Located just south of Fort Myers and north of Naples on US-41 in Estero, Florida Koreshan State Park is the preserved site of a 19th century religious community. The 200-acre park includes the Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District with 11 original buildings, remains of Victorian gardens, a nature trail along the Estero River, canoeing, and camping.
Tours of the Historic Koreshan Settlement
The best way to visit the Koreshan State Park is by pre-booking a place on the docent-led tours. As well as allowing you to enter some of the historic homes, the tour explains the extraordinary beliefs of Dr. Cyrus Teed and the day-to-day operations of his “New Jerusalem” community in Estero. Tour tickets can pre-purchased online or onsite before each tour, unless sold out.
The beautiful Art Hall is filled with displays of artworks by former Koreshan members as well as by the well-known landscape and portrait artist Douglas Arthur Teed, the founder’s son. Don’t miss the unique model of the globe. It shows the world as we know it, but on the inner shell of the earth’s outer atmosphere, as Dr. Teed believed it to be. On the Art Hall stage you will also find a rare “Model C” 1886 Steinway piano.
The tour ends at the Generator Building in the Industrial Area that houses a restored early 20th century Fairbanks-Morse generator like the one that once generated electricity for the commune.
Koreshanity Community and Beliefs
The Koreshan sect began in 1893 when believers relocated to Southwest Florida from Chicago. Dr Cyrus Teed’s new order followed a mix of Old Testament, Far Eastern ideas, reincarnation and his own scientific beliefs. At the height of the Koreshan Unity, there were about 200 members living in the settlement.
The Koreshan community was self-sufficient and surviving buildings include homes, a workshop and a bakery. The settlement even had its own orchestra and drama group. All the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, but interestingly there was never a church.
The highlight of the park is the three-story Planetary Court building. This beautifully restored clapboard house with its elegant cupola was home to the seven “sisters” who funded the Koreshan community. They each had a simply furnished room and everyone ate together at the outdoor communal dining room.
After the death of Dr Teed in 1908, the followers became disillusioned and the Koreshan community, land, and archives were eventually donated to the State of Florida.
Mature Gardens at Koreshan State Park
If you want to explore the Koreshan State Park at your own pace, there are self-guided leaflets available near the parking lot.
The remains of the Victorian gardens are well worth visiting as they have many specimen trees and plants that Cyrus Teed brought back from his international travels. These include an exotic Bombax (red silk cotton tree) and African Sausage Tree. Fruit trees, pecans, and lovely red pineapples with their exotic pink fruits can be seen in the park as well as more common azaleas and palms.
Crushed shell paths throughout the settlement allow easy walking.
Camping at Koreshan State Park and Exploring the Estero River
One of the highlights of the park is the scenic Estero River which borders Koreshan State Park.
The park is dog friendly, there is a shady nature walk, fishing, a boat launch, and you can rent canoes and kayaks at very affordable rates.
The park features a full-facility campground with overnight camping at 60 wooded camp sites near the Estero River. All sites have water, electric, grill, and picnic tables.
Other campground amenities also include, washer, dryer, bath house, and a small playground.
For more information or to reserve a campsite visit the Florida state park’s website.
Koreshan State Park is a wonderful attraction for those who appreciate Florida history, historic homes, gardens, and natural landscape. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Koreshan State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
The historic settlement is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.