Attractions

There are no big theme parks here; area attractions tend more toward the natural and historical, such as the lovingly preserved riverfront homes of Fort Myers' two most famous winter residents, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, where visitors get a glimpse of life here a century ago.

Celebrate the area's bounty of shells at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island and the whimsy of stuffed bears at Naples' Teddy Bear Museum.

Nature takes center stage at places such as the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, the sprawling J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary east of Naples. Here the entertainers are likely to be wood storks, roseate spoonbills, gators, raccoons and the occasional snake.

For a taste of the Florida kitsch of yesteryear, try the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, purveyor of a worldwide collection of shells as well as Florida merchandise, and the recently added Octagon Animal Showcase, home to lions, tigers, bears and many other wild creatures.

BONITA SPRINGS

Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old U.S. 41, features the region's wildlife, including alligators and Florida panthers. There are also alligator feedings on a swinging bridge. (941) 992-2591.

CAPE CORAL

Cape Coral Historical Society Museum, 544 Cultural Park Drive. Offers a look at the city's past. 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. (941) 772-7037.

Children's Science Center, 2915 N.E. Pine Island Road, is a fun-filled museum for the young and the young at heart, offering exhibits on math, science and technology. Feel electricity, make rope, pet a python, walk the nature trail, look through a microscope and more. $4/adults 17 and older, $2/ages 3-16. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (941) 997-0012. www.cyberstreet.com/csc.

ESTERO

Koreshan State Historic Site, U.S. 41 at Corkscrew Road, is a 305-acre park dedicated to preserving a utopian pioneer settlement. Founded in 1894 and preserved on the banks of the Estero River; 11 historic structures remain as testament of the Koreshan Unity's pioneering spirit. The park offers ranger-guided tours at 1 p.m. weekends and self-guided tours during the week. The park also offers a 60-site campground, canoe rental, picnic area, boat landing and nature trails. 8 a.m. to sundown daily. $3.25/vehicle (up to 8 passengers), $1/person walk-in. (941) 992-0311.

College of Life Foundation, 8661 Corkscrew Road. Library houses artifacts and furniture brought from Chicago by the original Koreshans and is dedicated to preserving the historic Koreshan communal heritage. Special concerts and programs are presented in the Theater in the Woods from October through April. Koreshan festivals and other activities are held in the Museum Building throughout the year. Donations are accepted, as the non-profit foundation receives no government or agency support. Personalized tours offered 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. (941) 992-2184. koreshanfound@mindspring.com.

Mound Key State Archaeological Site is one of the best-preserved sites within the Calusa domain. It is accessible only by boat or canoe. After signing the guest register sheet, take a tour around the island, and view the exhibit panels and the interpretive signs that detail the history of the Calusa Indians. 8 a.m. to sundown. (941) 992-0311.

FORT MYERS

Babcock Wilderness Adventures, 8000 State Road 31. Enjoy a 90-minute swamp buggy ride, or a three-hour off-road bike tour. Both tours travel through the Babcock Ranch and Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Reservation only. (800) 500-5583. babcockwilderness.com.

Burroughs Home, 2505 First St., offers tours of the century-old riverfront Georgian revival home listed in the National Register. Catered luncheon tours available for groups of 10 or more and the home and grounds are available for weddings, receptions, corporate events and club meetings. $6/adults, $3/children. Seasonal hours. (941) 332-6125.

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., has nature trails, a natural history museum, Audubon aviary and a planetarium featuring astronomy and laser light shows. Call for prices. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (941) 275-3435. www.calusanature.com.

Centennial Park, 200 W. First St. in downtown Fort Myers, is a 10-acre waterfront park with a large playground, including equipment for handicapped children, fishing pier, dock facilities, two picnic pavilions, two sand volleyball courts, a promenade path and plenty of benches. The park is host to several annual festivals and is available for rent. Dawn to dusk. (941) 332-6638.

City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Ave., hosts Boston Red Sox spring training games from the last week of February to the first week of April. Admission is $11, seasonal hours. (941) 334-4700.

Classic Flight Inc., 605 Danley Drive, offers a flight school, plane rentals, sightseeing tours and gift certificates. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. waco121@aol.com. (941) 939-7411.

