One of the most popular tourist attractions in Fort Myers, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates highlight the lives of two American intellectual behemoths that are Thomas Alva Edinson and Henry Ford. Spread across 20 acres (8 hectares) of pristine estates, this site was where legendary inventor Thomas Edison began spending his winters along the Caloosahatchee River from the comforts of his beloved Seminole Lodge in 1886. In 1916, Edison's dear friend Henry Ford built his Craftsman-style holiday home, known as 'The Mangoes' right next door. Edison's house is engulfed in a blanket of spectacular beauty thanks to the botanical garden designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman that houses Florida's largest banyan tree. The Rubber Laboratory is one of the sight's prime exhibits that showcase the facility exactly how it was left by Edison.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium aims to promote a better understanding of the natural history below as well as the cosmological one above. The 105-acre (42 hectares) site contains a museum, an aviary, winding nature trails, and a gift shop alongside meeting and picnic areas. The museum has information on the Calusa Indians, a tribe also known as the Shell Indians because of their subsistence on the gulf shores and estuaries. In addition to a glimpse back in time, the museum provides interactive animal exhibits like snake feedings and aviary tours.
The Florida Native Butterfly Society runs this conservatory as a home for many species from the Lepidopteran order. Hundreds of butterflies and moths are released each week and the site is a true testament to the diversity in Florida's butterfly population. The place which resembles a humid rainforest can host more than 1500 butterflies at any given time and visitors will be enchanted by the gardens in full bloom almost as much as the butterflies. Additionally, the on-site restaurant, Crêpes Café is a nice place for a bite, and if you wish to hold an event here, the space can be rented for parties, anniversaries, weddings, etc.
Nestled along the banks of the Estero River, Koreshan State Park is a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich historical heritage. This park, once home to the utopian Koreshan Unity, invites visitors to explore its scenic landscapes and delve into the intriguing history that unfolded within its boundaries. The river gracefully winds through the park, offering a serene backdrop for boating, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors can explore preserved structures from Cyrus Teed's "New Jerusalem", including the Planetary Court, the Large Machine Shop, and the Founder's Home, gaining insight into the community's fascinating history. The park also provides opportunities for camping beneath the natural canopy of Florida's trees.
Nestled in Lovers Key State Park in Florida, Lovers Key Discovery Center is an interesting place to visit for nature lovers in the area. This facility was designed by the architectural firm, Sweet Sparkman Architects. It is spread across an area of 2100 square feet (195 square meters) and is equipped with an exhibition hall and a community room that showcases a number of exhibits. Visit this discovery center and learn about the island’s flora and fauna. They also host summer camps and various activities for visitors of all ages.
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) is dedicated to environmental education, conservation, and stewardship. It encompasses several natural areas and preserves, including Cedar Point Environmental Park, Alligator Creek Preserve, and the Wildflower Preserve. At Cedar Point, you can explore the diverse ecosystems of southwest Florida, while Alligator Creek Preserve offers hiking trails that take you through freshwater marshes, oak hammocks, and wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. In addition to its natural areas, CHEC offers a range of educational programs and workshops for both adults and children.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Fort Myers, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates highlight the lives of two American intellectual behemoths that are Thomas Alva Edinson and Henry Ford. Spread across 20 acres (8 hectares) of pristine estates, this site was where legendary inventor Thomas Edison began spending his winters along the Caloosahatchee River from the comforts of his beloved Seminole Lodge in 1886. In 1916, Edison's dear friend Henry Ford built his Craftsman-style holiday home, known as 'The Mangoes' right next door. Edison's house is engulfed in a blanket of spectacular beauty thanks to the botanical garden designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman that houses Florida's largest banyan tree. The Rubber Laboratory is one of the sight's prime exhibits that showcase the facility exactly how it was left by Edison.
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) is dedicated to environmental education, conservation, and stewardship. It encompasses several natural areas and preserves, including Cedar Point Environmental Park, Alligator Creek Preserve, and the Wildflower Preserve. At Cedar Point, you can explore the diverse ecosystems of southwest Florida, while Alligator Creek Preserve offers hiking trails that take you through freshwater marshes, oak hammocks, and wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. In addition to its natural areas, CHEC offers a range of educational programs and workshops for both adults and children.
Nestled along the banks of the Estero River, Koreshan State Park is a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich historical heritage. This park, once home to the utopian Koreshan Unity, invites visitors to explore its scenic landscapes and delve into the intriguing history that unfolded within its boundaries. The river gracefully winds through the park, offering a serene backdrop for boating, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors can explore preserved structures from Cyrus Teed's "New Jerusalem", including the Planetary Court, the Large Machine Shop, and the Founder's Home, gaining insight into the community's fascinating history. The park also provides opportunities for camping beneath the natural canopy of Florida's trees.
The Florida Native Butterfly Society runs this conservatory as a home for many species from the Lepidopteran order. Hundreds of butterflies and moths are released each week and the site is a true testament to the diversity in Florida's butterfly population. The place which resembles a humid rainforest can host more than 1500 butterflies at any given time and visitors will be enchanted by the gardens in full bloom almost as much as the butterflies. Additionally, the on-site restaurant, Crêpes Café is a nice place for a bite, and if you wish to hold an event here, the space can be rented for parties, anniversaries, weddings, etc.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium aims to promote a better understanding of the natural history below as well as the cosmological one above. The 105-acre (42 hectares) site contains a museum, an aviary, winding nature trails, and a gift shop alongside meeting and picnic areas. The museum has information on the Calusa Indians, a tribe also known as the Shell Indians because of their subsistence on the gulf shores and estuaries. In addition to a glimpse back in time, the museum provides interactive animal exhibits like snake feedings and aviary tours.
Nestled in Lovers Key State Park in Florida, Lovers Key Discovery Center is an interesting place to visit for nature lovers in the area. This facility was designed by the architectural firm, Sweet Sparkman Architects. It is spread across an area of 2100 square feet (195 square meters) and is equipped with an exhibition hall and a community room that showcases a number of exhibits. Visit this discovery center and learn about the island’s flora and fauna. They also host summer camps and various activities for visitors of all ages.