The Barnacle Historic State Park
🏆 Official Guide: The Barnacle Historic State Park — A unique historic house museum in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida, featuring the 1891 home of Ralph Middleton Munroe — Miami-Dade County’s oldest residence in its original location — guided house tours, a preserved tropical hardwood hammock, scenic Biscayne Bay waterfront, maritime heritage exhibits, and a peaceful escape from urban Miami.
The Barnacle Historic State Park is a remarkable window into Miami’s frontier past — preserving the 1891 home of yacht designer and pioneering Coconut Grove settler Ralph Middleton Munroe. The house, built using boat-building principles that have helped it survive major hurricanes for over 130 years, sits on a remnant of the original tropical hardwood hammock with stunning views of Biscayne Bay.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 |
| Hours | Thu–Mon, 9 AM – 5 PM (closed Tue + Wed) |
| Park Entry | $2/person (children 5 & under free) |
| House Tour | Guided only — $3 adults / $1 children 6–12 |
| Tour Times | 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM |
| Parking | No on-site parking — metered street parking nearby |
| Contact | (305) 442-6866 |
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Munroe House | 1891 — oldest residence in original location, Miami-Dade County |
| Tropical Hammock | Remnant of original hardwood hammock |
| Biscayne Bay Views | Scenic waterfront — original 40-acre homestead |
| Marine Exhibits | Boathouse replica, Munroe sailboat replicas |
| Grounds | Walking paths, picnic areas, bay views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit without a guided tour?
You can explore the park grounds ($2 entry) without a tour, but the Munroe House interior is accessible only via guided tour ($3 adults). Tours depart at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, and 2:30 PM.
Is this the oldest house in Miami?
The Barnacle (1891) is the oldest residence in Miami-Dade County still standing in its original location. The house was designed by Ralph Middleton Munroe using boat-building principles and has survived major hurricanes for over 130 years.
