Koreshan State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Koreshan State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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The Planetary Court
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 Koreshan State Park
Location in Florida
Koreshan State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lee County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Estero, Florida |
| Area | 135 acres (0.55 km2) |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
The Koreshan State Park is a cool place in Estero, Florida. You can find it right on U.S. Highway 41 at Corkscrew Road. This park is special because it's not just a natural area. It's also a historic site!
On May 4, 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important place in American history. It's known as the Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District. The park has beautiful pine flatwoods and was once home to a unique group of people. This group was called the Koreshan Unity. The last members of this community gave their land to the state in 1961.
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What Plants Grow Here?
The Koreshans loved plants! They brought in many different kinds from all over the world. You can see some really interesting ones:
- An Araucaria bidwillii tree, also called a false monkey puzzle tree. It comes from Queensland, Australia. Its seed pods are super big, like a football!
- Several sausage trees from Africa. These trees have fruit that looks like sausages. Giraffes love to eat them!
- Eucalyptus trees, mango trees, and other fruit trees.
- Lots of Japanese bamboo. This bamboo originally came from the famous Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
- Many other beautiful flowering trees and plants.
Who Lives in the Park?
Koreshan State Park is home to lots of amazing wildlife. Keep your eyes open for these animals:
- Gopher tortoises, which are land turtles that dig long burrows.
- Bobcats, small wild cats that are good hunters.
- Gray foxes, known for their ability to climb trees.
- North American river otters, playful animals that love to swim.
- American alligators, large reptiles often seen in Florida's waters.
You might also spot some incredible birds flying overhead:
- Swallow-tailed kites, with their distinctive V-shaped tails.
- Majestic bald eagles, America's national bird.
- Northern bobwhites, small ground birds.
- Red-shouldered hawks, often heard calling in the woods.
Fun Things to Do!
There are so many cool activities to enjoy at Koreshan State Park!
- You can go fishing in the Estero River.
- Have a yummy picnic with your family and friends.
- Enjoy boating or canoeing on the river.
- Explore the park's trails by hiking.
- Spend a night under the stars by camping.
- Look for all the amazing wildlife living in the park.
The park has a campground with 60 campsites. Four of these are "glamping" sites. Glamping is like glamorous camping, where you get to stay in a comfy tent with extra amenities! There's also a boat ramp and picnic areas right on the Estero River. If you want to kayak, you can rent one from Estero Bay Outfitters nearby.
When Can You Visit?
Florida state parks are open every single day of the year. This includes holidays! You can visit Koreshan State Park from 8 a.m. until sunset.
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.
