Finally made it to the Mound House, a historic museum in Fort Meyers. Located on top of the hill, near the water, the house is a nice museum that you can visit in an hour or so and learn about the Calusa tribe, how they survived in the area, Florida's history and the tale of the house that was built on a shell. The house is the oldest in the area and was sold to the Koreshan cult at some point and they sold it again to other owners. The museum is small, a few rooms, but it has great information listed and lots of artifacts on display. They have a video running on the first floor and a nice terrace upstairs among other rooms with their permanent exhibits. I was disappointed that the underground excavation room was closed due to flooding. But I enjoyed the grounds, walking around the water, the piers, seeing blue herons, pelicans, osprey nest, iguana-s, etc. Great area with picnic tables for a lunch outdoors. You can fish on the pier or bring a book and sit on a bench and enjoy the views of the bay. $10 admission, open Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No tours the day we went on a Saturday. No boat tours or kayak tours either. Nice souvenir shop, we got some kitchen ware, ornaments, nice souvenirs. Lots to learn about the area, nice grounds near the water, beautiful views and lots of bird watching! Very relaxing! read more

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We went at a slow time in mid-February - and didn't have a guided tour. We did watch a 25-minute movie on the history of Fort Myers Beach from the Calusa years to about the late 1990s - with really good interviews from elderly (in the 1990s) residents who'd lived there their entire life. The actual house has many exhibits showing life before the Europeans took over - with explanations and artifacts. Outside, the grounds have signs about the area, the vegetation, and the history of the house. About 1/2-mile walk to see it all. All-in-all between the movie, the house, and the grounds - we spent about an hour and a half here. There's a small gift shop. And... good views across the water. read more

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Beautiful day to visit the mountain house on Fort Myers Beach. It wasn't open inside, but I was able to walk around the grounds and see the beautiful gardens. It's a special place. read more

The tour is well worth the extra $5. Franklin was amazing, kind and very knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed learning all about the Caloosa natural history and walking around the grounds. read more

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I have been visiting the Mound House now for several years, and it's always a great time! The house is in a cozy location tucked off of the main road to Ft. Myers Beach, overlooking the water and providing a lot of rich history of the natives who lived here thousands of years ago. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming to visitors of all ages. For a small donation, you can get a guided tour inside and out of the house, or just roam the grounds on your own. People go fishing off of the dock, and they even book schools for field trips! If you want to bring a class of students, you have a choice of three different activities for the kids to learn more of the Calusa heritage. Some of those include learning how to throw an atlatl (spear-like weapon), making cordage ropes, going underground to see how the shell mound was created over the centuries and more. The staff is so knowledgeable, and they are so fantastic with the kids. It's fun to have a picnic lunch out on the mound as well under the giant strangler fig tree, with the breeze coming from the water. If you're a paddler, the Mound House is part of the Great Calusa Blueway as well, with a free kayak launch on the north side of the house. You can paddle up and down the canals, or out in the pass which is more challenging because of boat traffic. But, it leads to many other spots on the Blueway, and is just beautiful out there. I seem to always spot two or three manatee as well each time I've gone. This is a hidden gem definitely worth visiting if you're in the area. read more

Mound House - Mound House from the water! - Museums Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

We loved this house!! The underground part was really neat with the layers of shells dating back to 2000B.C. Even my 9yr old was interested. It would be neat if they would have restored the house back to an earlier period, but it was still interesting to look around at all the artifacts and the plant life. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff!! read more

Mound House - Museums Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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This museum is okay. The grounds are really nice but the museum itself is pretty small and not a lot to look at. Just a lot of reading on the small amount of items there is to see. The underground area where you can see the mound of shells was the only interesting part. They have a show with a video with lights. Recently they had a lightning strike though so the video wasn't working only the lights. It really wasn't that amusing, even if it had the video I couldn't imagine it changing the experience much. It's still cool to see the shells which the house and grounds were built upon. You have to pay an extra $5 for the guided tour. It was ok but this should be included in the price for sure. I couldn't say I would recommend or return. If you go I would just walk around the grounds for free and not pay for the museum or tours to be honest. read more

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Incredible history and perspective. If you don't know about the Culusa "Shell Indians", prepare to be amazed.

