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House of Refuge Museum, Treasure Coast Travel Guide

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Explore Florida's maritime past at the House of Refuge, the oldest building in Martin County and a haven for shipwrecked sailors since 1876.

The House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar, Martin County's oldest building, is the sole survivor of ten original Houses of Refuge built in 1876 along Florida's Atlantic coast. This maritime museum recounts the compelling history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the keepers who provided refuge for shipwrecked sailors.

A brief summary to House of Refuge Museum

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring House of Refuge Museum.

  • Check out the views from the lookout tower, which was used during World War II to spot German U-boats.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Elliott Museum or the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center for a full day of exploration.
  • Take a walk along the rocky beach and explore the unique Anastasia Formation.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Stuart, take FL-76 E/SE Ocean Boulevard, which turns into NE Ocean Boulevard, heading east. Cross the bridge onto Hutchinson Island. Continue on NE Ocean Boulevard. Turn right onto SE MacArthur Boulevard. The House of Refuge will be on your left. Parking is free but can be limited.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Stuart, ride the Martin County fixed route bus service to the Elliott Museum. From there, take the free shuttle that runs between the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge. Shuttle times are subject to change. Check the schedule before planning your trip. Bus fare is approximately $1.25 - $1.75 each way.

Discover more about House of Refuge Museum

Perched on the rocky Anastasia Formation of Hutchinson Island, the House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert's Bar stands as a testament to Florida's maritime history. Built in 1876, it was one of ten original Houses of Refuge commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department to aid shipwrecked sailors along Florida's treacherous Atlantic Coast. Today, it is the only remaining House of Refuge.The museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the keepers and their families who braved isolation to rescue and care for those who fell victim to Florida's reefs and shoals. Exhibits showcase living quarters from the turn of the 20th century, including the boathouse, kitchen, dining room, parlor, and bedroom.Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the site's transformation into a U.S. Coast Guard station during World War II, complete with a lookout tower used to spot German U-boats. An exhibit details the history of the Ais tribe, Native Americans who inhabited the area. The museum also displays artifacts recovered from the nearby wreck of the Georges Valentine, an underwater archaeological site.

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