Come to Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida, and stay for the day! There is a lot to see, do and learn! Groups can take a tour of the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, see the museum and laboratory and walk through more than 20 acres of historic gardens. They can also take a Caloosahatchee River cruise to learn even more about the history of the area and see wildlife up close. The homes and gardens have been restored to the 1929 time period, so visitors can step back in time and imagine what it was like to be one of the famous inventors. There are several types of tours available, including the Historian-Led Tour of the laboratory, museum, gardens and homes; a Self-guided Tour; a Garden Tour, led by horticulturists through the historic gardens and propagating nursery; or they can opt for touring the lab and museum only.
SEE
National Chemical Landmark, Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers, Fla.
Visitors will see the National Chemical Landmark botanic research laboratory that looks just as it did when Edison was there conducting research; the 15,000-square-foot museum filled with inventions, artifacts, historic photos and video documentaries on the lives of the famous inventors; the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford; and more than 20 acres of beautiful botanic gardens including trees that Edison planted almost 100 years ago.
DO
There are several types of tours available for groups, including the Historian-Led Tour of the laboratory, museum, gardens and homes; a self-guided tour where visitors can stroll at their own pace while listening to a hand-held audio device; and a Garden Tour, led by horticulturists through the historic gardens and a behind-the-scenes tour of the propagating nursery. For groups that are short on time, a ticket for touring only the museum and lab is also offered.
EXPERIENCE
A sample itinerary includes a guided, Historian-Led Tour, lunch and a river cruise.
10:30 a.m:. Arrive at Edison & Ford Winter Estates
11:00 a.m.: Historian-Led Tour of the winter estate homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the laboratory, museum and gardens
12:30 p.m.: Pinchers Lunch (a catered or boxed lunch at Edison Ford is also available)
2:00 p.m.: Pure Florida River Cruise on the MV Edison Explorer with historian guide
LEARN
Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers, Fla.
Visitors will learn a lot about the two amazing inventors. Thomas Edison had at least one patent every year for 60 years. Groups will learn the total number of patents Edison had and why many of those inventions are still important today. Edison tested more than 17,000 plants in his botanic research laboratory. Visitors will learn what he was looking for and why. With the museum, laboratory, homes and gardens, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
ASK
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
239-334-7419
EdisonFordWinterEstates.org
