Fort Myers, a town in process of dynamic development, lies on the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. Abundant traces of human settlement going back 7000 years have been found in the surrounding area. The town became widely known in the 1880s, when Thomas Alva Edison began to establish his home and his laboratory here during the winter. His example was followed in 1916 by his friend Henry Ford, who also built himself a winter home opposite Edison's. From Fort Myers the select Palm Alley (planted with royal palms from Cuba) runs down to the Gulf Coast, with the beautiful bathing resorts of Fort Myers Beach, Estero Island and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
Wealthy Mid-Western businessman Nelson Burroughs bought this riverside house in 1918. Today, costumed actors lead daily tours of the historic property, which is furnished with period pieces. The two-story house features a wrap-around porch, Florida-pine floors, a mahogany fireplace and winding staircase.
The Imaginarium houses interactive and "hands-on" exhibits which operate under the philosophy that children learn through play. Some examples of the scientific disciplines represented here include: environmental science, physics, anatomy, marine biology and meteorology. Kids can act as virtual weathermen, touch a cloud, watch lightning strike, touch a stingray and more. The aquarium contains a variety of local marine life.
Address: Imaginarium, 2000 Cranford Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33916-4006, United States
Phone: 1 (239) 321-7420, Fax: 1 (239) 344-5915
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Tips: Group rates are available. There are daily sea-creature feedings, call for schedule.
The J.C. Sightseeing Boat Cruises travels on the Caloosahatchee River on a tripledeck paddlewheeler. The cruises take passengers past historic sites and wooded areas, which allow for the opportunity to view exotic birds, manatees, alligators and other tropical fauna in their native habitat.
Address: J.C. Sightseeing Boat Cruises, Drawer 1688, Fort Myers, FL 33902, United States
Phone: 1 (239) 334-7474, Fax: 1 (239) 334-2743
Hours:
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Shell Factory claims to contain one of the largest collections of shells in the world. There are shells from at least 50 different countries. Aside from the shells, there are sponges, coral, fossils and sea life specimens.
The Nature Park at the Shell Factory features a petting zoo, environmental education center and a botanical garden with a trail. There are also arcade games, miniature golf, and a Bumper Boat lagoon.
Hours:
10am-6pm
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
A 2,500-acre wetland preserve, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, features a mile long boardwalk with opportunities to see turtles, wading or migrating birds and alligators. The Slough also offers visitors the chance to visit the first public LEED-certified green building in Lee County. The Interpretive Center houses nature displays and hands-on opportunities for visitors of all ages. There is a picnic area and amphitheater for interpretative sessions.
Hours:
Sunrise-Sunset
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Listed hours apply to the trail, Interpretive Center hours are Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 4p.m.
Tours take place daily at 9:30 a.m. in November, December and April
Tours take place twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. January - March
Tours take place Wednesdays only at 9:30 a.m. May - October
The Southwest Florida Museum of History is housed in a restored train depot featuring artifacts depicting the history of Fort Myers from Paleo-Indian period to Spanish explorers and early settlers. The longest and last built Pullman private railroad car is also on display along with a pioneer "cracker" house and a 1926 La France fire pumper.
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Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers
Fort Myers
