Less than an hour north of Naples, you may be surprised to discover a unique blend of American history and award winning gardens. The Edison Ford Winter Estate is a great day trip getaway that is full of surprises.
Edison Ford Winter Estates is listed on the National Register Historic of Sites and received the Award of Excellence for restoration from both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Garden Clubs. The site is a Florida Historic Landmark and has been designated as a National Historical Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society. (While that may seem a bit obscure to most of us, remember that Edison was the consummate inventor; he did a lot of chemical and botanical research here in Florida!)
Here’s the history in a nutshell. Early in his career, Henry Ford worked as an engineer for Thomas Edison. The two struck up a close friendship. In 1885, when Edison first visited Florida, he purchased the property to build a vacation home. His home, completed in 1886 and later dubbed "Seminole Lodge", served as a winter retreat until Edison's death in 1931. Ford later purchased the adjoining property, "The Mangoes" in 1916. Often, Harvey Firestone joined Edison and Ford, where the three “vagabonds” camped and explored the mango forests of southwest Florida.
Today, the Edison Ford Winter Estate covers some twenty acres of property. When you visit Edison Ford, the first thing you’ll notice is the landmark banyan tree. Over 400 feet tall, this banyan offers an acre of shade!
Next, tour the indoor museum. Here you’ll learn more of the friendship and collaboration between Edison and Ford. You’ll learn of the research that went on here in Southwest Florida, and the significance of the site before you begin your tour. You’ll see incredible photos of those camping trips, and learn details of Edison’s work that give great insight into his genius and work a a prolific inventor.
Start your tour with a good look at Edison’s botany laboratory. During World War I, Edison partnered with Firestone and Ford to try to find a rubber tree or plant that could grow quickly in the United States. In 1927, the three men contributed $25,000 each and created the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in an attempt to find a solution to this problem. In 1928, the Edison Botanic Research Corporation laboratory was constructed. It was here that Edison conducted significant research.
As you move into the gardens around the property, you’ll learn that Edison's botanical garden contains more than a thousand varieties of plants from around the world. The gardens feature plants grown for industrial purposes (such as bamboo, used in light bulb filaments) and those which his wife Mina planted for their beauty. Your guide will be well-versed in helping you appreciate what is blooming any month of the year.
The Edison-Ford Winter Estate hosts a variety of special programs include Holiday Nights (rated one of the nation’s top ten holiday events), Black Maria Film Festival, Antique Car Shows, Garden Talks and a wide variety of special events throughout the year. The site can be reserved for events, weddings, corporate functions, meetings and group tours.
Visitors are welcome to explore on your own, take a guided tour, or enjoy an audio tour. You might also enjoy a special “Behind the Scenes” tour or “Inventors’ Tour” for added insights into this historic attraction.
After your visit, enjoy a meal at Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford. This restaurant is a new addition adjacent to the historic grounds at Edison Ford. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks overlooking the river.
Add the Edison Ford Winter Estate to your list of things to do in Florida!
