Koreshan State Park Tours and Activities

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


Plan a trip to see Koreshan State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hilton Garden Inn Ft Myers
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort - A Noble House Resort
Naples Grande Beach Resort

Tours & day trips

See all 25 activities

Water activities

See all 16 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 10 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 5 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Koreshan State Park Hotel & Accommodation 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
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Estero

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Estero

2.5 out of 5
10370 CORKSCREW COMMONS DRIVE Estero FL
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Estero
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
5001 Coconut Rd Bonita Springs FL
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Spacious 4-bedroom house in marvelous Fort Myers close to the beach/airport

Spacious 4-bedroom house in marvelous Fort Myers close to the beach/airport

Fort Myers FL
Spacious 4-bedroom house in marvelous Fort Myers close to the beach/airport
4737 Jackfish St - 4 Bedroom w Den

4737 Jackfish St - 4 Bedroom w Den

Bonita Springs FL
4737 Jackfish St - 4 Bedroom w Den
Lovers Key Resort

Lovers Key Resort

3 out of 5
8771 Estero Blvd Fort Myers Beach FL
Lovers Key Resort
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.