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EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES
Historic Homes | Botanical Gardens | Edison Lab
Long before Southwest Florida was a vacation spot, Thomas Edison picked a stretch of riverfront in Fort Myers for his winter home, and his friend Henry Ford soon bought the house next door. Their two estates still sit side by side on the Caloosahatchee River, surrounded by gardens, giant trees, and the lab where Edison spent his final years chasing a homegrown source of rubber.
It’s about 25 minutes from our Fort Myers Beach rentals, which makes it an easy morning or afternoon away from the sand. Tour the homes, wander the gardens, and finish with dinner in downtown Fort Myers just up the road.
know before you go
At a Glance
Address
2350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Hours
9am – 5:30pm daily
Last admission 4:30pm
Time needed
2 – 3 hours
Homes, gardens, lab, museum
Drive from our rentals
About 25 min
From Fort Myers Beach
Gardens
About 20 acres
Along the Caloosahatchee
Tickets
At the gate or online
Guided and self-guided tours
find it on the map
Where It Is
From Fort Myers Beach, cross the bridge and follow McGregor Boulevard north. It’s one of the prettiest drives in town, lined with royal palms, and the estates sit right on McGregor just before downtown Fort Myers.
What to expect
- Walk through Thomas Edison’s winter home, Seminole Lodge, and Henry Ford’s house right next door
- Step inside the restored botanical lab where Edison, Ford, and Harvey Firestone worked on a rubber source
- Explore the museum, full of Edison inventions, phonographs, light bulbs, and early Ford cars
- Wander the gardens, with tropical plants and trees collected from around the world
- Stand under the huge banyan tree near the entrance, one of the largest in the country
- Walk out to the riverfront for views across the Caloosahatchee
Good to know
- Go in the morning, before the midday heat and the tour groups
- Wear comfortable shoes: the homes, gardens, and lab are spread out
- Bring water and a hat, since much of the visit is outdoors
- Book a guided tour if you want the stories behind the homes, or go self-guided at your own pace
- Pair it with lunch or dinner in downtown Fort Myers, just a few minutes north
pick your season
When to Go
Peak
Winter: December – April
The same months Edison and Ford spent here. Mild weather makes the gardens a pleasure, and the holidays bring the estate lit up at night.
Shoulder
Spring & Fall
Smaller crowds and warm days. Great for a slow walk through the gardens.
Quiet
Summer Mornings
Hot afternoons and storms, so go when the gates open and be done before lunch. The museum and lab are good rainy-day stops.
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common questions
EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES FAQ
How far is the Edison & Ford Winter Estates from Fort Myers Beach?
About 25 minutes by car. Take McGregor Boulevard north from the beach, and the estates are right on it, just before downtown Fort Myers.
How long should I spend at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates?
Plan on two to three hours to see both homes, the lab, the museum, and the gardens without rushing. Garden lovers can easily stay longer.
Do I need to book a tour?
You can explore on your own or join a guided tour. Guided tours add the stories behind the homes and the friendship between Edison and Ford, so they're worth it on a first visit. Buying tickets ahead helps in busy season.
What is the big tree at Edison & Ford?
It's a banyan tree that started as a small gift to Edison and grew into one of the largest banyans in the country. Its roots and branches spread across a huge area near the entrance, and it's a favorite photo spot.
What else is near the Edison & Ford Winter Estates?
Downtown Fort Myers is a few minutes north for dinner, galleries, and a walk along the river. In winter, Manatee Park and Red Sox spring training at JetBlue Park are both a short drive east.
stay with us
Stay on Fort Myers Beach, Step Into History in Fort Myers
At Coast & Range, we specialize in vacation homes that feel just right — whether you’re gathering by the beach or unwinding in the mountains. Every property is carefully chosen and curated for families and friends who want a stay that’s as comfortable as it is memorable.
