Lower Gulf Coast Sights

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Review

Fort Myers's premier attraction pays homage to two of America's most ingenious inventors: Thomas A. Edison, who gave the world the stock ticker, the incandescent lamp, and the phonograph, among other inventions; and his friend and neighbor, automaker Henry Ford. Donated to the city by Edison's widow, his once 12-acre estate has been expanded into a remarkable 26 acres, with two homes, two caretaker cottages, a laboratory, botanical gardens, and a museum. The laboratory contains the same gadgets and gizmos as when Edison last stepped foot into it. Visitors can see many of his inventions, along with historic photographs and memorabilia, in the museum. Edison traveled south from New Jersey and devoted much of his time here to inventing things (there are 1,093 patents to his name), experimenting with rubber for friend and frequent visitor Harvey Firestone, and planting hundreds of plant species collected around the world. Next door to Edison's two identical homes is Ford's "Mangoes," the more modest seasonal home of Edison's fellow inventor. It's said that the V-8 engine was, in essence, designed on the back porch. The property's oldest building, the Caretaker's House, dates to 1860. Research garden renovations are ongoing. Tours are guided or audio self-guided. One admission covers both homes; museum and laboratory-only tickets and botanical-garden tour tickets are also available.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, 33901 | Map It
  • Phone: 239/334-3614
  • Cost: Complete Estate Tour $20, check Web site for other tour prices
  • Hours: Daily 9-5:30; hourly tours 10-4
  • Website: www.efwefla.org
  • Location: Fort Myers

Member Reviews

  • mbeery1, from Chicago
    6/19/09

    More or less this is a review based on my knowledge of Ford Motor and through countless college papers I've written on Ford. If you're interested in auto's and history of many truly great inventions of the modern era, this place may interest you. If you go, summer months are hot!!! Winter months obviously cooler, but more tourist visit the estate during these months.

    Ratings details: Experience: 5 | Ease: 5 | Value: 5 | Don't Miss: 5
  • AlpacaHunter, from Lansing MI USA
    1/28/07

    The tour of the compounds with the guided tour were interesting. The Banyan tree was really cool. The contents in the museum were a hodgepodge of assorted crap for the most part. The price was steep for the site as well!

    Ratings details: Experience: 4 | Ease: 4 | Value: 3 | Don't Miss: 3
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