Koreshan State Park
Koreshan State Park
4.5
About
Open daily 8am-sunset. This utopian community of 200 which believed the entire universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere relocated from New York to Florida in 1894. The Koreshans built and operated a printing facility, boat works, cement works, sawmill, bakery, store and hostelry. Education, science and art also helped shape their community. After their leader's death in 1908, membership declined. In 1961, the remaining members deeded 305 acres of their land to the state of Florida as a park and memorial. The Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours available.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
586 reviews
Excellent
332
Very good
201
Average
45
Poor
7
Terrible
1
340cruiser
St. Petersburg, FL522 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We really enjoyed the historic site a lot. If you go, spend the $10 per person on the website to get a guided tour. It takes a couple of hours and you get access to several buildings that are locked. Our guide, Chris, did a great job of telling us about the history of the Koreshans and the founder.
We stayed at the Koreshan campground, and it was good. Cons: really small sites and an enormous amount of invasive plants. One of these is the rosary pea, the seeds of which are more lethal than ricin. I was surprised there was no information regarding this when we checked in. Please be careful with kids and pets! Pros: good privacy between sites and proximity to Koreshan Historic Site, kayaking, and hiking.
We stayed at the Koreshan campground, and it was good. Cons: really small sites and an enormous amount of invasive plants. One of these is the rosary pea, the seeds of which are more lethal than ricin. I was surprised there was no information regarding this when we checked in. Please be careful with kids and pets! Pros: good privacy between sites and proximity to Koreshan Historic Site, kayaking, and hiking.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juju Gurgel
Fort Myers, FL575 contributions
Feb 2020
Definitely a must visit if you are in the Estero area.
They open everyday at 8 am, which I am sure many people would be happy if they opened earlier, and close at sunset.
Parking cost $5 per car with 2 to 8 occupants, $4.00 per car with one single occupant, $2.00 per motorcycle and $2 per pedestrian and cyclists.
You can also camp overnight at the park , the costs is $29 per night.
There are kayak and canoes available for rent or you can bring your own as well. The cost for boat launches is $4 per boat.
The Koreshan State Park is also host to a local farmer's market every Sunday from 9am to 1pm. From fresh fruits, local honey and delicious foods and drinks, there is something for everyone there.
We bought local honey, a boldo tree (which I had been looking for quite some time) and some bags of local and freshly made kettle popcorn, which by the way were delicious and the best I've had in a long time.
The place is a true paradise for photographers or anyone looking to have pictures with a beautiful nature background. The Estero River crosses right through the park and it's perfect for pictures in the water rather than the beach.
Nature really thrives at the Koreshan, we saw many butterflies, birds, and a tortoise. There is always the possibility of seeing a gators, after all this is Florida but thankfully we did not lol
I'd recommend this park to anyone, my husband and I enjoyed and so did our young children and we also saw many elderly folks enjoying themselves and the history of the place.
Definitely check it out if you are interested in learning about the history of Estero and the people that were in charge of the Koreshan and if you simply enjoy beautiful nature and a good hike.
Next time we go back, it won't be on a Sunday and we will be bringing our own food and drink and having a picnic. The park features several picnic tables and the place is perfect for it. Can't wait!
They open everyday at 8 am, which I am sure many people would be happy if they opened earlier, and close at sunset.
Parking cost $5 per car with 2 to 8 occupants, $4.00 per car with one single occupant, $2.00 per motorcycle and $2 per pedestrian and cyclists.
You can also camp overnight at the park , the costs is $29 per night.
There are kayak and canoes available for rent or you can bring your own as well. The cost for boat launches is $4 per boat.
The Koreshan State Park is also host to a local farmer's market every Sunday from 9am to 1pm. From fresh fruits, local honey and delicious foods and drinks, there is something for everyone there.
We bought local honey, a boldo tree (which I had been looking for quite some time) and some bags of local and freshly made kettle popcorn, which by the way were delicious and the best I've had in a long time.
The place is a true paradise for photographers or anyone looking to have pictures with a beautiful nature background. The Estero River crosses right through the park and it's perfect for pictures in the water rather than the beach.
Nature really thrives at the Koreshan, we saw many butterflies, birds, and a tortoise. There is always the possibility of seeing a gators, after all this is Florida but thankfully we did not lol
I'd recommend this park to anyone, my husband and I enjoyed and so did our young children and we also saw many elderly folks enjoying themselves and the history of the place.
Definitely check it out if you are interested in learning about the history of Estero and the people that were in charge of the Koreshan and if you simply enjoy beautiful nature and a good hike.
