Koreshan State Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Koreshan State Historic Site is a preserved piece of history located in Estero, Florida.


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Summary

The site was once home to the Koreshan Unity, a group founded in the late 1800s by Dr. Cyrus Teed. The Koreshans believed that the earth was hollow and that we all lived on the inside surface of the earth. The site now serves as a museum and recreation area, offering visitors the chance to explore this unique piece of Florida history.

One of the main reasons to visit Koreshan State Historic Site is to learn about the Koreshan Unity and their beliefs. The site contains several historic buildings, including the Planetary Court, Art Hall, and Bakery. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site to learn about the history and culture of the Koreshans.

Another point of interest at the site is the stunning Estero River. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the river and its surrounding mangrove forests. The site also contains several nature trails, perfect for hiking or biking.

Interesting facts about the Koreshan State Historic Site include its status as a National Historic Landmark. The site is also one of the few places in the world where you can see a rare “bamboo cathedral,” a structure made entirely out of bamboo.

The best time of year to visit Koreshan State Historic Site is during the winter months, when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. The site is open year-round, however, and can be visited any time of year.

In conclusion, Koreshan State Historic Site is a fascinating piece of Florida history that offers visitors the chance to learn about the unique beliefs and culture of the Koreshan Unity. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or outdoor recreation, there’s something for everyone at this beautiful and historic site.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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