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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Hyatt Place Fort Myers/at The Forum

Reviews of Edison and Ford Winter Estates

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
391
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
168
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
27
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

REALLY interesting. Super tour guide. Great museum. Must go if you have ANY interest in history at all.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great to visit on a rainy afternoon. Impressive. Beautiful grounds.

4/5 - Good

Debbie

We made the mistake of going in the afternoon. As we made our way to the homes and gardens, a lightning storm set in. We toured the museum and got a pass with no expiration date to come back. I recommend going in the morning. Storms seem to happen in the afternoons in this area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

easy short drive

5/5 - Excellent

Babs

Well worth the trip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Do not miss!

Popular places to visit


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
Historic Fort Myers home

Historic Fort Myers home

Fort Myers
Historic Fort Myers home
Apartment Sanibel in Fort Myers/House Villa Barra

Apartment Sanibel in Fort Myers/House Villa Barra

Fort Myers
Apartment Sanibel in Fort Myers/House Villa Barra
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
Newly updated cottage located walking distance to Downtown Ft. Myers

Newly updated cottage located walking distance to Downtown Ft. Myers

Fort Myers
Newly updated cottage located walking distance to Downtown Ft. Myers
Close to downtown.

Close to downtown.

Fort Myers
Close to downtown.
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, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as house tours, photo tours, and onsite rowing. For those looking for more adventure, nearby options include windsurfing and birdwatching, while sports enthusiasts can catch a local baseball game. This historic site offers a perfect blend of culture and outdoor fun for all ages.

Shopping

Located 2 miles from Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Edison Mall offers a lively shopping experience with various entertainment options. Just 3 miles away, Fort Myers Shopping Center and Fleamasters Fleamarket provide a great mix of local shops and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out more distant options.

Recreation

The Lee Health Sports Complex, located 7 miles away, offers a vibrant atmosphere for fitness enthusiasts. Fort Myers Country Club, just 2 miles away, invites golfers to enjoy its scenic greens. Meanwhile, Dunbar Park, also 2 miles away, provides a relaxing space perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating in nature.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Sun Splash Water Park, 6 miles from Edison and Ford Winter Estates, with exciting slides and family attractions. For water sports, head to Revolution Cable Park, located 7 miles away, offering adrenaline-pumping activities. Explore the scenic Glover Bight Trail, 9 miles away, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

In Fort Myers, the Florida Repertory Theater offers a charming atmosphere with captivating performances just 1 mile from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. For family fun, HeadPinz Family Entertainment Center, located 4 miles away, provides exciting arcade adventures, while the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 3 miles away, combines dining with live entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Edison and Ford Winter Estates

At Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including the Ford Museum and the historic Ford Winter Estates. Surrounding areas offer beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and urban parks, making it ideal for families seeking culture and outdoor experiences. Don't miss the nearby attractions, such as the Ford House, to enhance your visit to this captivating destination.

  • Centennial Park: Located 0.7 miles from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Centennial Park is a vibrant urban park perfect for families. Enjoy outdoor activities, scenic walking paths, and the lively city atmosphere, making it a great spot for relaxation and recreation.
  • Florida Southwestern State College: This modern college is situated 6 miles away and offers a glimpse of academic life in a contemporary setting. Its city vibes and beautiful campus create an inviting environment for visitors interested in education and community events.
  • Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve: Just 3 miles from the estates, this ecological preserve invites families to explore nature. Enjoy excursions through lush trails and waterways, providing a serene escape and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Best time to go to Edison and Ford Winter Estates

The best time to visit Edison and Ford Winter Estates is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January64.0°F (17.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February67.1°F (19.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March69.4°F (20.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly 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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December67.6°F (19.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edison and Ford Winter Estates

To save money on your trip to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, consider visiting between August and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay for a Tuesday to avoid Saturday's high rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Also, keep an eye out for instant savings and cheap hotel deals to maximize your budget while exploring Fort Myers.

  • 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.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edison and Ford Winter Estates is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edison and Ford Winter Estates is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter to show results from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can 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.

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