The Barnacle Historic State Park

The Barnacle Historic State Park is a wooden house on the shores of Biscayne Bay with a wraparound porch and detailed architectural elements from the 1890s. The building also contains a specialized boathouse workshop area where various vessels were designed and constructed.

Ralph Middleton Munroe built this house in 1891, creating one of the first permanent structures in the Miami area during Florida's early development. The property was later protected as a historic site and preserves the story of the region's early settlement and maritime traditions.

The house displays objects related to boat design and architectural details that reflect Ralph Munroe's passion for yacht construction. Visitors can see how the rooms offer insight into the connection between family life and maritime work.

Visitors can tour the house from Friday through Monday with guided tours available, with special arrangements for groups of ten or more people. The property sits directly on the water, so visitors can explore the setting while experiencing the architectural details and historical context themselves.

The property was long the private home of Ralph Munroe, who was not only an experienced boat builder but also a naturalist and wildlife observer. His personal collection of natural objects and sketches offers insight today into the life of a versatile man of the pioneer era.

Location: Miami

Inception: 1973

Website: http://floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/default.cfm

GPS coordinates: 25.72360,-80.23640

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03