Fort MyersOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Military Outpost to Town

Fort Myers began as a military outpost during the Seminole Indian Wars. The U.S. Army constructed a fort along the Caloosahatchee River in the 1850s to protect settlers. This fort was named after Colonel Abraham C. Myers, an Army quartermaster. After the Civil War, the fort was abandoned in 1865, and many of its buildings were dismantled for materials. By 1876, about ten families lived in the area, which was officially platted and incorporated as a town in 1886.

The Edison and Ford Influence

Fort Myers' transformation from a quiet cattle town began in 1885 when inventor Thomas Edison visited and purchased 13 acres along the Caloosahatchee River. He built his winter estate, "Seminole Lodge," which included a laboratory. Edison funded the planting of hundreds of royal palms along what was then Riverside Avenue, transforming it into a grand boulevard. This initiative earned Fort Myers its nickname, "City of Palms." In 1916, Henry Ford, a friend of Edison's, bought the adjoining property for his own winter retreat. The presence of these two figures brought attention and development to Fort Myers, attracting other individuals and shaping its cultural and physical landscape.

Downtown Development

After a period of growth through the 1920s, the Great Depression led to a decline in commerce, and many historic buildings deteriorated. In the early 1980s, the city established the Downtown Redevelopment Agency (DRA) to address this decline. A special tax was implemented to redevelop the historic area, leading to a resurgence in the 1990s that continues today. The Downtown Historic District, also known as the River District, now encompasses 540 acres and contains shops, restaurants, art galleries, and performance spaces, preserving its historic character.

• —Edison & Ford Winter Estates — See the winter homes, botanical gardens, and laboratories of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The site includes Edison's botanical research areas and a large banyan tree.
• —Downtown Historic District (River District) — Walk through brick-lined streets with local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. This area contains historic structures, including the First National Bank Building (built in 1914) and the Collier Arcade.
• —McGregor Boulevard — Drive or walk along this 14-mile boulevard lined with over 1,800 royal palms, many exceeding 75 feet. The road passes historic homes and riverfront estates.
• —Caloosahatchee River — This river runs through downtown Fort Myers and is used for fishing and paddling. Boat tours are available from here.
• —Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve — This preserve offers a boardwalk through a wetland ecosystem, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• —Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve — Located across the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, this preserve features a shaded boardwalk through a mangrove forest with views of the river.

The period from early February to early May and from late October to late December offers comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (18-28°C), with lower humidity and rainfall.

Winter (January to April) is the busiest season, with more visitors and higher accommodation rates. Spring (March to May) offers warm weather and fewer crowds than winter. Fall (late October to November) has easing temperatures and humidity.

Avoid visiting during the summer (May to October), which is the hot, humid, and wet season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the risk of hurricanes from early June through November, peaking August through October.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) serves Fort Myers and is located southeast of the city. Smaller aircraft can use Page Field General Aviation Airport, closer to downtown. Fort Myers is accessible by car, approximately a two-hour drive south of Tampa and an hour south of Sarasota.

A car is generally recommended for getting around Fort Myers, as attractions are spread out. Public transportation is not extensive. Rental cars are available at RSW. Parking in downtown Fort Myers often includes free street parking.

The Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market operates year-round on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, located on First Street to Broadway and Broadway to Main Street. Other seasonal markets, like the Lakes Park Farmers Market, run from October through May.