visit to the Barnacle, then take a look at what you can expect from this important historical home:
Barnacle Exhibits and ActivitiesWhen you visit the Barnacle in Miami, you can opt to explore the museum, where you'll learn all about the life of Ralph Middleton Munroe and how he played a big role in establishing Miami as one of the yachting capitals of the world.
When you're done exploring the museum, you can take part in these outdoor activities while surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Barnacle:
- Go for a picnic: Grab your family and make an afternoon of your visit to the Barnacle in the naturally shaded picnic facilities.
- Wildlife watching: If you want to discover Florida's incredible diverse wildlife, then visit Barnacle Historic State Park and take a look at the many birds that migrate to one of the last natural habitats of the Miami Hammock.
Barnacle LocationBarnacle is located in the tropical paradise of Coconut Grove in Biscayne Bay, which is located just east of downtown Miami. The physical address of the Barnacle Historic State Park is 3485 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. If you're visiting from out of town there are many hotels in Coconut Grove. You may also want to visit CocoWalk while you're in the neighborhood.
Barnacle Hours of OperationThe hours of operation for Barnacle are 9 AM to 5 PM on Friday through Monday; the park is closed on Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are open for group tours only, which must be made in advance through the reservations desk. Guided tours take place at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM and 2:30 PM.
Barnacle Historic State Park is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
There's no doubt about it: Miami is home to a wealth of historical monuments, buildings and homes. The Barnacle is one of these must-see historical sites, so be sure that your Miami to-do list includes an afternoon at the Barnacle Historic State Park.