Exploring Florida: Visiting the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

As someone who was raised in Fort Myers I never get tired of visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, even though I live down the road from it, the place itself has a certain magical vibe to it that it is hard to explain.

If you’re planning a trip to Fort Myers, Florida, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates should be at the top of your must-visit list!

Nestled along the Caloosahatchee River, these historic estates offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two of America’s greatest inventors: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

Also read: 10 Must-Try Things to Do in Fort Myers with kids

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a family-friendly outing, this spot has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting.

Everything you should know before Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Parking and Price tour

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are conveniently located at 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

As far as parking goes, it is free and plenty so you don't have to worry about arriving early to get a spot. However, I would still suggest to go in the morning if you do not enjoy Florida Mid-day heats as there will be a lot of walking in the sun.

You can visit at anytime between 9 am to 5 pm (with the exception for Christmas Holiday season), so choose wisely!

Tickets can be purchased from the museum store or online and you can choose between the guided tour and the audio tour, here are the prices:

Guided Tour

Adult - $30

Teen - $25

Child - $18

Child under 5 - Free

Member - $5

Audio Tour

Adult - $25

Teen - $20

Child - $15

Child under 5 - Free

Member - Free

The audio tour is available in English, German, Spanish and French.

I opted for the audio tour and couldn't be more satisfied. If you like to stop and record and take multiple pictures, and cannot keep up with a tour guide, then audio will give you the flexibility to do the things that you want to do and still be able to enjoy the same information given by a tour guide.

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For the audio tour, you will receive a device along with a map, which you will use to plug in the location number of each area of the home. Each location has its own unique number and story, the other great thing about it is that you can repeat it as many times as you need in case you missed something you'd like to hear again.

The Tour

Edison’s and Ford’s Historic Homes

Step back in time as you tour their beautifully preserved winter residences.

Honestly, everything at Edison's home was either large or very unique for the time in which it was being used. From the home, to the garden to the garage which is today the museum store, when you listen to the story and all of the history that sits there, more and more you appreciate all of the efforts that were put into building everything we are able to enjoy today with minimum effort.

It is without a doubt that Thomas Edison was a remarkable man whom attracted the friendship of other remarkable people like himself, man such as Henry Ford were one of his great friends.

So much that Henry Ford decided to purchase the home right next to the inventor in an attempt to spend the ladder's birthday with him. Once a year, Mr. Ford came to Fort Myers, to spend one week along side his best friend and celebrate another year of his life.

Now, not only the two celebrated birthdays together but they also came together to build new inventions. It is because of such friendship that America no longer relies on foreign countries for rubber resources. Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone formed the Edison's Botanic Corporation which its primary focus was to find a rubber source that could be quickly grown and produced right here in the United States.

One of these sources sits right in Ford's back yard and it is also one of the biggest trees in the entire property. The mysore or brown woolly fig tree was brought here from China, its massive roots are so large that they basically form an island around the tree.

The Museum

Dive into exhibits showcasing Edison’s and Ford’s groundbreaking inventions.

The Laboratory

Get a closer look at Edison’s research lab, where he worked on various experiments. It is full of gigantic trees that were he used for experiments just like the other 17,000 species of plants scattered throughout the property.

The Gardens

Stroll through 20 acres of lush gardens featuring exotic plants, including Edison’s famous banyan tree. The butterfly garden where butterflies are a constant attraction, is my favorite. As you sit on the white bench and enjoy the flowers and the birds chirping, you can understand why Fort Myers was such a special place for the inventor and his family.

Edison's pool

You may not know this but pools weren't always common in Florida and Thomas Edison was one of the first residents in Southwest Florida to own a pool and it is quite large to say the least.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:

1. Plan Your Time: Budget at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the estates, museum, and gardens.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s a lot of walking involved, so comfy footwear is a must.

3. Check the Weather: Most of the attractions are outdoors, so bring sunscreen, a hat, or an umbrella depending on the forecast.

4. Book Tickets in Advance: Save time by purchasing tickets online, especially during peak seasons.

5. Take the Guided Tour: While self-guided tours are available, the guided option offers richer insights into the history of the estates.

6. Bring water: Bring a bottle of water to make sure you stay hydrated.

7. If you have kids, bring snacks and entertainment

   
   

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Holiday Events at the Estates

Visiting during the holiday season? You’re in for a treat! The Edison & Ford Winter Estates transform into a magical wonderland with their annual Holiday Nights event.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Twinkling Lights: The gardens and buildings are adorned with thousands of dazzling lights.

• Festive Decorations: Both homes are decked out with period-appropriate holiday decor.

• Live Music: Enjoy seasonal tunes performed by local artists.

• Kids’ Activities: Perfect for little ones to get into the holiday spirit.

• Special Tours: Opt for an evening guided tour to soak up the festive atmosphere.

• Meet Santa: Available on select nights

Dates: Holiday Nights typically run from late November through early January, including special events on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Be sure to check their website for the latest schedule and ticket details.

Dining and Shopping

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the on-site café for a quick bite or a refreshing drink. The gift shop is also worth a visit, offering unique souvenirs, books, plants and handcrafted items.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates offer a unique experience that blends history, innovation, and natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to spend a day exploring Fort Myers’ rich heritage—especially during the festive holiday season!