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Mound House
Mound House
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
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4.5
300 reviews
Excellent
214
Very good
60
Average
16
Poor
5
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5
Jeanine B
Estero4 contributions
Jan 2022
The Mound House is a little gem amidst Fort Myers Beach. This property has a fascinating history and the museum tour does a good job of describing and displaying the archeological finds. The gift shop is small but has good quality gifts for all ages.
But a visit to Mound House would not be complete without a kayak tour. There are tours for all ages. Estero Bay is teeming with marine life and water fowl. Our sunset tour today with Bobby was fantastic. Bobby was knowledgeable, fun and did a great job of keeping a close eye our our group of 10 while pointing out dolphins and birds of all shapes and sizes. He allowed us the time to drink in the beauty of our surroundings as we watched the day light fade. Paradise at it’s best.
But a visit to Mound House would not be complete without a kayak tour. There are tours for all ages. Estero Bay is teeming with marine life and water fowl. Our sunset tour today with Bobby was fantastic. Bobby was knowledgeable, fun and did a great job of keeping a close eye our our group of 10 while pointing out dolphins and birds of all shapes and sizes. He allowed us the time to drink in the beauty of our surroundings as we watched the day light fade. Paradise at it’s best.
Written January 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gator58
New Port Richey, FL565 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Great home and historical displays the amazing part is the museum below where the mound has been exposed. The movie playing explained the layers and historical dig at the sight well done. The park is great we did not have enough time to kayak be sure to view the website and plan a day
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve from Florida
Cape Coral, FL5 contributions
May 2022
The Mound House is a beautiful historic home that sits above Estero Bay in Southwest Florida. We have lived in the area for 11 years yet had never made the drive to Ft. Myers Beach to actually see it. It was the site of a group of Calusa Indians for several hundred years. They built a huge sand and shell mound upon which the historic house was later built about 100 years ago. The lives of those original Calusa settlers, who thrived in the area for many hundreds of years in this part of Florida, was the subject of a fascinating presentation by our guide, Adam. He showed us replica artifacts that have been found in the excavations conducted by archaeologists over the years in the vicinity. In fact, we were each allowed to use an atlatl, a type of spear thrower used long before the bow and arrow made their appearance. He knew an incredible amount about the subject. He put flesh on the bones of these early men and women. He knows the information inside and out and did a great job in conveying it to us. Very impressive.
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wanderer31504
Downers Grove, Illinois1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
We purchased the Family kayak tour which included Mound House admission. It did not disappoint!! The kayak tour was 1.5 hours and went thru local mangrove islands around Estero Bay. We’re newer kayakers but it was very manageable. We learned about mangroves, observed several different types of birds and even saw a ray. I was with my 15 year old daughter and 10 year old son. My son and I were in Double kayak and my daughter kayaked solo. They provided all the gear. The guides were very knowledgeable and also helped us learned to kayak better. All in all a very fun experience and the Mound House is always a fun museum to visit. Highly recommend.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bluemermaid25
Chicago, IL561 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
We took two kayak tours from here, the morning one and the sunset one. Adam is friendly, knowledgable, and patient. The kayaks are clean and well kept and Adam provides valet service by pushing us in the water, and out again at the end, without us even getting our feet wet! I like taking a guided kayak tour rather than renting on our own, because it’s relaxing to not have to decide which direction to go, and not have to pay attention to anything except the environment. We saw dolphins, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Osprey, and others, and learned about the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. The sunset tour is especially relaxing because it felt so calm and quiet. We finished before the sunset, which you cannot see from here anyway.
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tommy Duncan
Fort Myers, FL1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
A “must do” on one’s visit to Ft. Myers Beach! Fascinating history of this Calusa shell mound and the Calusa civilization of SW Florida that spanned over a thousand years of history. Mound House preserves this pre-history and the more recent history of the arrival of the Spanish explorers, traders, and conquerors. Our docent, Dr. Richard Jung, was both informed and passionate about the Mound House and the Calusa history. Highly recommended!
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rita S
Fort Myers Beach, FL2 contributions
Jan 2020
This tour is great even for novices. It is 2 hours in length and moves at a moderate pace with stops along the way for rest while the guide points out interesting things. The beauty of Estero Bay is certainly enhanced from the vantage point of a kayak. This is especially true when the tour navigates through some more remote areas. Dolphins, osprey, pelicans, herons and even tree climbing crabs were spotted along the way. It was explained that due to the brackish water in that area, alligators are rare. Our guide, Katie Beth, and volunteer, Jerri, were excellent. Paddling experience and skill level were taken into to consideration to create an enjoyable experience for everyone. Lockers with built in locks are provided at the launch site.
The fee also includes admission to the Mound House Museum which was interesting. It mostly concerned the study of the Calusa, the original inhabitants of the island.
The fee also includes admission to the Mound House Museum which was interesting. It mostly concerned the study of the Calusa, the original inhabitants of the island.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
radar643
Minden, Canada1,177 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The Mound House is built upon shells deposited by native peoples over a 2,000 year period. Once this was 14 acres, but with development, has shrunk to 3. The guided tour is 45 minutes and well worth the extra $5. Admission is $10. The history over the most recent 115 years is also very interesting as how the various owners had hopes and dreams for the property. Definitely worth a visit with a dedicated staff of volunteers.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
5frys
Belgrade, MT619 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We signed up for a kayak tour and we had such a wonderful time. We were fortunate because we went during high 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!
Mounds from below was a definite treat! What a great day!
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Pidge
Wayne, NJ522 contributions
Nov 2021
I'd passed on the Mound House for years, always having something else to do and thinking there wasn't enough to make it worth the stop. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The minimal ($10) entrance fee grants access to the wonderfully restored house as well as an enlightening archaeological exhibit/movie explaining the formation of the shell mound that gives name to the site. Equally worth the price of admission (even though access to the grounds doesn't actually cost a dime) are the beautiful waterfront grounds with gardens, a small boardwalk over Estero Bay, and other short walking trails.
The minimal ($10) entrance fee grants access to the wonderfully restored house as well as an enlightening archaeological exhibit/movie explaining the formation of the shell mound that gives name to the site. Equally worth the price of admission (even though access to the grounds doesn't actually cost a dime) are the beautiful waterfront grounds with gardens, a small boardwalk over Estero Bay, and other short walking trails.
Written December 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Directions to mound house
Gayle C
Fort Myers Beach, FL102 contributions
the Mound House is on Fort Meyers Beach at the end of Conneticut Street. Please look for the brown and white signs to guide you from Estero Blvd
574JoyceF
Long Sault36 contributions
How is the Kitchenette Rooms? It says old style Florida. Does that mean old and dirty?
pitbull2323
Brookfield, WI56 contributions
As stated by the previous answer. The Mound House is a historical site. It is not a place to stay.
Mound House (Fort Myers Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mound House
- Mound House is open:
- Tue - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Mound House:
- (0.11 mi) Amazing Bayfront Home, Heated Indoor Pool, 6 BR/5BA, Very Close to the Beach!
- (0.61 mi) Tiki On The Beach
- (0.27 mi) Island Villa + 33 Foot Infinity Pool, Dolphin Visits
- (0.23 mi) Island Hideaway Luxury Suites
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- Restaurants near Mound House:
- (0.78 mi) Fresh Catch Bistro
- (0.52 mi) Junkanoo Below Deck
- (1.21 mi) Cōste Island Cuisine
- (1.04 mi) Heavenly Biscuit
- (1.07 mi) Royal Scoop Fmb