Gulf Coast Attractions
Edison Winter Estate © aka Kath
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Famous inventor, Thomas Edison, and his friend, automobile
magnate Henry Ford, both spent dozens of winters in the city of
Fort Myers in the early years of the 20th century. Edison's home is
the region's top historic attraction, and has been preserved as it
was during his lifetime. The Victorian house called Seminole Lodge
still boasts working light bulbs, which he invented. They burn in
the laboratory where he worked on more than 1,000 inventions during
his winter visits. The house next door, Mangoes, was built by Ford
in 1916. Visitors are given guided tours of both houses by costumed
guides giving 'living history' accounts. Scenic river rides on
board a replica of Edison's electric boat are also offered.
Address: 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers;
Website: www.efwefla.org;
Telephone: (239) 334 7419;
Opening time: Daily 9am to 5.30pm; open until 9pm in December;
Admission: Homes and Gardens tour: $20 (adults), $11 (children 6-12); other options and concessions available
