Edison and Ford Winter Estates

2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA

Address:	2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA
Phone:	+1 239-334-7419
Site:	edisonfordwinterestates.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Dominick Orefice

There’s a lot to see here – the winter homes of Edison and Ford, the Edison Ford museum, botanic lab, gardens, and views of the Caloosahatchee River. We took the walking tour, and our guide did a great job of telling the story of the estates from the time Edison first visited Fort Myers, to the point where Ford’s wife sold the estate to the city. Although you can’t walk inside the historic buildings, you can get a good view from the doorways. It’s cool to see the tools, etc. in the botanic lab, as it’s pretty much in the same condition it was left in when it was shut down in the early 20th century. Equally impressive is the Banyan tree, with a canopy that spans nearly ¾ of an acre. The gardens have unique trees, many of which are of the original variety planted by Ford and Edison. Overall, this is a great place to learn a bit of history. Folks who have an interest in cars, electricity, botanical research, and the “wealthy” lifestyle in the early 20th century should find something interesting here.

Devin Brown

Whether you’re planning a traditional or non-traditional type wedding, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates offer a venue that can accommodate both. Rich in history and full of spectacular views, every twist and turn of the estate offers picturesque scenery that can make for beautiful and lasting memories. The very well maintained grounds, lush gardens and historical houses offer a variety of settings to choose from, thus giving you several options for your wedding photos. The estate staff comes highly recommended and rate very high in the area of customer service. They go above and beyond to see to it that YOUR day is a perfect day. It would be difficult to find another venue with the look and feel of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. It is a one of a kind place! Historical, romantic and beautiful with a staff that cares. It’s the perfect place for an outdoor wedding!

Michiko B

This is a fantastic way to spend a Florida morning! There is more history here than one can absorb in a single visit. I suggest taking the self-guided tour the first time and since its mostly outdoors, if the weather turns bad you can visit the museum inside. You will be very surprised at how much you learn and see with all of the exhibits they have. Remember, it is hot in Florida so bring something to fan yourself with as you walk along outside. There are pockets of shade and benches as well as refreshments located in the gift shop. The tour guides and the staff are awesome too! The Estates also sell beautiful flowering plants, herbs and succulents to support themselves so if youre local, its a great place to pick up a few things. Memberships are offered in varying sizes which make it very economical to be able to return more than once. Dont miss this...Its a gem!

Uwe Haertel

Wirklich ein wunderschönes Anwesen. Hochinteressant in die Vergangenheit zu schauen und die Entwickler förmlich neben sich zu spüren ... Die antisemitische Historie von Henry Ford war mir nicht bekannt. Ich habe sie erst in den letzten Stunden gefunden und nachlesen können. Im Museum - kein Hinweis auf diese Einstellung über lange Zeiten seines Lebens. Daher einen Stern Abtzug "wg. Verschweigen"wichtiger Lebenszeiträume ...

Dustin Speckhals

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is an enjoyable place to visit for anyone, but especially for those who can appreciate the gardens, nostalgia, and overall historical significance. The views of the royal palms and river are some of these best you will get in Southwest Florida. Just walking around the grounds with its exotic gardens is very relaxing. I thought that the self guided audio tours are excellent. They do not overwhelm you in the slightest, and allow you to view everything at your own pace, and in whichever order you desire. Though the admission fee may seem a little steep, it is about the same as what you would pay at any good museum. I will look forward to taking my family again in the future, and highly recommend the sight for anyone with a free day in beautiful Fort Myers.

Greg Travassos

The grounds are gorgeous. You have the option of a guided tour or a self led audio tour. I agree with the other people and recommend the self led tour for a few reasons. First its go at your own pace. My wife and I were able to stay at certain spots longer if we like it. Two its your own timeline versus having to start on the hour. Third its cheaper. Overall we enjoyed the time here learning about these two men. For those that dont know you dont actually go inside the house but can side the inside of various rooms through clear plexiglass. Theres some shade but its outside go earlier in the morning if possible. I would say 2 hours is how long to expect to spend here going at a leisurely pace through all the audio stops.

cole Satterwhite

This place is the most beautiful and breathtaking place in Fort Myers!!!! I come to this amazing place every year on vacation, and it never gets old!! I recommend taking the self guided tour where you get a device that talks to you as you go along and tells you all about these wonderful estates!! The staghorn ferns here are so amazing I could just stare at them all day!!! The banyan trees are so cool as well!! The guided tours are great as well but you cannot stay and look at things for more than a few minuets because the rest of the tour will walk away that is why I enjoy taking the tour on my own terms... They also sell very cool plants that you can buy and grow yourself..

J Patrick

Good place to spend half a day in Ft Myers Florida. The Edison/Ford Museum is spread over acres of river front property (both sides off the main street) featuring Edisons home and laboratories. A great gift shop and docent led area of some of Edison owned items. Rented audio devices are available to explain the flora and buildings. The home is quite nice with the surrounding property filled with exotic plants and trees. The pool, which was extraordinary for the times was special to see. The weather during the summer months can be quite hot for walking the estate, even with the breezes off the water front. Go prepared. Check out the accompanying photos.

Kirt Kleiner

Great way to spend the day. I recommend the guided tour. Its worth the extra $10. You learn a lot more of the history and can ask questions. It is a very relaxing place to walk and enjoy the huge variety of plants and the wonderful river views. Lots of buildings to explore. So much history here that really impacted our country and the world. The museum is jammed packed with history and information. Everything is well layed out and informative. Two great shops to buy interesting items/ gifts. Great variety of plants for sale. Easy to find and lots of free parking. This was my second visit and I will return again.

Old Яomans

The guided tour was very informative and the guide had a lot of intimate knowledge, which made the experience match the high price of admission. The photos and items on display were very interesting and there is a documentary playing on loop if you want to just sit and rest for a bit. I went in the middle of summer and it was very hot and the tour is all outdoors...still nice to see the house and family living style of Topsys undertaker. My dad and brother are electrical engineers and I also have studied engineering and I can appreciate what this place is all about, academically as well as family man.