We signed up for a kayak tour and we had such a wonderful time. We were fortunate because we went during low tide, so the wildlife was exceptional. We saw many birds ( including a rare round tipped billed bird), manatee, dolphin, and a jumping tarpon. Our guide, Bobby, was great and full of not just nature, but local attractions. He directed us to Publix for the Buffalo Chicken pubSub, and it was so yummy! Local volunteer, Kim was also a joy, and had an eagle eye for wildlife! The museum was also a delight and seeing the tribal shell Mounds from below was a definite treat! What a great day! read more

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When you mention Fort Myers Beach, you think of beaches, bays, sun and water activities. There is a small elevated area overlooking the Estero bay called Mound House. Mount House is not only known as the oldest building in Fort Myers Beaches but it sits on top Calusa Shell mound that is more than 2000 years old. You can approach Mount either from parking lots or by boat. There is a small parking lot at the site and an overflowing parking lot about 400 yards away. First you check into a small gift shop that are full of artifacts, books and jewelry. You might consider pick up some insect repellent here. Mount House served as a museum that features three distinctive periods in the history of Estero Bay, the Calusa Indians, Cuban Fisherman and the Koreshan Unity. You start the visit by first visit the underground excavation. A video presentation about the archeological nature and the Calusa Indians use of shells to build up the land. This is my first experience inside the interior of shell mound. What a sight! Along the side of the underground room, there is a huge mural illustrating the activities of typical Calusa communal. As you exit the Underground excavation, you walk through a path that lined with tropical fruit trees like Avocado, Mangoes, banana and other tropical plants. On the first floor is a living room that restored to 1920's. This property once was owned by the Case family, members of Koreshan Unity religion. During our visit, there is a class on the first floor. Upstairs is the Calusa room, which display many religion artifacts. The Calusas were expert wood carvers, many wooden face masks as well weapons make of shells. Next door is some of Cuban Fishermen's impact on the area. In the back room or the bath room, a sample archeological work station shows how they assemble the unearthed pieces to form an object like a woodpecker panel. Simply amazing! The ground of Mound House is well maintained and worth exploring. A number of Florida plants are well marked. A huge banyan tree with a number of picnic tables underneath can be a nice place for lunch or rest. A separate garage was converted to office and restroom while a kayak house with launching area nearby. A semi-circular boardwalk provides a nice observation deck or fishing. Sometimes, dolphins or manatees are swimming in the bay. There are guided tours, Indian Pottery, kayak tours, wild life tours and other activities available depending on the time of year. Check their website or call for more information. It is worthwhile, enjoyable and different way to send some time other than beach life! read more

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Interesting place, beautiful grounds. Nice walk. . . read more

Mound House - Museums Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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This is one of the best museums we have visited in southwest Florida. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and presented the history of the Mound House that made us wanting to know more. The grounds are well maintained and the Mound House sits on the the site of a public park. Fishing from pier, launching of kayaks and picnicking is available to all without a fee. Guided tours are provided for a nominal fee and well worth it. read more

Enjoyed our visit today. Our tour guide was excellent, very informative. Fascinating!!

First time visit, we became members to support the organization and for the kayak paddle discount. The kayak paddle was pleasant, though there was no commentary on local history or the natives. We hoped we would hear more about the Calusa and historical background. Our guide mostly had information about the wildlife we saw. The mound house facilities and grounds are lovely. The interpretive material and exhibits in the house are very well done. The underground exhibit is not to be missed to really grasp the significance of the Native American mound. Nice selection of interesting merchandise in the museum shop. I bought a T-shirt. read more

Stopped in for a quick walk around the property. Didn't have time for a tour but the grounds were free and lovely. read more

Mound House - Museums Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

I took my two kids here after school today - my son is in 2nd grade and starting a project on the Calusa tribe here in Swfl. The grounds were beautiful and it was hard to believe we never knew about this place! Highly recommend to anyone living or visiting SWFL. The tour guide was EXCELLENT! Thank you Dexter, for putting up with all of their questions! The kind woman in the gift shop but together two bags of souvenirs and information for each of my children. I will be back and will bring my family and friends when they come to visit. Thank you again Mound House! What an experience. read more

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A great place to visit if you're interested in local history. The grounds are absolutely beautiful we had a picnic On one of the observation docs. read more

Just the right amount of History for a gorgeous sunny day in Florida. The actual Mound House offers History of the Area, the Mound House & it's families, then out and around the back of the house to see the massive mound of shells placed there by the Indigenous people centuries before & watch a short video. Also, Pristine grounds to explore & a quick visit to their dock to have a picnic, or stare out across the Water. Well worth the small entrance fee! Enjoyed it thoroughly. read more

