The House of Refuge Museum
The House of Refuge Museum
4.5
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Step back in time to the turn of the century with a visit to the House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar. Built as one of ten along the east coast of Florida, it is the oldest structure in Martin County and is the only remaining House of Refuge. Want to visit the wreck of the Georges Valentine? Only 100 yards from shore, you can walk from the House of Refuge and snorkel or dive the wreck. Looking for the ideal Beach Wedding or an Ocean side Event? We can make it happen! Select your many options below and DISCOVER WHAT POSSIBILITIES AWAIT YOU!
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
266 reviews
Excellent
163
Very good
86
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Ginny000
Richmond, VA609 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
It takes about an hour. Really interesting history of the refuge facilities built in the late 19th century to care for the thousands of shipwrecked sailors that found themselves stranded on the Florida coast after its many storms. Wonderful, enthusiastic tour guide and fabulous views of the ocean.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rnovicki
Harleysville, PA135 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We are seniors from Pennsylvania and had a combo ticket with the Elliot Museum. What a great pair to experience on an afternoon on Hutchinson Island. It’s a little tricky parking because there are not many spots, but the ocean views are stunning from outside the house. Inside the last standing House of Refuge, one finds an earlier way of life. The tour guide was so informative with facts and his pirate stories. Didn’t think I would have spent so much time there BUT I could have used more time. Do yourself a favor and check it out with a tour guide - fun for all ages as you step back in time at Gilbert’s Bar (Sand Bar haha).
It is the oldest structure in Martin County which would be perfect for a wedding, engagement photo!
It is the oldest structure in Martin County which would be perfect for a wedding, engagement photo!
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ctwhisper
suffield131 contributions
Feb 2023
I visited the House of Refuge with a friend. It was a very interesting place with a lot of history. There was a gentleman there who provided us with a lot of interesting information about the violent storms that brought refuge to so many years ago.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug M
2 contributions
Mar 2022
This is a great spot to take in a little Stuart/Treasure coast history.Beautiful picture spot as well.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carpediemejc
Gainesville, FL171 contributions
Jul 2021
This unique museum is actually located on Hutchinson Island, which is about a 15 minute drive from Stuart. It is a small property that will only take about an hour for you to see. But, it's very unusual and interesting and is a great way to kill an hour. There is a combination ticket that you can buy for $18 that will also give you access to the Elliott Museum, which is a mile away.
Unfortunately, on the day I visited, the docents were busy with a summer camp field trip so I had to take the self-guided tour. However, the signage on the outside of the property was excellent. It was informative and interesting. There were originally 10 of these houses built and this is the only one left. The idea of a formal program along the coast to assist shipwreck survivors is not something you will learn about anywhere else and it is really fascinating. There are old photos, artifacts that have been found, log books and other items to see. The actual house has been restored on the first floor. This allows visitors to see what the living conditions were like for the "keepers" who ran the houses. I would definitely recommend this place. Tip: There is very little parking. So, either go early when they first open to snag a space, or be willing to park at a beach parking area down the road and walk up to the museum.
Unfortunately, on the day I visited, the docents were busy with a summer camp field trip so I had to take the self-guided tour. However, the signage on the outside of the property was excellent. It was informative and interesting. There were originally 10 of these houses built and this is the only one left. The idea of a formal program along the coast to assist shipwreck survivors is not something you will learn about anywhere else and it is really fascinating. There are old photos, artifacts that have been found, log books and other items to see. The actual house has been restored on the first floor. This allows visitors to see what the living conditions were like for the "keepers" who ran the houses. I would definitely recommend this place. Tip: There is very little parking. So, either go early when they first open to snag a space, or be willing to park at a beach parking area down the road and walk up to the museum.
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
love2travel33388
Denver, CO193 contributions
Jun 2021
Fascinating history of the houses of refuge; the pirates of Stuart and the Coast Guard. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Although I have been to innumerable lighthouses on both coasts, I had never heard about the houses of refuge that populated the southern coast of the US. Great history lesson. Well presented exhibits - just the right amount of detail.
Written 22 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon V
Chattanooga, TN7 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Wow, who knew that tucked away in this property was so much to see & learn. Thank you to all the Staff & Volunteers for unfolding the stories laid bare at this site.
This really is a must see. Go.
This really is a must see. Go.
Written 24 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SALeeReview
Commerce Township, MI65 contributions
Mar 2021
I recommend this museum, which is really more of a house and surrounding area on the beach, because it is the actual house that was there (not a replica) and the history of shipwrecks is very interesting. I will say it will only take about an hour to go through, but you can get a ticket that allows admission to this museum and the Elliot Museum, which is a good deal and would take up 1/2 a day if you do both back to back. They are within 10 minutes drive from each other.
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara W
26 contributions
Feb 2021
Thought this was the most interesting point of interest around Stuart. Such an interesting, little-known piece of history right on the ocean. The employees were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and it had a great little gift shop.
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanMikeTampa
Tampa, FL234 contributions
Nov 2020
We visited the House of Refuge Museum when we visited Stuart. Lots of very interesting history to read about and artifacts to see. Things are displayed nicely, and there is enough information that you get a real feel for the place, but not so much information that you're overwhelmed. There's a nice little gift shop there as well, and from outside the Museum you have really nice views of the rocks/beach/water.
There are combo tickets you can buy for the House of Refuge and the Elliott Museum and I would recommend both!
There are combo tickets you can buy for the House of Refuge and the Elliott Museum and I would recommend both!
Written 17 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
grumpy0169
Ocean City, MD
Direction from Ocean Blvd.?
larry51347
Lakeland, FL128 contributions
The directions from Debbie are right. Enjoy
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Claim your listingTHE HOUSE OF REFUGE MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The House of Refuge Museum
- The House of Refuge Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The House of Refuge Museum:
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- Restaurants near The House of Refuge Museum:
- (6.71 km) King Neptune
- (7.72 km) Jan's Place
- (8.70 km) The Gafford
- (8.63 km) Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream
- (8.73 km) Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar