A Family Guide to Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

Ranked among the best attractions in Fort Myers, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a fascinating glimpse into those two creative minds.

Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers is a relaxed getaway on Florida’s southwestern coast. With its soft white sands, calm waters, and incredible outdoor activities, it’s an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts, history lovers, and thrill-seekers alike.

No trip to Fort Myers is complete without a visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This fantastic, family-friendly attraction is a historical site that celebrates the winter homes, gardens, laboratories, and achievements of two of America’s most influential inventors — Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. These estates offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and legacies of both men and have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Southwest Florida.

Curious to learn more? In this blog, you’ll discover all the highlights of the attraction and essential information to help you plan a visit with your family during your next trip to Fort Myers.

Before we start, here’s a little about Us

At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you. We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots and top-notch restaurants to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.

An Intro to The Edison Ford Winter Estates

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the lives of two legendary figures whose innovations shaped modern America. From the peaceful gardens and historic homes to the innovative laboratories and fascinating museum exhibits, the estates provide an engaging and educational experience for anyone interested in the history of American innovation.

While visiting this must-see attraction in Fort Myers, you’ll enjoy 20 acres of historic buildings, beautiful gardens, the Edison Botanical Research Lab, and the Edison Ford Museum. The newly restored buildings include the Edison Main House, Guest House, Caretaker’s House, and the Ford House.

Why is it good for families?

A visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a great family activity thanks to its unique blend of history, science, art, and nature, making it an appealing destination for visitors of all ages.

Kids and adults alike can explore Thomas Edison’s inventions and learn about innovation through hands-on exhibits in the museum and laboratory. If you have “little inventors” in tow, the displays are sure to spark their curiosity and keep them entertained. The expansive botanical gardens provide a beautiful outdoor space for families to explore together, while special programs, like guided tours and seasonal events. 

Historical Tidbits

• Thomas Edison purchased the property in Fort Myers in 1885 as a winter retreat to escape the harsh northern winters. He named the estate “Seminole Lodge.” Edison and his family spent many winters there, and it became a hub of innovation, relaxation, and social gatherings.
  
  
• Henry Ford, a close friend of Edison, bought the neighboring estate in 1916, naming it “The Mangoes.” Ford frequently visited the Edisons in Fort Myers, and their estates became intertwined as a symbol of their friendship and shared vision for American progress.
  
  
  

Main Attractions & Activities 

Historic Homes

The Historic Homes at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are among the most significant and interesting features of the site. That’s where you’ll get a glimpse into the personal lives of Edison and Ford.

The main house is an elegant Victorian-style home with wide porches, large windows, and high ceilings, all designed to provide comfort during Florida’s hot winters. The house retains many original furnishings, giving you a real sense of how Edison and his family lived. The library is one of the most interesting rooms, showcasing some of Edison’s personal book collections. The parlor features Edison’s own phonograph, one of his iconic inventions, which is often demonstrated for visitors. You can also visit Edison’s personal bedroom, which includes his custom-made desk and early electric lighting.

Ford’s estate, known as The Mangoes and located adjacent to Edison’s, is smaller but equally significant. It offers a glimpse into the simple yet elegant lifestyle Ford enjoyed while visiting his friend. Henry Ford purchased The Mangoes in 1916, just a short walk from Edison’s estate. Though the house is more modest than Edison’s, it reflects Ford’s personal style and taste. Ford and his family used it as their winter retreat and to spend time with their close friends, the Edisons.

Here are other highlights when visiting the historical houses: 

• Edison’s swimming pool: This is one of the first concrete pools in Florida.
  
  
• The pergola: It connects the guest house and main house. The pergola is a picturesque structure that is often draped in blooming plants from the gardens, adding to the estate’s beauty.
  
  
• Ford’s Garage: Ford’s love of cars is on full display at The Mangoes. The garage houses some of his vintage vehicles, including a Model T, which was one of Ford’s most famous automobile designs. 

Laboratory and Museum

Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory has been preserved as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. It was here that Edison, working alongside Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, experimented with finding a domestic source of rubber. When visiting, you can view his original equipment and materials, including beakers, flasks, and test tubes.

The laboratory is maintained almost exactly as it was during Edison’s lifetime, providing a glimpse into the working conditions and tools of this world-renowned inventor. The lab features original scientific apparatuses, along with various plants and materials Edison used in his rubber experiments. His notes and journals are also on display, offering deeper insight into his research.

The Edison Ford Museum houses over 14,000 artifacts and provides an in-depth look at the innovations of both Edison and Ford. It covers their professional and personal lives, displaying everything from groundbreaking inventions to personal items.

Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens surrounding the estates are an essential part of the experience when visiting the winter estates. Edison, a passionate botanist, collected hundreds of plants from around the world. You can stroll through over 20 acres of lush gardens, featuring tropical plants and fruit trees like mangoes, papayas, avocados, and oranges, as well as the famous Banyan tree planted by Edison, one of the largest in the continental U.S.

Another highlight is the collection of several species of bamboo, which Edison studied as a potential filament for the light bulb. Be sure to look out for plaques and signs indicating Edison’s favorite plants, including roses, jasmine, and hibiscus. These personal favorites are beautifully displayed, and their fragrant blooms enhance the sensory experience of walking through the gardens.

Don’t miss the Moonlight Garden. Designed by landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman in the 1920s, this serene and beautiful part of the property showcases white and pale-colored flowers that reflect the moonlight, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Edison Ford Shop and Garden Center

After exploring the estates, you can shop for unique souvenirs at the Edison Ford Museum Store, which offers books, gifts, and items related to Edison, Ford, and gardening. The Garden Center sells plants, many of which are cultivated from cuttings taken directly from Edison’s original gardens.

Tours and Experiences

The estates offer various guided tours, including the historical guided tour, which provides detailed insights into the lives of Edison, Ford, and their families. You can also take self-guided tours or garden tours focusing on the botanical aspects of the property.

Throughout the year, the estates host special events such as garden talks, historical re-enactments, car shows, and holiday celebrations.

Mission & Details

• Their mission: To educate the public and inspire an inventive spirit by interpreting and preserving the innovations, legacies, artifacts, gardens, homes, laboratory, and other structures of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, emphasizing Florida history, science, horticulture, and the arts.
  
  
• Guided tours: Private guided tours (minimum 20 people, maximum 25) require minimum two-week advance reservations and are based on availability.  Smaller groups can reserve a private guided tour at a flat rate of $450, or $600 in high season (January – March).
  
  
• Audio guide: To listen to audio content during your visit, you can download the free Edison Ford app, or access the audio content by dialing a phone number while on-site. The audio guide covers both the homes and gardens and takes approximately 60 minutes.
  
  
• Ticket Prices: Admission prices vary. You can buy your tickets in advance on their website. Here’s a breakdown of the admission fees:

• Adult (ages 20 and over) — $25
• Teen (ages 13 – 19) — $20
• Child (ages 6 – 12) — &15

Note: Group rates are offered on the self-guided admission option with advance reservations and a minimum of 20 people.

• Service Animals: All Service Animals are welcome on site. Pets and other animals are not permitted inside the buildings or on the historic estates grounds.

• Hours of operation: Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Last ticket sold at 4:30p.m.
  
  
• Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901.
  
  
• Parking: All Parking is FREE 

Are You Wondering Where to Stay in Fort Myers?

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