Edison and Ford Winter Estates Tours

Edison and Ford Winter Estates which includes a house and street scenes
Edison and Ford Winter Estates which includes a statue or sculpture and a park
Edison and Ford Winter Estates featuring heritage elements and interior views
Edison and Ford Winter Estates featuring heritage elements and interior views
Edison and Ford Winter Estates featuring a pond and a garden


Explore the winterestates of two of the most famous men in American history. Tour their housesand gardens and learn more about their lives in the museum.

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are one of the top attractions in Fort Myers. Scenically located on the Caloosahatchee River, the estates are minutes from downtown but also feel like their own little world. The compound consists of the adjacent winter homes of Henry Ford, of car and assembly line fame, and Thomas Alva Edison, electrical innovator.

Together, the estates make up 21 acres (8.5 hectares) of historic homes, museums and botanical gardens. Immerse yourself in the bygone era of the early 20th century and explore the lives of two of America’s most famous men.

Seminole Lodge, Edison’s winter estate, is immaculately preserved so you can experience it just as Edison did. As you explore the estate, imagine the great inventor thinking up his next great idea there. Wander through the various outbuildings to the shimmering blue pool.

In 1916, Henry Ford purchased the estate next door, The Mangoes, so that he could vacation with Edison. Explore the charming home and take a moment on the porch to admire the stunning riverfront view.The Estates Museum expertly documents the private lives of the two men. Learn about the history of Edison’s notable inventions. See an original Model T car that Ford gifted to Edison. Discover their exotic camping adventures with Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs.

Enter the lush and colorful paradise of Edison’s botanical gardens. The garden is home to over a thousand varieties of plants and flowers from all over the world. Don’t miss the spectacular banyan, a mythical-looking tree with roots that cascade down from its limbs.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a variety of tour packages throughout the day. Whether you want to see the houses, the museums, the gardens, or everything, there is a package that is a perfect fit for you. The site also hosts special events such as concerts, car shows and film festivals. It is open every day throughout the year except for select holidays.

Plan a trip to see Edison and Ford Winter Estates

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Best Lodging Options Near Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown

Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown

3 out of 5
2151 Johnson Street, Fort Myers, FL
Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown
Holiday Inn Fort Myers - Downtown Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Fort Myers - Downtown Area by IHG

3 out of 5
2431 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Inn Fort Myers - Downtown Area by IHG
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection

Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection
Price drop for last-minute bookings - your perfect break!

Price drop for last-minute bookings - your perfect break!

Fort Myers
Price drop for last-minute bookings - your perfect break!
Historic Fort Myers home

Historic Fort Myers home

Fort Myers
Historic Fort Myers home
The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3.5 out of 5
1520 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL
The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Cozy 1-bedroom 2nd floor overlooking the River District in Downtown Fort Myers

Cozy 1-bedroom 2nd floor overlooking the River District in Downtown Fort Myers

Fort Myers
Cozy 1-bedroom 2nd floor overlooking the River District in Downtown Fort Myers
Close to downtown.

Close to downtown.

Fort Myers
Close to downtown.
Luxury in the sky

Luxury in the sky

3 out of 5
2500 Edwards Dr, Fort Myers, FL
Luxury in the sky
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Edison and Ford Winter Estates

At the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided tours of the historic estate, exploring the beautiful gardens, and participating in birdwatching. The site also serves as an entertainment destination, with event recommendations and special Fenway South trips available. Whether you're interested in history or outdoor activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

Food and drinks

Visit Wicked Dolphin Distillery, just 6 miles away, for craft rum and a romantic atmosphere. For local brews, Fort Myers Brewing Company, located 10 miles from the estates, offers a lively setting perfect for beer lovers. Both spots promise a unique taste of Fort Myers.

Shopping

The Edison Mall, located 2 miles from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly entertainment options. For more local flavor, check out the Fort Myers Shopping Center, just 3 miles away, or the Cape Coral Farmers Market, 7 miles from the estates.

Recreation

At JetBlue Park, immerse yourself in energetic sports vibes while enjoying a game. Fort Myers Country Club offers a serene golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Meanwhile, Dunbar Park provides a peaceful retreat for wellness and rejuvenation, surrounded by nature's tranquility.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Revolution Cable Park, located 7 miles from Edison and Ford Winter Estates. For a scenic adventure, explore the Glover Bight Trail, 9 miles away, perfect for hiking. Enjoy family-friendly camping at W. P. Franklin North Campground, situated 13 miles from the estates.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Edison and Ford Winter Estates! Enjoy a show at Barbara B Mann Hall for a cultural evening, or immerse yourself in family fun at Shell Factory and Nature Park. For a romantic night, catch a performance at Florida Repertory Theater, just a mile away.

Find the best attractions near Edison and Ford Winter Estates

When visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, explore nearby attractions like Bowman's Beach and Coconut Point for a perfect mix of outdoor fun and cultural experiences. Don't miss the historic estates and the local historical museum for a glimpse into the past. With beautiful beaches and urban parks, there's something for every traveler looking to soak up the sun and history in this charming area.

  • Centennial Park: Located just 0.7 miles from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Centennial Park offers a vibrant urban escape filled with family-friendly activities. Enjoy beautiful green spaces, walking paths, and playgrounds, perfect for a leisurely day out.
  • Florida Gulf Coast University: About 13 miles away, this modern university showcases contemporary architecture and community spirit. Stroll through its scenic campus, featuring art installations and beautiful landscapes, while soaking in the local city vibe.
  • Fort Myers Historical Museum: Situated 0.9 miles from the estates, this museum immerses you in the rich history and culture of Fort Myers. Explore fascinating exhibits that showcase the region's heritage and storytelling, making it a must-visit for history buffs.

Best time to go to Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Visitor numbers around Edison and Ford Winter Estates is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Edison and Ford Winter Estates can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Edison and Ford Winter Estates falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Edison and Ford Winter Estates falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January64.0°F (17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March69.4°F (20.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.9°F (28.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December67.6°F (19.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edison and Ford Winter Estates

To save money during your visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Edison Mall, Centennial Park, and Bell Tower Shops. Traveling during the off-peak season from August to October can help you find lower hotel prices. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and filter for eco-friendly options. Consider booking a package deal that combines flights, activities, and accommodations to save even more. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edison and Ford Winter Estates are August to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results from lowest to highest price, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.