Contact Information
P.O. Box 7
Estero, Florida 33928
Phone: 239-992-0311
Fax: 239-992-1607
Koreshan State Historic Site is the former home
of a unique group of late 19th century pioneers.
The founder of the community, Dr. Cyrus Teed served
as a surgeon in the Civil War. After the war he
received much attention with his strong beliefs
in the equality of men and women, celibacy and communal
living. He changed his name to Koresh, which is
Hebrew for Cyrus. He founded the Koreshan Unity
in Chicago. As membership grew he chose Lee County
as the location for his utopian dream. In 1893 he
and other followers known as Koreshans began construction
of the settlement that was to become a large communal
city. They generated their own electricity, had
a boat works, general store and other businesses.
In 1961 the last 4 members of the Koreshan Unity
donated the land to the state of Florida to become
a park. Today the park preserves 11 of the original
buildings. Guided Ranger walks are available on
Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM. Koreshan State
Historic Site makes every attempt to improve access
to services and facilities for the public.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Driving Directions
1-75- Exit 123 Corkscrew Road, head west 2 miles,
cross U.S. 41 and continue on Corkscrew Road approximately
1000 yards to entrance of park. If traveling U.S.
41 (Tamiami Trail) Koreshan is located at the intersection
of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road at Estero.
ACTIVITIES
Full Facility Camping
The park has 60 wooded campsites. Twelve sites are
designated tent camping only and located next to
the Estero River. All sites have electric, water,
grill and table. Pets are permitted in the campground
overnight with current vaccination papers and a
wastewater dump station is available for RV campers.
A centrally located bathhouse has a utility area
with a washer, dryer and sinks. The community campfire
circle is for group use, seasonal interpretive programs
and camper get-togethers. A volleyball court is
next to the campground. The large picnic area has
a nature trail, small playground, restroom, many
grills and tables. The Estero River borders the
park and flows into the Estero Bay and the Gulf
of Mexico. There is a boat ramp and canoes are available
to rent. The Koreshan Historic Settlement is open
daily with guided tours on weekends.
Campfire Circle
Koreshan State Historic Site has a campfire circle
located near the campground by the Estero River.
Every Saturday night from January to March park
ranger's give a slide program about natural history,
the environment and other subjects related to the
park service. The area is also used for scout groups
to have meetings and events. Also during the winter
every Saturday morning, camper's coffee is offered
to campers. Donations are accepted.
Canoeing
Canoeing is a popular activity here in the park.
The river is a brackish tidal waterway which leads
to the Estero Bay approximately 3 miles west.
Fishing
There are several spots along the river for fishing.
The Estero River is brackish with snook, mullet,
redfish and other popular game fish. Freshwater
bass can be found as you paddle inland away from
the Gulf. The Estero Bay is located about 3 miles
by canoe down the river. It offers abundant saltwater
fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The
bay is home to bottlenose dolphins, manatees and
several game fish.
Guided Tours
Koreshan Settlement guided or self-guided walks
are available.
Nature Trails
The park features a Hiking Trail along the river
and a Running Trail along the park boundary that
takes you through a pine flatwoods habitat.
Picnicking
The picnic area is located on the Estero River and
is well shaded by Pine trees. Also found there are
grills, restrooms and a playground.
RV's
RV camping is available in the park and there is
a wastewater dump station available for RV campers.
Wildlife Viewing
Bobcats, Grey Foxes, River Otters and Alligators
are all found along the Estero River. During the
Winter Manatees are found in our waters. Koreshan
is great for bird watching as it is home to over
a 100 bird species. Among them are Swallow-Tail
Kites, Bald Eagles , Bobwhites, Belted Kingfishers
and others.
