the house of refuge museum

pore

We liked this museum as it tells history in a easily understandable manner. There are always guides around which can answer your questions.In a part of the museum the prehistoric history of Florida is told. We did not know before that the sea level was ones three meters lower and there fore Florida was one third larger.This museum is connected with the Elliot Museum. Combined tickets are available.pore

jaimes579

The cost was $8 per person and the added tour guide included in the cost was completely worth it. I had no idea how much history sat in the house. There was lots to see inside and outside of the house. Beautiful pictures could be taken with breathtaking views of the ocean and the river. I recommend checking it out and having someone show you around the place.

hikerchik

The volunteers were just fountains of information. It has an interesting history and is the only one of its kind you can visit. If you are in the area it is worth a visit.

Achmud

Beautiful setting straddling ocean and Indian River. Great little museum of ship wreck life saving station.

Donovan930

the House of Refuge is a Stuart Landmark. a Museum based at an old mariners rescue lodge. Preservation is great and the location is excellent. However if you are expecting more the visit will rate just as average. Yet for what it is please consider visiting to appreciate Stuart rich history.

Taysull

Alot of wonderful history is packed into this small museum in a great location on the Treasure Coast - and you can go to the beach immediately before or after because it is right on the beach! Reasonable entry fee and nice gift shop too.

53caroleb

A small museum showing several interesting stories - first story is that of the House itself and its purpose to administer aid to victims of the numerous shipwrecks along the Florida coast - second story is the ancient archaeological history of the place itself - the third story is that of the pirate named Gilbert - and finally the fourth story is that of its use as a Coast Guard station during WWII when German U-boats were along the coast. Lots of history packed into this place. The docent was knowledgeable, signage informative, and the sea air was great. The House of Refuge would be a wonderful venue for costumed re-enactors!

marionr997

This is well worth a visit. Our tour guide was most informative, the artefacts and history are very interesting and the beach is gorgeous. What's not to like?

moose444

I found this tour more interesting than I expected. I never knew anything about the houses of refuge; there were many, but this one is the last one standing. The history is brought to life by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. There were four of us in a group, and our guide was excellent. We not only learned about the house of refuge, but also about the history of Florida back to a time before the Spanish explorers.

just1armyguy

Worth visiting, friendly tour guides and interesting history. Great views of the ocean, make sure to visit the lower level of the museum.

981marionr

This museum is well worth a visit. Much more so than the Elliott Museum. Staff were lovely and very informative. Beach nice too. Can snorkel or dive a wreck right beside the museum; sea state permitting.

JC69kc67

Wanted to come here last year but didn't have time but made it this year with my Daughter. Beware it is very easy to drive by this place on a very small and narrow road. Even be more careful backing back onto the street to leave. Some cars go fast. This place is on a quiet strip of beach with beautiful views. The watch tower is cool and the rocks look awesome. There were only 2 people sunbathing in this area. We took some nice pics here which I will publish. I would definitely go here if you are in the Stuart area and enjoy the history and views.

Pnemiller

This is the only remaining House of Refuge of the 10 built in the 1800s along the southeastern coast of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean. They were built to help save survivors of shipwrecks. This one was built in 1876 and was operated by the US Lifesaving Service until 1915 when it merged with the US Coast Guard, which operated it until it closed in 1945. It is now a museum which tells the history of the House, the Keepers and their families, with artifacts and pictures about that era including the WW II years when tankers were being torpedoed by German submarines. There are guided tours of the house, which is open daily until 4 PM. There are other activities such as historic lectures.Admission is $8 for adults and there are AAA and AARP discounts . We used an Enjoyment book coupon which allowed for one free admission when a regular admission is paid. The hsuse is located east of downtown Stuart--take SE Ocean Blvd. east, crossing the Intracoastal waterway onto Hutchinson Island. At the traffic light at MacArthur Blvd. go south for a little more than a mile. There is free parking near the museum.

Taste_Tester50

OK, It's a museum. They have an interesting tour, quaint gift shop and great view. It's on the ocean. Soda but no food unless you like candy. You can see the Ocean, and the River (Intracoastal) and it's neat. I go there at least once a year.

angeleye_11

Beautiful area. Very nice guide that tells you about the place.Step back in time to the turn of the century with a visit to the House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar.Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, Martin County’s oldest building, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar is the only remaining House of Refuge. Built as one of ten along the east coast of Florida, it is the oldest structure in Martin County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.