- Attraction: Edison & Ford Winter Estates
- Location: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/
Two of America’s greatest innovators once called Fort Myers their winter paradise, and today you can walk in their exact footsteps.
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates sprawl across 21 spectacular acres along the Caloosahatchee River, where Thomas Edison first purchased property in 1885 to build his dream vacation home after his doctor recommended the warmer climate for his health.
His good friend Henry Ford later purchased the adjacent property in 1916, creating side-by-side winter retreats for two of history’s most brilliant minds. What makes this destination absolutely captivating is how it perfectly preserves the authentic lifestyle and innovative spirit of these legendary figures.
You’ll discover not just beautifully restored homes, but an entire world of scientific discovery, tropical gardens, and the remarkable friendship between the inventor of the light bulb and the pioneer of the automobile.
Historic Homes & Laboratory Highlights
Edison’s Seminole Lodge: Edison’s winter home is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before – two identical post and beam homes connected by a distinctive breezeway. The main house features Edison’s master bedroom and bathroom with an electric sit-in sauna, which was incredibly advanced for its time.
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Keep Exploring →The library holds over 10,000 of Edison’s personal books, while the sitting room showcases huge windows and doors that bring the outside in. The porch displays original wicker furniture they brought down from Maine, creating an authentic glimpse into turn-of-the-century luxury.
Ford’s Craftsman Bungalow: Henry Ford’s home, called “The Mangoes,” showcases beautiful craftsman-style architecture built in 1911. The contrast between Edison’s grand connected homes and Ford’s more modest single bungalow reflects their different personalities while demonstrating their shared love for Florida’s winter climate.
Edison’s Botanical Research Laboratory: The original Edison laboratory gives you the feeling of stepping straight back in time. This National Historic Chemical Landmark was built in 1928 for Edison’s final major project – researching a domestic source of natural rubber after testing over 17,000 plant samples.
The laboratory room remains exactly as Edison left it upon his death in 1931. You’ll see the actual equipment Edison used and learn about his collaboration with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone to solve America’s rubber shortage concerns.
15,000-Square-Foot Museum: The air-conditioned museum contains several galleries featuring hundreds of Edison and Ford’s most prominent inventions, artifacts, and special exhibits.
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Discover MoreHighlights include a Model-T Ford that was a personal gift from Henry Ford to Edison, plus interactive exhibitions about their inventions, automobiles, and close friendship. There’s even a fascinating section of baseball memorabilia owned by Edison, which appeals to sports fans.
Spectacular Botanical Gardens
The Famous Banyan Tree: In 1925, Edison planted a 4-foot tall banyan tree that now expands to cover over an acre of the property. This giant banyan tree is now one of the largest in the United States and worth a visit on its own. Don’t miss the Banyan tree – it’s absolutely stunning!
Exotic Plant Collections: The estates feature over 20 acres of lush botanical gardens with more than 1,700 plants and trees from six different continents, including 50 varieties of palm trees, several types of bromeliads, and a variety of tropical fruit trees.
The botanical gardens showcase rare plant species from around the world that create a truly international experience. Edison brought plants from every continent except Antarctica, and many of those original plants are still thriving today.
Edison’s Moonlight Garden: Some of the original trees and garden features planted by Thomas Edison himself are still standing today, particularly in the famous Edison Moonlight Garden. The gardens here are some of the most beautiful you’ll ever see, featuring heritage plants, bamboo trees, and much more.
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Keep Exploring →Garden Shopping: There’s a garden center with reasonably priced plants and flowers. Edison brought in so many plants from around the world, and many of those varieties are now sold in the garden shop on the property.
Atmosphere & Experience
Riverside Setting: The estates sit beautifully beside the Caloosahatchee River in southwestern Florida, creating a peaceful, park-like setting. You can walk right to the waterfront and see the old pier that was built to deliver construction materials. The outdoor seating near the waterfront provides a perfect spot for a peaceful break.
Immersive Historical Experience: Costumed actors portraying the Edisons, Fords, and their friends can be found throughout the property, giving you a vivid glimpse into how these wealthy residents lived during that era. The houses are beautifully restored and provide an authentic impression of turn-of-the-century lifestyle.
Family-Friendly Features: Families can participate in a scavenger hunt to find Jerry the Pelican, who’s hidden in eight different locations throughout the site, including the Edison caretaker’s house, the Moonlight Garden, main house, and Ford house rooms. Children receive a prize when they find all eight hidden pelicans!
Multiple Tour Options: Self-guided tours are available in English, German, French, and Spanish through their mobile app. Guided tours are offered regularly throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis, with enthusiastic historians leading immersive tours. Special “Inside-the-Homes” and “Inside-the-Lab” tours are offered on select days for more in-depth experiences.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Pricing & Value: Self-guided tour admission is $25 for adults, $20 for teens (13-19), $15 for children (6-12), and free for children 5 and under. Guided tours cost $30 for adults, $25 for teens, and $18 for children.
Recent visitors consistently find the tours worth the price of admission, especially those interested in the history of either inventor. Many recommend reserving the 1-hour guided tour as it’s well worth the price for hearing from knowledgeable docents about the Edison/Ford friendship and behind-the-scenes stories.
Time Planning: Allow at least 2.5 hours total for your visit. Audio content takes approximately 60 minutes, plus additional time to view the museum and laboratory. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore everything the estates have to offer.
Best Visiting Tips: Take this adventure in the morning, as the Florida heat will hit you fast. The property is expansive, so prepare for walking and wear comfortable shoes. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance.
Parking & Accessibility: Visitor parking is free, with space for RVs. Military personnel receive discounts, with active duty and family members getting free admission and other military personnel receiving 50% off.
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Keep Exploring →Special Events: The estates host holiday nights, antique car shows, garden talks, and a variety of special events throughout the year. Holiday Nights features thousands of lights and hundreds of historic decorations, running from late November through early January.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
📍 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
