• Built in 1921, The Mound House is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and sits atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound directly on Estero Bay. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.
  • Built in 1921, The Mound House is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and sits atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound directly on Estero Bay. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.
  • Built in 1921, The Mound House is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and sits atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound directly on Estero Bay. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.
  • Built in 1921, The Mound House is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and sits atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound directly on Estero Bay. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.
  • Visitors to The Mound House in Fort Myers Beach, Florida can enjoy fishing and wildlife spotting from the Observation Pier, take a kayak or boat tour, a relaxing stroll through the historic gardens, or enjoy a picnic. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.
  • Visitors to The Mound House in Fort Myers Beach, Florida can enjoy fishing and wildlife spotting from the Observation Pier, take a kayak or boat tour, a relaxing stroll through the historic gardens, or enjoy a picnic. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.
  • The Great Calusa Blueway kayak launch at The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.
  • The Mound House history of Matanzas Pass sign. Visitors to The Mound House in Fort Myers Beach, Florida can enjoy fishing and wildlife spotting from the Observation Pier, take a kayak or boat tour, a relaxing stroll through the historic gardens, or enjoy a picnic. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.

The Mound House in Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach’s Oldest Structure

Built in 1921, The Mound House is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and sits atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound directly on Estero Bay.

The house serves as a multi-level museum, showcasing Calusa artifacts and interactive exhibits. Visitors can learn about Florida prehistory, Calusa Indians, and early pioneer settlements through the Museum’s educational programs, botanical, and archeological tours.

Visitors to The Mound House can also enjoy fishing and wildlife spotting from the Observation Pier, take a kayak or boat tour, a relaxing stroll through the historic gardens, or enjoy a picnic on the 3-acre waterfront property. There are also special events scheduled throughout the year.

Shell Mound Tour

Go on a tour with Mound House interpretive staff and learn about the 2,000 year-old Calusa Indian Shell Mound Site. Explore the archaeology of the site and what clues archaeologists uncovered about this ancient society.

The Shell Mound Tour admission is $5 Museum admission is not included (MH Members free). Reservations are not required.

Mound House Cool Calusa Tools Program

Known as the “shell people”, the Calusa Indians lived in Southwest Florida for over 2,000 years. Learn about the many different tools they made. Swing a real conch hammer, handle a shark tooth carving tool, and try your luck with an ancient atlatl “spear thrower” as you step back in time atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound.

This program is suited for families with children ages 6 and up and visitors of all ages. The Cool Calusa Tools program admission fee is $5. Museum admission is not included (MH Members free). Reservations are not required.

Mound House Mangroves Guided Eco-Kayak Tours

Join Mound House Educators as you experience the abundant natural beauty of the ancient realm of the Calusa.

Each Mound House guided eco-kayak tour explores the winding mangrove creeks and hidden backwaters of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve as only a kayaker can.

The tour offers an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife such as birds, fish, manatees, and dolphins as you paddle a tandem kayak through the Estero Bay and Hell Peckney Bays.

Mound House kayak tours are conducted in accordance with Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism guidelines.

All paddling and safety equipment provided. Ages 12 and up. Weather permitting. Tour admission is $45 per person (MH Members $15) Museum admission is included. Private group tours are also available. Reservations are required and can be made online. Register for a Mound House guided eco kayak tour. CDC and social distancing guidelines apply to this program. Maximum of 12 paddlers per tour.

Fort Myers Beach Guided Beachwalk Tour

Explore the natural treasures on Fort Myers Beach through a guided walk along the shore. Tours are offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 9:30am.

Participants should meet at Newton Beach Park under thatched hut (4650 Estero Blvd). Wear sunscreen, appropriate clothing, shoes, and hats. Tours are approximately 30 minutes – weather permitting. Reservations are not required.

The Mound House Hours and Admission

The Mound House is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Adult Admission is $10, Students with college ID is $8, Children age 6-12 years of age is $5, Members and Children 5 years of age and younger are free.

The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset.