Discover the fascinating history and lush gardens of Edison & Ford’s Florida estates in Fort Myers, where inventor legacies meet tropical beauty
Photos of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford
It’s the photos that do it. The black and white shots of the ‘vagabonds’ romping through the backcountry without a care in the world. They’re like big kids let loose for a few days. They’re not exactly roughing it, though – an army would be proud of the supplies.
The self-styled vagabonds in question aren’t exactly short of cash – they could easily be lapping it up in lavish resorts if they so wished. But it strikes that Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone get more out of the sense of adventure and normality than they do from pampering.
The winter estates in Fort Myers, Florida
The inventor, the car manufacturer and the tyre magnate were three of the world’s biggest names in the early 20th century. Edison and Ford, in particular, had both extraordinary wealth and extraordinary pulling power. The occasional guests they’d bring along on their adventures included presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge – and nothing untoward was thought of this.
The little gang took expeditions in various parts of the US, but the favoured destination was Fort Myers in southern Florida. Both Edison and Ford had winter estates here – now turned into a museum where the photographs are on display.
How Edison and Ford came to Fort Myers
The pair first met at an Edison company convention in 1896. At the time, Ford was the chief engineer for the Detroit Edison Illuminating Company, but they later became both equals and friends. They also collaborated together – Edison providing the battery and starting system for the Model T Ford.
Edison was the first to come to Fort Myers – purchasing the land in 1886 and building his property the next year. He invited the Ford family down in 1914 to go camping in the Everglades. They had such a good time that Ford built a bungalow there opposite Edison’s two years later.
Edison’s laboratory in Fort Myers
Over the years, the houses were expanded into something much grander, although the appeal was still largely the proximity to the Everglades. Edison went as far as to set up a laboratory there, so he could work on potential inventions while escaping the harsh northern winter.
The main concentration was on something that Edison really isn’t associated with though – botany. In conjunction with Firestone, he was determined to find a rubber tree that could grow cheaply and efficiently in the states. Over 17,000 samples were tested until one that could potentially work was stumbled upon. But the project was passed on to the US Department of Agriculture when he died.
The fascination with plants also extends to the gardens, which are arguably the most notable part of the twin estates. The pair of industrialists moved down to an absolute backwater, and turned it into a take on utopia that involved very little whirring machinery.
Fort Myers and the Everglades
Fort Myers has expanded significantly since, but its striking how quickly it gives way to the wilds that drew Edison and Ford to this part of Florida in the first place. The town disappears in the rear view mirror, and the gloopy, green wilderness of the Everglades completely take over. Out there, amongst the alligators and herons, today’s great inventors may well be setting up camp.
Admission costs for the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers several ticket options, with prices varying based on the type of tour selected. All admission options grant access to the museum, laboratory, and botanical gardens. Prices are in USD and are subject to change.
| Ticket type and category | Self-guided tour price (USD) | Guided tour price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (20+) | $28.00 | $35.00 |
| Teen (13-19) | $20.00 | $28.00 |
| Child (6-12) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Child (5 and under) | Free (Ticket required) | Free (Ticket required) |
- Discounts: Military veterans receive $2 off admission and a 10% discount in the museum store.
- Other tours: Specialty tours, such as the Automotive Tour, are available at a separate, higher price and are typically only sold on-site.
- Self-guided tour details: The self-guided option is available via a free mobile app or audio content accessed by dialing a number on-site.
Hours of operation for the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is open daily throughout the year, with standard and seasonal hours. The last ticket is generally sold one hour before closing time.
- Standard daily hours: The estates are open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
- Exceptions: The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Seasonal hours: During the annual Holiday Nights event in December and early January, the site often remains open until 9:00 pm.
- Recommended duration: Visitors are encouraged to allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to fully explore the historic homes, botanical gardens, museum, and laboratory.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are pets allowed on the estates grounds? | Only service animals are permitted on the grounds of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Pets and other comfort/support animals are not allowed. |
| What does the admission price include? | All general admission tickets include access to the historic homes and gardens of both families, the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory, and the 15,000-square-foot museum. |
| Are guided tours available? | Yes, guided tours are offered throughout the day and cover the homes and gardens. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket counter, though guests can opt for a self-guided tour using the estates’ mobile app. |
| Is parking available at the estates? | Yes, visitor parking is free for all guests, with spaces available for buses and recreational vehicles. |
Things to do near Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- Manatee Park – This compact waterfront park on the Caloosahatchee River is one of the easier places around Fort Myers to see manatees, particularly during the cooler months.
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve – A boardwalk through cypress wetlands provides a contrasting natural experience, with opportunities to see alligators, turtles, birds and other wildlife.
- IMAG History & Science Center – Fort Myers’ hands-on museum combines local history with science exhibits and an aquarium, making it a practical option for families.
- Downtown Fort Myers – The historic centre has preserved buildings, shops, restaurants and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, and is a straightforward addition to a visit to the estates.
- Sanibel Island – The island is about a 30-minute drive from the estates and provides a very different coastal experience, with beaches, wildlife and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Alternative attractions
- Ringling Museum – In Sarasota, this large museum complex combines an art collection, circus history, the Ca’ d’Zan mansion and extensive gardens, making it a particularly close comparison with the Edison and Ford estates.
- Naples Botanical Garden – About 45 minutes south of Fort Myers, this 170-acre garden combines themed tropical gardens with a large nature preserve and is a natural alternative for visitors particularly interested in the horticultural side of the estates.
- Koreshan State Park – Near Estero, this historic site preserves buildings and gardens associated with the Koreshan Unity community and combines a historic settlement with substantial grounds.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – In Sarasota, the gardens focus on tropical and subtropical plants and can be combined with other Sarasota attractions on a day trip from Fort Myers.
- Punta Gorda Botanical Gardens – South of Fort Myers, these gardens combine ornamental planting with sculpture, trails and wetland areas, providing another estate-and-gardens-style alternative.
Other things to do in Fort Myers include sunset tiki cruises, paddleboarding with dolphins and manatees or parasailing.
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More Florida travel
Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Guide to the St Andrews State Park to Shell Island ferry.
- A practical guide to the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville.
- What to expect when visiting the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.
- Plan your visit to the Museum of Illusions in Orlando.
- First time visitor’s guide to the Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine.
