Attractions
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
At the beginning of the 20th century, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford spent several winters together in Fort Myers. Seminole Lodge was Edison’s home, and the Victorian house is preserved to look as it did during Edison’s life. Working light bulbs still burn in his famous laboratory. Ford, who was a friend of Edison’s, built a home called Mangoes next door in 1916. When you visit the two homes, join a tour led by costumed guides or take a scenic river ride on replicas of Edison’s electric boat.
Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.
Telephone: (239) 334 7419.
Website: www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.
Hours of operation: Daily, 9am–5:30pm.
Admission: Adults - $20, Children (ages 6-12) - $11 for the Homes and Gardens tour. Other options and discounted tickets available.
Koreshan State Historic Site
Former Civil War surgeon Dr Cyrus Teed founded a settlement on the banks of Estero River in the later years of the 19th century. He and his followers worked to create a utopian city south of Fort Myers, believing men and women were equal and the universe was a hollow sphere. This religion was called Koreshanity and led the community to generate their own electricity, build boats and establish a general store. Visitors can still explore 11 of the remaining buildings on a guided tour, since the last four sect members gave the land to the state in 1961. The park also has a nature trail, picnic buildings and a campsite.
Address: 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero.
Telephone: (239) 992 0311.
Website:www.floridastateparks.org.
Hours of operation: Daily, 8am–sunset.
Admission: $5 per vehicle (includes 8 occupants) or $4 for single driver.
Lee County Manatee Park
Opened in 1996, this 17-acre regional park is a wonderful place to see these peaceful creatures up close.
Address: 10901 State Road 80.
Telephone: (239) 690 5030.
Website:www.leeparks.org.
Hours of operation: Daily, 8am–sunset.
Admission: Parking - $5 per day. Kayak rentals - $15 per hour.
South West Florida Museum of History
Fort Myers’ Museum of History tracks life in southwest Florida from the Paleo Indians to the Spanish explorers and early settlers. The museum itself is historic. It’s housed in an old Atlantic Coastline Railroad depot. Exhibits include a pioneer house, a 1929 Pullman railroad car and a 1926 fire pump. The museum’s most valued exhibit is the “Land of Giants” section, where you can see how mammoths, mastodons and other enormous extinct creatures roamed the land nearly 12,000 years ago.
Address: 2031 Jackson St.
Telephone: (239) 321 7430.
Website:www.swflmuseumofhistory.com.
Hours of operation: Closed Mondays, Tuesday to Saturday 10am–5pm.
Admission: Adults - $12.50, Children - $8.
The Shell Factory and Nature Park
Beaches in the Fort Myers area are famous for their seashells. The Shell Factory shows off its collection of shells, fossils, corals and sponges, the largest such collection in the world. It has shops selling jewelry, ornaments, glassware and art spread out over an 18-acre complex. Don’t feel like it’s only for shopping though. You can also visit the petting zoo, wildlife refuge, eco laboratory, restaurant, arcade, miniature golf course or boating lake to fill your time.
Address: 2787 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers.
Telephone: (239) 995 2141.
Email:questions@shellfactory.com.
Website:www.shellfactory.com.
Hours of operation: Shell Factory: Closed Sunday, open Monday to Saturday, 10am–6pm. Nature Park: Closed Sunday, open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm.
Admission: Shell Factory: Free. Nature Park: Adults - $12, Children (ages 4-12) - $8.
