Tourist Attractions

Seminole Gulf Railway
Metro Mall Station
941-275-8487
http://www.semgulf.com/
The Seminole Gulf Railway advertises itself as a "dinner train theater." Guests ride on 1930s-1940s vintage rail cars while watching a murder mystery unfold before them. During the staged production, guests enjoy a full dinner of Floribbean cuisine. The Seminole Gulf Railway also features daytime tours of the Caloosahatchee River and other remote sections of old Florida accessible only by rail.

Historic Attractions

Edison-Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd.
941-334-7419
http://edison-ford-estate.com/
Family friendly: Yes
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were good friends and shared winter homes in Fort Myers. Visitors can take guided walking tours of these historic estates and botanical gardens, which includes an impressive display of vintage Fords, Edison's laboratory, and a five-room museum documenting some of Edison's greatest inventions. In addition to the tour, visitors can take a river cruise down the Caloosahatchee River on an authentic replica of Edison's first electric launch, the Reliance.

The Burroughs Home
2505 First St.
941-332-6125
Fax: 941-332-6806
http://www.cityftmyers.com/
Family friendly: Yes
The Burroughs Home is a Georgian Revival mansion built in 1901. It has undergone an extensive restoration process and is now open to the public. Visitors can learn more about turn-of-the-century architecture and lifestyle by taking a "living history" tour led by costumed docents. The estate is also available by appointment for weddings, luncheons, or special events. Ask about breakfast or lunch tours, where a picnic lunch from a choice of local restaurants is included in the visit.

Arts, Culture, and Science

Alliance of the Arts
10091 McGregor Blvd.
941-939-2787
Family friendly: Yes
Alliance of the Arts sponsors a public art gallery that features top local artists and craftspeople, as well as a 150-seat theater and outdoor amphitheater that offers concerts and live theatrical performances. This influential organization is also the site of several arts and music festivals throughout the year. Call for a schedule of current events.

Calusa Coast Outfitters Educational Tours
The Mound Key State Archaeological Site
941-418-5941
Family friendly: Yes
Participate in a fun, educational tour of the Mound Key State Archaeological Site in the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. The tour is led by expert guides who educate on a variety of subjects ranging from regional sea life and ecology, to illustrations on the application of high-tech tools of the trade--such as an audio apparatus that allows you to hear what it sounds like underwater.

Colusa Nature Center and Planetarium
3450 Ortiz Ave.
941-275-3435
Fax: 941-275-9016
http://www.colusanature.com/
Colusa Nature Center and Planetarium offers 150-acres encompassing a museum, planetarium, aviary, gift shop, nature trails, and several picnic areas. Visitors can learn about the natural systems of Southwest Florida while receiving up-close and personal views of regional wildlife, including snakes, alligators, and crocodiles. Also of interest are several informative exhibits highlighting the endangered West Indian Manatee, or &334;sea cow.&334; Learn about local and nationwide efforts to save this unique creature.

Fort Myers Historical Museum
2300 Peck Street
941-332-5955
Fax: 941-332-6673
http://www.cityftmyers.com/Attractions/musexhib.htm
Family friendly: Yes
The Fort Myers Historical Museum offers a variety of exhibits that document the history of Southwest Florida, including a display of a private Pullman car, a 1900s Cracker House replica, and classic baseball memorabilia.

The Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium
2000 Cranford Ave.
941-337-3332
Family friendly: Yes The Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium promotes interactive learning with a playland-wetlands area that uses high-tech special effects to recreate local weather phenomena such as typhoons. They also feature three separate 900-gallon aquariums, a maze, a weather broadcasting station, and more.

Parks and Beaches

Bowman's Beach
941-472-3700
Family friendly: Yes
Bowman's Beach is one of the Florida's more secluded beaches. It is removed from the bustle of town and provides an ideal atmosphere for a day of relaxation in the sun.

Colusa Nature Center and Planetarium
3450 Ortiz Ave.
941-275-343 5
Family friendly: Yes
In addition to the natural history museum, extensive gift shop, live exhibits, and planetarium, the Colusa Nature Center offers opportunities for the serious hiker and day-tripper alike. Visitors can take a half hour guided walking tour or a two-and-a-half our hike through the center's 105-acre property.

Lovers' Key
941-463-4588
Family friendly: Yes
A tram travels the length of Lovers' Key, making visiting easy for everyone. Lover's Key has been recently developed and is a great beach for families. They presently offer concession stands, as well as small watercraft rentals.

Manatee Park
State Road 80
941-694-3537
Family friendly: Yes
Manatee Park serves as a natural habitat for the endangered West Indian Manatee, which winters in Florida. Visitors can learn about efforts to protect this unique creature while receiving an up-close and personal look of the exotic sea cows from the Manatee viewing platform. Visitors can also take canoes out on the Orange River or lunch in one of several picnic shelters. The best time to visit the park is during the late fall and winter seasons when the Manatee migrate.

Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Six-Mile Cypress Parkway
941-432-2004
Family friendly: Yes
Six-Mile Cypress Slough preserve is home to many species of Florida's bird and plant life, such as spoonbills, storks, orchids, and bromeliads. Take a free guided walk or explore the area on your own.