NATURE TRAIL HIKE – December 1, 22, and January 12, 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Walk on the Nature Trails of Koreshan State Historic Site with a park naturalist. Walk will begin at the Koreshan State Historic Site picnic area near the kayak launch. Note: the walk will be approximately 1.8 miles long, the trail is uneven, has sand, grass, and packed earth along the way. Bring water, hat, and camera for pictures. Reservations requested. Call (239) 992-0311.
BEGINNING BUTTERFLIES – December 8 and January 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Join a park naturalist for a talk on butterflies of Koreshan State Historic Site and Southwest Florida. The talk will be held in the picnic area near the kayak launch. Reservations requested. Please call (239) 992-0311.
KORESHAN COOKIN’ – December 11 and 18
Join together at the Cast Iron Café. Try fresh bread baked in the original cast iron stove. From 10:00 a.m. until the dough runs out!
BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY – December 15, 29 and January 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Bring your camera or cell phone and learn the basics of photography, the best places to snap that perfect photo, discover unusual plants, buildings and critters that make up the many interesting aspects of Koreshan State Historic Site. Tour will begin on the Art Hall Steps. Reservations requested. Please call (239) 992-0311.
JUNIOR RANGER – December 17, Animal Tracks! January 21, Snakes Alive!
Come in for a fun learning experience! Meet in the picnic area at 10:00 a.m.. Ideal for children ages 6-12. Parental presence required. Reservations requested. Please call (239) 992-0311.
YOGA in the PARK! Traditional Yoga – Every Sunday at 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Traditional Yoga class focuses on breathing, stretching and postures. Modifiable for all ages and levels of participants. Over time, this form of yoga will tone the body and focus the mind. Each practice will leave you relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. Beginners welcome! Some mats provided. Bring a water bottle. $10 cash. Park admission FREE.
YOGA in the PARK! Goddess Yoga – Every Thursday at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
This form of yoga incorporates goddess mythology into the physical practice of yoga, allowing participates to embrace and internalize the symbolic nature of each goddess in the practice. Focus is on improving internal strength, clarity, love and creativity, and is accompanied by a dynamic physical practice. Basic physical agility required. Some mats provided. Bring a water bottle. $10 cash. Park admission FREE.
NATIVE PLANT SALE – EVERY SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learning about and purchasing native plants can be a daunting task, but it just got easier! The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society volunteers will be selling native plants at the Koreshan State Historic Site Farmers Market EVERY SUNDAY 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Experts will be on hand to help answer your questions and teach you about the wonderful benefits of adding native plants to your landscaping. Volunteers will also explain about the fertilizer ordinance and invasive exotic plants. For more information, visit www.FNPSCoccoloba.org or call (239) 273-8945
KORESHAN SUNDAY FARMERS MARKET – EVERY SUNDAY 8:00-1:00 p.m.
Join us in the historic settlement of Koreshans. Our Sunday Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh seafood, unique crafts, honey, plants, handcrafted jewelry, hot food, and cool gifts! A market pass is $1. Contact the Ranger Station at (239) 992-0311 for more information.
GUIDED ESTERO RIVER and MOUND KEY KAYAKING TOURS
Join the College of Life Foundation on a guided tour through the historic beauty of the Estero River or paddle to Mound Key and hike the trail to the top of the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians. Explore this unique ecosystem with dolphin, manatee, osprey, cormorants, great blue herons and a Florida Master Naturalist in a comfortable, secure sea kayak. Reservations required, please call (239) 992-2184.
January Activities
GUIDED KORESHAN HISTORIC SETTLEMENT – Wednesdays-Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Beginning in January, Tours Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.)
Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join our guided walking tours and learn about these idealistic pioneers. The walking tour is about an hour and a half. Guided Tours are $2 for adults, $1 for children under 6 years of age and can be purchased at the Ranger Station (239) 992-0311.
KORESHAN COOKIN’ – Every Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Saunter back in time and enjoy a ‘pinch’ of history at the Cast Iron Café where recipes are prepared using a historic 1903 Dutch oven and wood-burning oven.
ENGINE DEMONSTRATION – Every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
Meet at the Generator Building for a demonstration of 1900’s engines.
KORESHAN MUSIC SERIES – Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music in the Historic Art Hall, taking full advantage of the excellent acoustics and the 1885 Steinway piano. Concerts are FREE with Park admission. Contact the Ranger Station for
GHOST WALK – January 27 & 28
The history of this unusual community comes to life as actors in period costumes portray its founding on the ground where it actually took place 100 years ago. Enjoy a nighttime walk in an atmosphere of moonlight and candlelit pathways. As you walk past and view old, restored Koreshan buildings, you will see Koreshans tell their own story. Learn the before, during and after story of the Koreshan Settlement and enjoy treats made from Koreshan recipes at the restored Bakery. See the park’s antique Fairbanks Morse engine demonstrated at a stop on your walk.
Experience the lives of the Koreshans first hand as historical figures come “alive” and tell their stories. Walking program lasts 1 hour. Limited tickets are available December 1st by calling the Ranger Station at (239) 992-0311. Shows beginning at 7:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
ESTERO CONCERT SERIES – January 29, 4 p.m.
Chamber music concert in the historic Art Hall, featuring Schumann, Beethoven and Brahms
KAYAK the ESTERO RIVER from the Koreshan State Historic Site Boat Ramp
Have you explored the Estero River lately? Now is the time! Koreshan State historic Site is now offering canoes and kayaks for rent. Enjoy the serenity of our community’s hidden treasure, the Estero River, while paddling the freshly cleared waterway. Canoe rentals are $7.00 for the first hour, and $5.00 each additional hour. Single kayak rentals are $10.00 for the first hour, and $5.00 each additional hour. Tandem kayak rentals are $15.00 for the first hour, and $10.00 each additional hour. Rent at the Ranger Station. No reservations. For more information call (239) 992-0311.