ECHO, Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization, 17391 Durrance Road, is a Christian ministry working to fight world hunger and is also home to one of the largest collections of tropical food plants in Florida. Walk in a simulated rain forest, pet wool-less sheep and dine on moorings tree leaves. One free tour only Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and by appointment for groups. Hours for the Edible Landscape Nursery and Bookshop are 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Saturday. (941) 543-3246. echo@echonet.org.

Eden Vineyards Winery, 19709 Little Lane, is the southernmost vineyard and winery in the United States. The winery was planted more than 25 years ago with clones of grapes such as cabernet, sauvignon and chardonnay. It now provides five to seven grape wines ranging from an elegant dry white to a red dessert wine. The winemaker has also produced several award-winning wines from tropical fruits. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except major holidays. (941) 728-9463. eden@olsusa.com.

Edison/Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd. The winter home of Thomas A. Edison decorated just as Mina Edison left it in 1947. Walk next door and visit the home of Edison's famous friend and neighbor, Henry Ford. Stroll through lush gardens and take a tour of Edison's chemical research laboratory and museum filled with hundreds of his inventions. You can also enjoy a mini-river cruise on a replica of Edison's electric launch. $12/adult, $5.50/ages 6-12, under 6 free. River cruise 9:10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday, $4/person. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. (941) 334-3614. www.edison-ford-estate.com.

Florida Everblades/TECO Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway. Hockey from October-April, public skating daily. Also home to basketball and arena football. Call for times and ticket prices. (941) 948-7825. www.floridaeverblades.com.

Fort Myers Historical Museum, 2300 Peck St. Relive the rich history of Southwest Florida. Walk with the prehistoric animals of the area, live with the Calusa Indians or become one of the soldiers at the fort. View turn-of-the-century downtown or stroll on the riverfront wharf. The private Pullman railcar and Cracker house are awaiting your visit. Paleo, Fla. exhibit opening January 2002. $6/adults, $5.50/seniors, $3/ages 3-12, free/under 3. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. (941) 332-5955. msantiago@cityftmyers.com.

Fort Myers Manatee World lets boaters see manatees in the wild. November-April. Leaves Coastal Marina Mart on State Road 80 at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily. 14-foot pontoon boats with trolling motors can be rented. (941) 693-1434.

Imaginarium Hands-on Museum, 2000 Cranford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Monday, for pre-registered groups, features hands-on exhibits on weather, water, the human body, physics, math, a preschool area and large fresh and saltwater aquaria. Outdoors are a lagoon and theater for alligator viewing, a citrus grove, a picnic area and interactive exhibits like the bubble station and waterworks. Snack bar available. Daily programs include hourly films, live animal feedings and Hands-On Fun Shows at 2 p.m. $6/adults, $3/children ages 3-12, members and 3 and under free. www.cityftmyers.com/attractions/ imaginarium.htm.

Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, includes concerts, trade shows, expos, rodeos, business seminars, company picnics and more. (941) 543-8368. www.leeciviccenter.com.

Manatee Park, State Road 80, east of I-75, (941) 432-2004. Features family picnic areas, non-motorized kayak/ canoe lunch and fishing deck on the Orange River, a butterfly garden and native plant habitats. It is also the winter home for the West Indian manatee. Offering a visitor center, gift shop, kayak rentals ($8/hour), daily programs and volunteer naturalists on site during manatee season. Parking is 75 cents/hour, $3 max./day. Manatee viewing update line: (941) 694-3537. www.lee-county.com.

Miracle professional baseball, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, is the Class A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The season spans the entire summer with activities geared to all ages: giveaways, contests, concerts, fireworks and great minor league baseball. Open April-September; games generally start at 7:05 p.m. $4/box seat, $3/reserved. (941) 768-4210.

Naples/Fort Myers Greyhound Track, 10601 Bonita Beach Road, offers dog racing and off-track betting. Free admission, clubhouse $2. (941) 992-2411. nfmgreyhound@tntonline.com.

Octagon Animal Showcase, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, has more than 50 rescued animals on display. Petting zoo, elephant and pony rides. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. (941) 995-2141.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, on Six-Mile Cypress Parkway (1.5 miles north of Daniels Parkway), features mile-long accessible boardwalk trails, picnic areas, observation decks and seasonal programs. Call for information on free guided walks. Parking fee is 75 cents/hour, $3 max./day. No pets or bikes allowed on boardwalk. (941) 432-2004. www.lee-county.com.