Estero Bay Preserve State Park

The preserve spans 10,000 acres across Estero Bay, featuring mangrove forests, salt marshes, and tidal flats that support diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The area began forming 5,000 years ago when rising sea levels created a lagoonal estuary, leading to its designation as Florida's first aquatic preserve in 1966.

Archaeological sites within the preserve contain prehistoric shell middens that provide evidence of Native American settlements and European colonial activities in the region.

Visitors can access the park through two entrances: Winkler Point in Fort Myers and Estero River Scrub in Estero, with trails open from 8:00 AM until sunset.

The preserve contains remnants of the Seaboard Air Line Railway bed, which served as a primary transportation route through southwest Florida in the early 20th century.

Location: Lee County

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/estero-bay-preserve-state-park

GPS coordinates: 26.39694,-81.85944

Latest update: March 5, 2025 05:45