Barnacle

The Barnacle, built in 1891, offers a glimpse of Old Florida during The Era of the Bay. Situated on the shore of Biscayne Bay, this was the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove´s most charming and influential pioneers. Munroe's principal passion was designing yachts. In his lifetime, he drew plans for 56 different sailboats. As a seaman, civic activist, naturalist, and photographer, Commodore Munroe cherished the natural world around him. A walk into the park through its tropical hardwood hammock harkens each guest to imagine Miami’s original landscape in the 1920s.  The first view of the house, the bay, and the Egret are simply awe-inspiring.  We invite you to join us in a rocking chair on the spacious front porch and savor the splendor and solitude that define The Barnacle.

Throughout the year, The Barnacle Society sponsors numerous events, including moonlight concerts and outdoor films, in an effort to raise funds to support this lovely Historic State Park. If you have any questions regarding The Barnacle Society or if you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member, please contact us. We would love to hear from you. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions with us as well. 

Tours

Guided tours of The Barnacle house are available on Friday through Monday at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m; and on Wednesday and Thursday for group tours with advance reservations. The park is closed on Tuesday.

The tour fee is $3.00 for adults; $1.00 for children ages 6-12; free for 5 years and under. Tickets may be purchased at the park office.  (Please note that this fee is in addition to Park Admission.)

In order to participate in this guided tour, one must have the ability to:
•    Follow visual and/or verbal instructions independently or with assistance of companion.
•    Ambulate through the historic house and grounds independently or with the assistance of a companion or device.
•    Withstand exposure to the outdoors and non-climate controlled indoors for a period of 1 hour.
•    Ascend fourteen stairs to the second floor.
•    If desired, ambulate to the boathouse on the Bay by way of the path of 1,392 feet (696 feet each direction) that has a maximum slope of 7.6%.