Remove Ads

House of Refuge

301 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, Florida 34996 USA

17 Reviews
Closed Now
Opens Tue 10a
  • Independent
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Wifi
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

Learn more about this business on Yelp.

“former haven for shipwreck victims”

The House of Refuge is the only one remaining of ten built in 1876 by the US Treasury Department. These houses provided havens for sailors and shipwreck victims from along Florida's coast. Keepers and their families provided food; medical attention and a safe place to stay as part of the US Life-Saving Service. In 1915 the Service merged with the US Revenue Cutter Service to form the US Coast Guard. Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge was commissioned as US Coast Guard Station #207. It remained active during WWII. A tower was built to scan the waters for German U-boats after freighters were torpedoed off the Treasure Coast in 1942. In April of 1945; the Gilbert's Bar Coast Guard Station was decommissioned after long and distinguished service. Today the House of Refuge Museum remains as Martin County's oldest structure. Listed on numerous historic registries; the museum brings to life its rich maritime and American History. Interpretive signage allows for self-guided tours with informative and fascinating guided tours available as well. See entries to the Keepers' Logs; read shipwreck reports; and experience "life at the House" by viewing the equipment and furnishings of the time. Constructed on the "St. Lucie Rocks"; an outcropping of the Anastasia Formation; the setting for this museum is exquisite. Its ocean side location with unparalleled views makes it an ideal venue for weddings; business dinners; fundraising galas and any other special event. Divers delight in exploring the wreck of the Georges Valentine located just off shore. The Georges Valentine is one of only a few designated underwater archaeological sites. See the photos and read the accounts at the House of Refuge. Truly an experience for every member of the family!

Read More >
Photo of Reinier A.

Reviewed by
Reinier A.

My wife and I were looking for something to do with our kiddo and stumbled upon this place. We have driven by this place for years not noticing it was there. We always thought it was just an... Read more

Photo of Maria F.

Reviewed by
Maria F.

This was my first time here with my ten age son. Admission was ten dollars. The person at the front Deb was amazing. We had an amazing tour guide who taught us so much about the history of this... Read more

Photo of Michelle J.

Reviewed by
Michelle J.

So much history and interesting facts can be found at House of Refuge! I'm glad we made the stop. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the historical events and structure of... Read more

House of Refuge

301 SE MacArthur Blvd
Stuart, Florida
34996 USA
Remove Ads

Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Check
    Parking
  • Unknown
    Pets Allowed
  • Check
    Restrooms
  • Check
    Wifi
  • Unknown
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
See More Details (12)

Parking

Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Fort Pierce, Florida
FastBook
$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Stuart, Florida
FastBook
$$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Port St. Lucie, Florida
Fort Pierce, Florida
Hobe Sound, Florida
Remove Ads

Related Trip Guides

  • Trip Guide
  • Weekend

A perfect road trip down the Overseas Highway and US-1

  • 27 Places
  • 16:10
  • 692 mi
  • Trip Guide

The best-kept secrets of Disney World

  • 9 Places
  • 01:25
  • 30 mi
  • Trip Guide

The top things to do on an I-95 road trip

  • 50 Places
  • 41:46
  • 1,983 mi
Remove Ads
75646