Take a step back in time with a visit to the House of Refuge Museum in Stuart. This is the only remaining House of Refuge of the 10 built in the 1800s along the southeastern coast of Florida. It is also the oldest structure in Martin County.

Shipwrecked Survivors

The historic structure has weathered many storms and in the past provided needed shelter for shipwreck sailors and travelers along the sparsely populated Atlantic coastline of Florida.

Shipwreck survivors from the Georges Valentine benefited from this House of Refuge when their ship went down. The wreckage remains just 100 yards off the rocky shoreline, This site now provides an ideal dive site.

Wooden Watch Tower

In 1942, when the Coast Guard used the house as a station, a wooden tower was built to watch for German U-boats during World War Two. The U-Boats torpedoed freighters along the Treasure Coast.

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Tour the Keeper’s Quarters

Food, medicine, clothing, and a bed were provided to victims. The house has not changed much. A great piece of history to learn about.

Areas that the public can view in the keeper’s quarters are the kitchen, dining room, living area, and bedroom.

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Gilbert’s Bar

The surrounding area is gorgeous. In fact, I may have taken the tour once but I always take guests to the area not for the museum but for the beauty of the area. Many photographers use the House of Refuge as a background for fashion photography and weddings. You can even rent the facilities for your wedding.

If you time your visit to arrive about one hour before high tide, you will get a terrific show of the waves crashing against the rocks.

The House of Refuge is located at 301 S.E. MacArthur Boulevard, on Hutchinson Island east of Stuart, Florida. There is a combination ticket that you can buy that will also give you access to the Elliott Museum, which is a mile away.