The Barnacle Historic State Park is one of the most popular parks in Miami. It attracts a huge number of visitors with beautiful nature and the oldest house in Miami-Dade. It is located in Biscayne Bay, in the Coconut Groove neighborhood. The house in Barnacle Park used to belong to Miami’s businessman Ralph Middleton Munroe, who was known as a sailor enthusiast. Two replicas of Munroe’s sailing boats are exhibited in the park – Egret and Flying Pro. Munro loved photography and nature, which he described as a ‘unique and genuine life’.
He first visited Florida in 1877 and was so taken aback by it, but the next trip was not so fruitful for him, His wife’s condition sought a change of climate. Upon learning that his wife was suffering from tuberculosis and that a change of location could help in her treatment, Munroe considered Biscayne Bay to be the ideal place for his wife. However, her condition did not change and she passed away soon after. Upon coming back to New York, Munroe received yet another sad news of his only child passing away.
Munroe came back to South Florida in 1882 to visit his wife’s grave and to help Charles and Isabel Peacock (his wife’s nurse) open a hotel. And they did it – they opened a hotel that offered a view of the ocean, and they gifted Munroe 4 hectares of land as a sign of gratitude.
Designing yachts was what cheered Munroe up, so he directed his passion there, but also towards creating photographs, especially those of Biscayne Bay. In 1886, he bought land near the beach and opened a workshop which also was a yacht club and his home. A hurricane destroyed it, but it was soon rebuilt. In 1891, Munroe also designed a bungalow called Barnacle that was to become his primal residence. This is how Munroe began his new life. Three years after, he met his second wife on a cruise through his friends. They had two children and a happy life. When the second child was born, they needed to expand the house – there were two reconstructions, in 1908 and 1928.
Following the death of Munroe and his wife, their son Wirth and his family came back to the family house. Upon his death, the family received generous offers to sell the house, but even though they initially rejected them, the state of Florida bought the Barnacle house – the oldest house in Miami-Dade.
Barnacle Park was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 193. This place is a peaceful oasis, an ideal place to take a walk, with interesting history and a little bit of science history. Walking through the park, you will hear the melody of nature – it is quite relaxing. Birds’ chirping echoes through the park, and this particular place is known for the various species of birds that live there. The park has tables in green areas, which are intended for all people who enjoy picnicking with their loved ones.
There is a $2 entrance fee to the park
Park opening hours
From Sunday to Wednesday from 09 a.m to 5 p.m.
closed from Thursday to Saturday.
Author of the article:
Marijana Niković tour guide for Montenegro
For guided tours please contact:
(Viber) 00382 68 230 241
