Edison/Ford Winter Estates
For many years when Bob and Mary Daniels visited we talked about going for the day to see the Ford Edison Winter Estates in Fort Myers and this year we finally did it! We picked a spectacular day and enjoyed every moment. All four of us felt like true tourists and spent the time there soaking up the history and beauty of the place. 
The gardens contain more than 1,700 plants representing more than 400 species from six continents.
The most famous tree is the banyan, a four foot tree planted around 1925 that now covers almost an acre of the grounds.
The Estates collection also includes the sausage tree, tropical fruit trees including mango and citrus, orchids, bromeliads, cycads, and more than 50 species of palms.
Edison Winter Estate – Seminole Lodge
When you visit Thomas A. Edison’s winter estate, you enter a world unlike any other.
The furnishings and architecture of these gracious, rambling buildings are reminiscent of a bygone era.
The original design included a kitchen and dining room in the north wing.
In 1906 the Edisons had this part of the house remodeled to serve as family bedroom suites.
Visitors used the dining room and kitchen in the newly renovated Guest House. The Main House includes Library, Study and Edison’s Den.
Edison initially sold this home to his friend Ezra Gilliland.
Edison re-acquired the home in 1906 and remodeled it for use as a guest house for visitors and includes Family and Dining Rooms as well as Kitchen.
The pool was constructed in 1910 and now reflects the 1928 remodel with addition of the Tea and Bath House.
When Edison purchased his Fort Myers property, bamboo, which he was using in his light bulb, was growing wild on the grounds.
Today, the gardens contain more than a dozen varieties of this unique grass.
Ford Winter Estate – The Mangoes
Henry Ford purchased his home in 1916, providing him the opportunity to vacation with Thomas Edison.
The Ford porch, adjacent to the vintage garage, offers a spectacular riverfront view of the Caloosahatchee River.
Adventure Logan 