Edison & Ford Winter Estates on the West Coast

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates contain a historical museum and 21 acre (8.5 hectares) botanical garden on the adjacent sites of the winter homes of Thomas Alva Edison and Henry Ford.

The present site dates from 1885, when Edison first visited Florida and purchased the property to build a vacation home. His home, completed in 1886 and later dubbed "Seminole Lodge", served as a winter retreat and place of relaxation until Edison's death in 1931. Edison’s good friend Henry Ford purchased the adjoining property, "The Mangoes".

Visitors to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy 20 acres of historical buildings, historic gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Edison Ford Museum. The newly restored buildings include the Edison Main House, Guest House, and Caretaker’s House and the Ford House.  The 1929 historic landscape is throughout the property including the award winning Moonlight Garden. The Edison Ford Museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits.

A National Register Historic Site, Florida Historic Landmark and Winner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Restoration Award, this place offers a chance to step back into “old Florida” and the opportunity to learn more about the world through unique historical, scientific and cultural experiences.

In 2014 the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory was designated as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society.

Open Daily 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Last Guided Tour starts at 4:00 pm. Self-guided audio tours available in English, German, French, and Spanish.  Maps available in English, German, French and Spanish. German language historian-led tours are also available every Wednesday at 10:30am.

Museum Store, Ford Cottage Shoppe and Garden Shoppe are open daily 9.00 am to 5:30 pm.

Practical Tips:

Distance from Roseaire: 162 miles, about 2:30 hours. Map.

Official Website here.

Wikipedia article here.

Alligators and Airboats ...sounds like fun!

From a Trip Advisor visitor:

"An airboat tour had been on my bucket list so I went to the park and had an enjoyable morning.

We brought bug repellent (which you MIGHT need when the boat is not moving). Some folks used it but there really were not that many flying insects.

As for the sights - be forewarned. Unless the gators are on dry land (and there isn't a lot of that), you generally only see their eyes and nose. It was interesting seeing them in so many shapes and sizes but the big ones were part of the show. We also had a good luck at turtles and some rather colorful birds. The little lady and I enjoyed the ride.

The airboats are comfortable but noisy - wear the earplugs they give you. My guide was pretty funny and made certain we had a good time.

After the tour, there is an alligator "show". No, the guide doesn't put his head in the gator's mouth but he does demonstrate how our perception of the alligator is skewed by what we see on TV. the gator's didn't really move all that much but I'm not certain I'd want to be standing in a gator pen with my back to some really big alligators like he did.

There is a photo opportunity where you get to hold a baby alligator for $3.

The gift shop has just what you would imagine. The restaurant was small and made even smaller when a bus pulled in. There are seats outdoors but it was at least 87 degrees when I was there. I had an ice cream cone and passed.


We got there around 8:15 am and by 12 we were on the road back to Miami. It was a nice time and worth the visit."



There are several places offering tours.
You may try Everglades Safari Park, family run since 1968. For a reasonable fee they offer a so-called  Eco-Adventure Tour that includes:

» 30-40 minute Airboat Ride
» Alligator Wildlife Nature Show &
» Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

Practical Tips:

Distance from Roseaire: 77 miles, about 1:30 hours ride. Map.

Combos: You can combine the excursion with one of the urban choices in Miami, like a Downtown Ride, Coral Gables or Wynnwood graffiti tour.

Kennedy Space Center

It's not that far. merely two hours and a half driving and you will get a thrilling experience of the outer space. Of course, you are not allowed to visit the launching place itself at Cape Canaveral and it

would be an unheard chance to be there at the time of a particular launching.
However the guided visit to the Visitors Center is full of artifacts connected to the History of the Space race for the Moon and all the stuff.





Practical Tips

Distance from Roseaire: 171 miles, about 2:30 hours. Map here

Be aware that it's not a cheap excursion. Check here the current admission fee, above $50 per person per day. You may also try here for a Discount Coupon.

Official website here

If you want to get there early, there is a 7 am mass at Saint Vincent Ferrer in Delray Beach. Map