Koreshan State Historic Site
It contains areas of pine flatwoods habitat and the site of a religious colony, the Koreshan Unity, whose last members deeded the land to the state in 1961.
Flora
The Koreshans imported a wide range of plant species from across the world, including: an Araucaria bidwillii (false monkey puzzle) tree, which is indigenous to Queensland, Australia, and drops seed pods as large as a football; a number of sausage trees, which are native to Africa and a favored food of giraffes; eucalyptus, mango and other fruit bearing trees; an extraordinary amount of Japanese bamboo that originally hails from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates; and many flowering trees and plants of a wide variety.
Fauna
Among the wildlife of the park are gopher tortoises, bobcats, gray foxes, North American river otters and American alligators. Birds spotted include swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, northern bobwhites and red-shouldered hawks.
Recreational activities
Activities include fishing, picnicking, and boating, as well as camping, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Amenities include a campground, boat ramp, trails and a picnic area on the Estero River. Kayak rentals from Estero Bay Outfitters on the river are available within a relatively short distance outside the park. Koreshan State Park has 60 campsites, 4 of which are glamping sites. In October 2024, it was confirmed that a section of the park would be converted to a golf course. The Dr. Cyrus Teed Memorial Greens will be a nine-hole executive course.
Special Events
Halloween 2024, spend a night in the haunted Planetary Court.
Hours
Florida state parks are open between 8 a.m. and sunset every day of the year (including holidays).
Gallery
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Founder's House.
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The Bamboo Landing.
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An ornamental bridge.
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Park staff conducting a prescribed burn.
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A gopher tortoise in the park.
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An otter on the Estero River.
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Herons on the Estero.
References
External links
Media related to Koreshan State Historic Site at Wikimedia Commons