10 Museums in Fort Myers That You Shouldn't Miss

Paint studio, wine bar, art gallery rolled into one! A SWFL must do! Paint a beach scene (or whatever you want!) On canvas, a coconut, wine glass, beer stein,wood pallets, etc! It's FUN art, not fine art! No experience needed! We help you along. Locally owned. Not your average "paint and sip".

Shell Point Retirement Community's massive 43' x 41' model train display features several running trains and hundreds of recognizable miniature geographic landmarks. The popular attraction is open from October through April each year, with free tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., conducted by Shell Point resident volunteers who enjoy model railroads as a hobby and want to share their interest with others. Landmarks to explore include Tallahassee's old Capitol Building, Pensacola freight yards, the Gainesville Gator Bowl, Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center with an orbiting space shuttle, Everglades National Park, the Sanibel Lighthouse, and even Shell Point Retirement Community. Be sure to check out the realistic "burning" house in St. Petersburg, with simulated smoke pouring out of the windows. The Gulf Coast Model Railroad has welcomed visitors since 1973, with Shell Point resident volunteers who serve as conductors on each journey "around the state." Ticket booth Millie welcomes more than 3,000 guests each year, many who write complimentary comments after their free tour (donations are appreciated).

DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts is the only cooperative art gallery in Fort Myers. This means buying and supporting the local artists that staff the venue directly. The quality of the art, jewelry, apparel and crafts is superb and produced in southwest Florida! We pride in meeting the expectations of every customer and have the most affordable prices in the area. Art classes offered too!

Visitors to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy seeing the winter residences of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. There are historical buildings, award-winning gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Inventions Museum. The museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits. Edison Ford offers many tour options, including special "Inside-the-Homes" and "Inside-the-Lab" Tours on select days. The audio tour is available in English, Spanish, German and French. Historian led tours are also offered in German on select days. Group tours can be arranged in advance.

The Alliance for the Arts is building community through arts in the heart of Fort Myers! The 10-acre campus features: a theater presenting more than 100 theatrical performances a year; an amphitheater for concerts and outdoor movies; art galleries; youth and adult education programs; a weekly Green Market and free yoga on Saturday mornings.

The Railroad Museum of South Florida,Inc operates the Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad and Railroad Museum in Lakes Regional Park in south Ft Myers Florida. Lakes Regional Park is a Approx 300 Acres in size, and is part of the Lee County Parks and Recreation Dept of Lee County Florida. The property was originally an old rock quarry which has been reclaimed by Mother Nature and transformed into a waterfront wonderland for all of Florida's natural beauty! The Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad operates daily train rides along a 1 1/2 mile track which meanders around and between the many lakes, passing small villages and thru a tunnel. The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation was created to monitor the over all future of the park.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, run by Florida Arts, Inc. (a 501c3 organization), is a must-see attraction with a colorful history. The center is dedicated to bringing world-class art events to the Southwest Florida community. Within our restored, state-of-the-art facility, we present a wide range of events to the public. From concerts to art exhibitions, galas to lectures, and providing educational arts experiences for children and adults alike– we promise excellence! Florida Arts, Inc. nurtures innovation and excellence in the visual and performing arts via exhibitions, performances, education, and community outreach. Through our development and management of the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, we carry on the legacy of Berne Davis and her mission to provide a world-class venue and open access to the arts for all Members of the Southwest Florida Community.