Next time we go back, it won't be on a Sunday and we will be bringing our own food and drink and having a picnic. The park features several picnic tables and the place is perfect for it. Can't wait!
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy K
Fort Myers, FL348 contributions
Jan 2020
I would definitely take a guided tour of this settlement rather than explore it on your own using the $1 map. You will be able to go inside of the buildings rather than trying to peek inside the windows. Tours are available for a small charge only Wednesday and Saturday during season, and only on Saturdays the rest of the year. A trip back in time to view this cult settlement
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen C
2 contributions
Jan 2022
Koreshan State Park is currently offering their yearly ghost tours. Had the opportunity to enjoy one this weekend. The guided tour provides a glimpse of daily life at the Koreshan Unity from 1897 to the mid 1930's. Local residents did a great job portraying key figures of the Unity and the challenges they faced in establishing this unique community. A special treat is visiting the park after dark, with luminaries lighting the paths to the original buildings these settlers called home. Remaining tours are February 4 & 5. See friendsofkoreshan.org for details.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drbrds22
Orlando, FL220 contributions
Mar 2021
We limited our visit to the Koreshan Village. If history perks your interest, this is a good choice for you. It is a story you have not heard before. Covid-19 restrictions have trimmed down the tours so you may find they are closed but you can peek in windows and see quite a bit. Plaques outside each building yield brief information. Roving voluntary docents are happy to answer question or share quirky tidbits--and there are many! Please check ahead for current availability and events. Philosophers and thinkers will also be a prime audience for Koreshan Village. Here intelligent, educated, wealthy people were duped. They had enormous faith. It was not their faith that failed them. It was the object of their faith. All the good intentions, good works, unity, and even equality cannot save our souls. Jesus is still the answer.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith S
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
Free admission to farmers market would be nice. Was looking forward to going to the market to get fresh fruits/vegetables. First there is a $5 admission which isn’t a lot but I’m there to spend money, I also think this keeps people away and from buying from the vendors. So I pay the $5 no big deal and then we walk in to hardly any vendors there.Did see a vegetable stand to get tomatoes, but only cash ?? It’s 2022 it’s simple to do a phone with reader. Only other vendor we stopped at was coffee and bought one cup which was not bad. Went to a couple of the old houses/buildings but got bored and decide to leave. In my opinion this is a park that is reaching for some great history that it doesn’t have. The story behind it is goofy at best.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,747 contributions
Dec 2019
It is a fascinating state park offering a surprising array of experiences.
It is a place to camp, hike, canoe, kayak, picnic and explore "weird Florida" history.
You pay $5 per vehicle to enter.
The site of a commune of a late 19th century pseudo-scientific cult of Koreshanity was to become a New Jerusalem for ten million inhabitants. The core believes included the concave earth concept described in Cellular Cosmogony. The rules included celibacy and people were supposed to be immortal.Everyone had to give all their earthly possessions and money to the leader who knew the best how to live.
The affairs of the settlement were governed by a council of women of "The Seven Sisters." The Seven Sisters lived in a common house referred to as The Planetary Court. You can visit the simple but fascinating buildings of this utopian commune including The Planetary Court, the Bakery, workshops. The commune performed opera, concerts and theater. We watched the demonstration of the eighty horsepower Fairbanks-Morse engine powered Westinghouse generator which provided the electric for the commune. You can see it in the Generator Building during presentations performed by very knowledgeable gentlemen volunteers.
There is an educational movie continuously being presented in one of the buildings. Either watch it or read about the cult prior to your visit; it makes it yet more interesting.
Estero river is scenic and truly beautiful. You can watch birds, turtles and manatees or just admire the beauty of local flora.
We rented a canoe and enjoyed couple of hours of river journey. It was very inexpensive and pleasant.
The bamboo hike is also fun. We picnicked in a designated area.
Koreshan State Park is a fun place for all ages. Plan at least several hours.
A destination to revisit.
It is a place to camp, hike, canoe, kayak, picnic and explore "weird Florida" history.
You pay $5 per vehicle to enter.
The site of a commune of a late 19th century pseudo-scientific cult of Koreshanity was to become a New Jerusalem for ten million inhabitants. The core believes included the concave earth concept described in Cellular Cosmogony. The rules included celibacy and people were supposed to be immortal.Everyone had to give all their earthly possessions and money to the leader who knew the best how to live.
The affairs of the settlement were governed by a council of women of "The Seven Sisters." The Seven Sisters lived in a common house referred to as The Planetary Court. You can visit the simple but fascinating buildings of this utopian commune including The Planetary Court, the Bakery, workshops. The commune performed opera, concerts and theater. We watched the demonstration of the eighty horsepower Fairbanks-Morse engine powered Westinghouse generator which provided the electric for the commune. You can see it in the Generator Building during presentations performed by very knowledgeable gentlemen volunteers.
