Lee: Waterways, Nature and History

Waterways, wetlands and historic sites give Lee its varied character. You can focus on paddling routes and nature trails, explore wildlife habitats, or include the coast and culture in your travel plans.

Paddling Routes and Coast

The Great Calusa Blueway is a paddling trail through the coastal waters of Lee County. Its route stretches from Pine Island Sound to Estero Bay and also follows the Caloosahatchee River and its tributaries. The Blueway’s habitat is home to wading birds, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, otters and various fish species.

At Hickey Creek, you can launch canoes and kayaks near the parking area. Conditions at the launch site may change seasonally. If you would rather spend time on the Gulf of America, Lovers Key has a 2.5-mile beach where you can collect shells. The area also includes more than five miles of multi-use trails, including the Black Island Trail. The beach and trails offer different ways to spend time outdoors.

Observe Nature and Explore Trails

On Sanibel, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 6,470 acres. Mangrove forests, submerged seagrass beds, cordgrass marshes and subtropical hardwood hammocks shape the landscape. One way to experience the refuge is the four-mile Wildlife Drive: this one-way road is open to pedestrians, cyclists and cars. A guided 90-minute tram tour is also available; check for current closures before your trip.

The same refuge is home to the four-mile Indigo Trail, a loop where visitors can spot alligators, night herons and white ibises. Despite being listed as the same length, Wildlife Drive and the Indigo Trail differ in route type: one is a one-way road open to several modes of travel, while the other is a loop. Trail status may change after storms or maintenance work.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve covers more than 3,500 acres of connected wetland and upland ecosystems. A 1.2-mile elevated, fully accessible boardwalk runs through the preserve. Restrooms, an amphitheater and five observation platforms are also on site. Maintenance or storms may temporarily affect the facilities; confirm their status before visiting. Guided walks on the boardwalk take place weekly on Wednesdays and on every fourth Friday of the month. Check the current calendar.

At Hickey Creek, trails pass through gopher tortoise and Florida scrub-jay habitats. Alligators, otters and fish also live in the creek, and manatees occasionally visit. The Hickey Creek Trail follows the creek bank for 1.8 miles and features overlooks and creek crossings. The focus here is on wildlife habitats and a specifically described waterside trail. Manatee Park offers a different experience: it is an unfenced warm-water refuge for the Florida manatee. Seasonal presence varies with water temperature.

Archaeology and Historic Sites

Mound House is an archaeological site with nearly 2,000 years of continuous use. The site includes a shell mound built by the Calusa. Kayak tours travel through the mangroves of Estero Bay; guides explain Calusa archaeological sites and local wildlife. Tour availability may change, so it is best to check before making plans.

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates cover more than 20 acres and include historic buildings and gardens. The site includes the Edison Botanical Research Laboratory, dating to 1928. The industrial area of Koreshan State Park contains the 1929 Fairbanks-Morse engine and the original machine shop. Both sites complement nature experiences with historic settings and specific insights into earlier research and technology.

When choosing a hotel, you can start with the focus of your trip: paddling, wildlife viewing, trails, the beach or history. This way, you can tailor your search to the experiences that interest you most in Lee.

Explore more destinations: Villas, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Sanibel, Captiva, Estero, Fort Myers Beach, St James City, North Fort Myers, Miromar Lakes, Bokeelia, Matlacha, Boca Grande, Harlem Heights, Gateway, Whiskey Creek, Pine Island Center.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.