In the dying years of the 19th century a former Civil War surgeon, Dr Cyrus Teed, founded a pioneer settlement on the banks of the Estero River south of Fort Myers where he led the community to practice a religion he termed Koreshanity. Chief among his beliefs was the equality of men and women and that the universe was a hollow sphere containing everything within it. Planning to build a utopian city, the community generated their own electricity, built boats, established a general store and constructed numerous buildings, of which 11 remain today to be explored by visitors. The last four members of the sect donated the land to the State of Florida in 1961 and it is now preserved as a park with a nature trail, picnic tables and campsite. Guided tours of the Koreshan buildings are offered.

Address: Intersection of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road, Estero

Website: www.floridastateparks.org/koreshan

Telephone: (239) 992 0311

Opening times: Daily 8am to sunset.

Admission: $5 per vehicle holding up to 8 passengers; $4 for single occupant. Guided tours are available for $2. Camping fee is $26 per night.