There is an educational movie continuously being presented in one of the buildings. Either watch it or read about the cult prior to your visit; it makes it yet more interesting.
Estero river is scenic and truly beautiful. You can watch birds, turtles and manatees or just admire the beauty of local flora.
We rented a canoe and enjoyed couple of hours of river journey. It was very inexpensive and pleasant.
The bamboo hike is also fun. We picnicked in a designated area.
Koreshan State Park is a fun place for all ages. Plan at least several hours.
A destination to revisit.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard S
Orlando, FL24 contributions
Jan 2022
Terrific state park with beautiful scenery, interesting/quirky history, and a good campground (for us tent campers, at least). Really enjoyed the historical settlement. I had read about this place in a book years ago called ‘Hollow Earth’ by David Standish. The place is well-maintained and an interesting slice of old Florida history. The belief in the Hollow Earth may be long gone, but the merchandise folks for the park maintain a sense of humor! The sell hats and stickers with “We Live Inside” spelled out over the concave earth art.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prefertobeonvacation
Ontario, Canada31 contributions
Jan 2020
This is an interesting place to visit to learn the history of the settlers who lived here. I would definitely take the guided tour, I can see walking around would not have a lot of meaning. Our tour guide was very informative. I was disappointed with the length of the walking trails, I expected there to be more hiking trails. Try to go on the day the volunteers provide the food samples, but double check the day as it was different than listed on their website.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbqkeith48
Freeport, IL243 contributions
Jan 2020
We drove through the camping areas and were impressed. We were not camping but it looked like a future possibility. The park has some well maintained walking paths. The history and such of the buildings was interesting. We were here on a Monday so somethings were not open. Recommend going on the weekend or special event if you want more of a guided experience. Totally enjoyed the time here.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the hiking trails paved? I’m wondering is this would be good for bike riding. Thanks!
Toddwillms1
World297 contributions
No paved trails and off road bike would be better
Sylvia H
Ball Ground, GA1 contribution
Are the walking 'trails' level enough for a senior gent who uses a cane? It sounds very interesting and I know he'd enjoy it!
Delraypete
Delray Beach, FL62 contributions
If you go on the river trail, beware the bamboo sheaths (for lack of a technical term) that are like large leaves on the ground. They pile up all around and are very slippery.
Frank W
Boca Raton, FL
Is this in Estero? Anything else to do?
Cre8tiv16
Naples, FL579 contributions
If you have an opportunity to visit Naples... it offers live theater, many restaurants, boutiques, bar, pubs, shopping, many fairs/festivals.. see fifth avenue downtown, hop on the Naples Princess for a beautiful yacht ride to the gulf ( with history provided... has some light food and drinks) and see Napes fro the water, spectacular beaches, napleszoo,, botanical garden... it’s an endless list. So Much to offer!
Enjoy ur visit
Roger M P
Estero, FL
A canoe rent for $10.00 the first hour and $5.00 for each additional hour. I work here.
Lisa D
11 contributions
tell me about the ghost walks
TrailerTravelers
Richmond, VA84 contributions
You have the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of the Koreshans as performers make history come alive. Walk the shell paths of the historic settlement by candlelight, from scene to scene, learning of the unique ways of the idealistic pioneers of the Koreshan Unity. Remaining shows are Friday, February 3rd and Saturday, February 4th. The performance lasts one hour. Performances are at 6:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Purchase tickets at the Ranger Station or by calling (239) 992-0311.
How safe is if to camp at the park (I'm really afraid of sneaks, spiders, alligators)
Eric F
Virginia Beach, VA10 contributions
It is Florida
Beth N
Westbrook, ME6 contributions
How long are the hiking trails? How much walking can be done?
MonaAchtor
Estero, FL11 contributions
About one mile to see the buildings and grounds and the trail along the river can go two miles and has short cuts back.
Koreshan State Park (Estero) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Koreshan State Park
- Hotels near Koreshan State Park:
- (2.17 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Estero/FGCU
- (2.25 mi) Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation
- (2.12 mi) Hyatt Place Coconut Point
- (4.60 mi) Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast, an IHG Hotel
- (4.59 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Airport/FGCU
- Restaurants near Koreshan State Park:
- (0.31 mi) Gelateria Italiana Estero
- (0.50 mi) Rosati's Pizza
- (0.36 mi) Lets Eat Asian
- (0.48 mi) Ristorante Farfalla
- (0.36 mi) Let's Eat