Very new, very well run museum that details the history of the 110 year old home and more importantly, the 2000 year-old shell mound it sits on top of. Through a combination of the incredibly resourceful tour guides and videos the importance and history of the site comes to life. We took our 8 year old on a hot summer day when she would rather be at the pool but she was captivated by the story and enjoyed the museum. They have a wonderful dock as well. Would highly recommend! The visit took us 90 minutes. read more

We just happened to be driving around wasting time until Doc Fords opened for lunch. We saw the sign and were intrigued so we followed the signs to the house. The grounds were nice. There are pathways that have signs describing the different trees and flowers. They have a nice pier you can walk out on too. We didn't pay to go in the house though. read more

Mound House - Museums Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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This was an unexpected pleasure. Amid all the developments on Ft. Myers Beach this was a history lesson and entertaining as well.

Beautiful garden paths with signs. The house is very interesting with historic exhibits inside including an underground exhibit of 15' of shell layers. The guides were very informative. They have their own fishing dock, you can even come by boat. The history of the Native Calusa tribes and how and why the Shellmound was created was very interesting. There is a fee of $10 per adult and five dollars per child to tour the house no charge to roam the garden, not a bad deal. read more

Mound House - Beautiful garden paths with signs. The house is very nice too. - Museums Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

They've put a lot of thought and $'s into the property, best part being the underground room where you can see the stratas of shells from 1500 to 2000 years ago. A real find and an excellent educational and historical hour or two to spend on a rainy OR sunny day. read more

Staying at my hotel, I noticed the owner had tapped an enveloped with the word "Mound House" to the door of the office door. I wondered what that was, so later when I was driving i noticed the mound house sign ( no I did not open the envelope you silly people) and turning i found Mound House. Mound House is currently under construction and having had a grant taken from them are a little short on cash . So I sorta went in when they were not open yet. It was okay they are on the beach so it was open. As a child I had grown up near Cohokia Indian Mounds in Missouri but because those were dirt and not shell mounds I could not make the connection. However on staff is a anthropologist who is an amazing gal. She and I are both alumni from the University of Illinois. So I know she had to be smart * wink*And she was she gave me so much info. They have some great books to purchase there. Sadly I was running low on suitcase space! This is the story there is a house that was build and had a pool laid on this area where this shell mounds are =Shell Mounds are layers of shells built by the Calusa Indians to make a large living area where over 200 plus people lived. The house was purchased by a land trust and it is being made into a museum ( yet to be finished) next door is the gift-shop and visitor center. The pool was removed and I took pictures where the pool was removed and the layers of shells are so you can see it But it is really something you want to see for yourself. Your mind sorta spins to think how long ago those shells were last exposed to the air and here you are next to them... The house itself is fascinating it was once a casino for the rich in the twenties. It was also an interesting "experimental station" called the Shell Mound Mound Experimental Station. So if you are a fan of "Lost" think the Dharma Initiative here. They were a collective of scientists and retired scholars that invented many things even helped invent frozen orange juice...you must like history and a great must see place for the children!!! This April 2010 the opening galas start --great kayaking here too call them for questions on this! read more

A place of unique insights into the ancient history of the Calusa native Americans and more contemporary settlement of Florida. Our guide, Katy Beth, was very personable and knowledgeable. The opportunity to experience an archeological excavation of a shell mound (you are actually underground and able to see the layers of shells and sediment) and the accompanying narrative was fascinating. The grounds of the house are lovely with a beautiful view of Estero Bay. This is an excellent educational resource for all. As a bonus, the gift shop has an outstanding assortment of books, decorative objects, children's activities, jewelry and more- one of the best museum gift shops I've seen. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the time spent here. read more

This tour is a work in progress but It will be super cool once the kinks are worked out. It is run mostly by volunteers which I think is really cool. The property was beautiful and will only continue to get better as they expand their project. What drew me here was the history of the area and I wanted to see the cross section of the mound. I enjoyed the 1.5 hour tour and will continue to go back as the artifacts they have collected go on exhibit. In my opinion I think this was a great purchase for the town of FMB as this property has so much museum potential. I recommend seeing it but make sure you know the times of the tours and verify they will be open. read more

Went there today during an exploration drive. The grounds are very interesting because of the well-marked variety of trees & plants. The views are impressive because of the mound height. Unfortunately , no tours while I was there, so call ahead as the house probably is worth it read more