The Florida Park Service acquired the remaining 5 acres (20,000 m2) of Munroe's original 40-acre (160,000 m2) homesite from his descendants in 1973.

The Barnacle Historic State Park is served by the Miami Metrorail at the Douglas Road and the Coconut Grove stations.

Boats were the major form of transportation in the early days of Coconut Grove and yachting was a popular sport.

In 1887, a group of residents formed the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, electing Munroe as Commodore, a title that he held for 22 years.

As a seaman, civic activist, naturalist, and photographer, Commodore Munroe was a man who cherished the natural world around him.

In the spring of 1887 Ralph Munroe organized a regatta on Biscayne Bay with fifteen boats divided into three classes.

[2][full citation needed] Daytime activities include touring the historic site, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.