Koreshan State Park

Dating to 1896, this building is referred to as the Founders Hall. It is the oldest surviving structure at the settlement. Koreshan members who joined the religious order and lived within the confines of the Settlement were required to be celibate, give their property to the Unity and work for the building of the New Jerusalem. Equity among the sexes was ordained and everyone had a job and place in life.
Dating to 1896, this building is referred to as the Founders Hall. It is the oldest surviving structure at the settlement. Koreshan members who joined the religious order and lived within the confines of the Settlement were required to be celibate, give their property to the Unity and work for the building of the New Jerusalem. Equity among the sexes was ordained and everyone had a job and place in life.
Interesting history here at Koreshan State Park. Dr Cyrus Teed, who changed his name to Koresh brought his followers from Chicago to this property in Estero, Florida in 1894. Originally trained as a medical doctor, Dr Teed became disillusioned with the inhumanity of medicine during the Civil War. He became ‘illuminated’ working in his laboratory in 1869 and founded a communal society based on his ideas of communal living, communal property, and his religious and scientific theories. With everyone working for the good of all. This original building, dating to 1904, is called Planetary Court. It housed the governing council of Koreshan. The council was made up of 7 women each of whom had their own room within this building. They were responsible for the day to day running of the Settlement.
Koreshan was to be a planned community with an anticipated population of 10 million! The city would embrace formal gardens laid out in geometric patterns. This bridge, reconstructed in 2004 by volunteers, is part of the formal gardens. The community came to an end in 1961 when the last four members gave the property to the State of Florida for a Park.
Another dramatic Florida sunset. #bvsblue

Tours & day trips

See all 27 activities
Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views

Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 153 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 275 per adult
Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse ViewsOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 19 activities
Guided Island EcoTour: CLEAR/Standard Kayak, SUP - Bonita Springs

Guided Island EcoTour: CLEAR/Standard Kayak, SUP - Bonita Springs

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 200 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 197 per adult
Guided Island EcoTour: CLEAR/Standard Kayak, SUP - Bonita SpringsOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 11 activities
Fort Myers Beach Dolphin & Sightseeing Tour Refreshments Included

Fort Myers Beach Dolphin & Sightseeing Tour Refreshments Included

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 91 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 255 per adult
Fort Myers Beach Dolphin & Sightseeing Tour Refreshments IncludedOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 7 activities
Fort Myers: Guided Standup Paddleboarding or Kayaking Tour

Fort Myers: Guided Standup Paddleboarding or Kayaking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 255 per adult
Fort Myers: Guided Standup Paddleboarding or Kayaking TourOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Hertz Arena showing landscape views

Hertz Arena

5/5(1 review)

Palm trees may be swaying in the breeze, but inside people are gliding on ice. Select an activity from a roster of things to do at this popular venue.

Hertz Arena
Bonita Beach dog park aerial photo Lovers Key

Bonita Beach Dog Park

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Bonita Beach Dog Park might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Bonita Springs. Amble around this family-friendly area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Bonita Beach Dog Park
A brown pelican immediately before it landing, its legs hang down, and its wings above its head

Pelican Landing Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pelican Landing Beach during your trip to Bonita Springs? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Pelican Landing Beach

K-9 Corral

K-9 Corral is just one of the places to see in Estero, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

K-9 Corral

Coconut Point Mall

4.5/5(13 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Coconut Point Mall during your visit to Estero. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Coconut Point Mall

Raptor Bay Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Bonita Springs at Raptor Bay Golf Club. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Raptor Bay Golf Club

Top Koreshan State Park Hotel Deals

Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs

Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs

4 out of 5
11800 Coconut Cove Drive Bonita Springs FL
Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Estero

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Estero

3.5 out of 5
23161 Via Coconut Point Estero FL
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Estero
Residence Inn Fort Myers at I-75 and Gulf Coast Town Center

Residence Inn Fort Myers at I-75 and Gulf Coast Town Center

3 out of 5
10054 Gulf Center Dr Fort Myers FL
Residence Inn Fort Myers at I-75 and Gulf Coast Town Center
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Gulf Coast

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Gulf Coast

3 out of 5
16975 VINTAGE COMMERCE BLVD Fort Myers FL
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Gulf Coast
Drury Inn & Suites Fort Myers Airport FGCU

Drury Inn & Suites Fort Myers Airport FGCU

3 out of 5
9950 University Plaza Dr Fort Myers FL
Drury Inn & Suites Fort Myers Airport FGCU
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Airport/FGCU

Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Airport/FGCU

3 out of 5
16450 Corporate Commerce Way Fort Myers FL
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Airport/FGCU
See all 9,503 properties in Koreshan State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.