Fort Myers has a lot more to explore than the beach. Our museums tell the story of inventors, sea life, pioneers and local art. They are also a great plan for a hot afternoon, a rainy day or a visit from family this winter.
Here are eight museums and history spots across Lee County worth your time. We checked every address, hour and price against each museum’s own website in October 2026. Hours can change in season, so check before you go.
1. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
This is the big one. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford spent their winters here. Today you can walk through both family homes, 20 acres of historic gardens and a 15,000 square foot museum with antique cars. You can also step inside the restored botanical lab where Edison, Ford and Harvey Firestone worked together.
The self-guided tour runs every day. Last admission is 4:30 p.m., and the site closes at 5:30 p.m. Plan to arrive by 3:30 p.m. so you have time to see it all. No reservation is needed. A free Edison Ford app guides you in English, Spanish, German or French.
Admission: $28 adults, $20 teens 13 to 19, $15 kids 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under and members get in free.
Edison and Ford tickets and tours
2. IMAG History & Science Center
2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers
Kids love the IMAG. It has more than 60 hands-on exhibits under one roof. The Living Lab has native and exotic animals and a 3,200-gallon aquarium built by the team from Animal Planet’s “Tanked.” At Stingray Bay, kids can touch sea stars, sea urchins and hermit crabs, and watch feedings twice a day. IMAG Live! science shows also run twice a day.
Hours: Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
Plan your IMAG visit and buy tickets
3. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium mixes indoor exhibits, a planetarium and outdoor trails. It is a good pick for families who want a little bit of everything in one stop. Fall is a nice time to visit, when the weather cools off.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $13 adults, $7 children. Members are free.
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
4. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel
Sanibel is famous for its shells, so of course it has a museum all about them. Find out who lives inside those shells you pick up on the beach. Daily gallery talks, including Keeper Chats, are included with admission.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays through November 1.
Admission: $25 adults. $20 for seniors 65 and up, veterans, educators and first responders. $15 for youth 12 to 17 and students. $10 for kids 5 to 11. Kids under 5, members and active military get in free.
5. Koreshan State Park Historic Settlement
3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero
This one is history you walk through outdoors. The park’s historic settlement gives you a look at a pioneer community from Estero’s past. Stroll the grounds, then enjoy the rest of the park. Watch the events calendar for guided historic tours.
Hours: The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year. The historic settlement is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5 per vehicle. Note that the campground is closed for now.
6. Mound House
451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach
Mound House is a small history museum on Fort Myers Beach. It is an easy add-on to a beach day, and the grounds stay open even on days the museum is closed.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The grounds are open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mound House | 239-765-0865
7. Alliance for the Arts
10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
Love art? The Alliance for the Arts has rotating gallery shows by local and visiting artists. Best of all, the galleries are free and open to the public. You can also check their calendar for classes, theater and family events.
Gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Alliance for the Arts | 239-939-2787
8. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Interpretive Center
7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers
Start inside at the Interpretive Center to learn about the slough, then head out on the boardwalk. It is a calm way to spend a morning.
Interpretive Center hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Tips for a Great Museum Day
- Go early in the day. Winter brings more visitors to town. Weekday mornings are usually calmer.
- Check the day. Several spots close on Mondays or Tuesdays, and the Shell Museum is closed Sundays through November 1.
- Think about a membership. If you live here, a yearly pass can pay for itself fast at places like Edison and Ford, where members get in free.
- Pair it with the outdoors. Koreshan, Mound House and Six Mile Cypress all mix history with nature. See our guide to the best parks and nature trails in Fort Myers for more ideas.
- Make it a beach day too. The Shell Museum and Mound House are close to the sand. Our guide to the best beaches near Fort Myers can help you pick one.
New to the area? Our new resident guide to Fort Myers covers the basics. For special exhibits, tours and family nights at these museums, check the Fort Myers events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular museum in Fort Myers?
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates on McGregor Boulevard is the best known. It includes two historic homes, 20 acres of gardens, a museum and Edison’s botanical lab.
Are there free museums in Fort Myers?
Yes. The galleries at the Alliance for the Arts on McGregor Boulevard are free and open to the public. Kids 5 and under get into Edison and Ford for free, and kids under 5 get into the Shell Museum for free.
What is a good museum for kids in Fort Myers?
The IMAG History & Science Center has more than 60 hands-on exhibits, a touch tank and live science shows. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is another family favorite.
What can we do in Fort Myers on a rainy day?
Indoor museums are a great choice. Try the IMAG, the Edison and Ford museum and lab, the Shell Museum on Sanibel or the free galleries at the Alliance for the Arts.
How much does it cost to visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates?
General admission is $28 for adults, $20 for teens 13 to 19 and $15 for kids 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under and members are free.
Is the Shell Museum on Sanibel open on Sundays?
The museum is closed on Sundays through November 1. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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