The Shell Factory and Nature Park
About the Shell Factory and Nature Park
The Shell Factory History
Seventy one years ago, a young couple having had enough of frigid winters in the north, moved to Florida and began selling seashells and shell crafts from their porch in Bonita Springs. The endeavor grew into a large souvenir shop and tourist destination. The original store was destroyed by fire in 1952.
Undaunted, the owners rebuilt further up on the Tamiami Trail (Route 41).
Destruction from hurricane Donna in 1960, the construction of I-75 that took the majority of traffic seven miles away, and another fire in 1980 could not stop the reign of Lee Island Coast's number one shopping attraction. The Shell Factory changed owners, expanded through the intervening years, and then fell on hard times.
Destined for bankruptcy in 1997, local businessman and visionary Tom Cronin decided the sixty-year old store was worthy of not only saving, but surpassing her former glory.
A multimillion dollar renovation was only the beginning; in addition to seashells there are shops for jewelry, shell crafts and holiday gifts, entertain for the kids in the arcade and on the bumper boats and dining at Capt'n Fishbones restaurant - the store has fulfilled its destiny by becoming a true shopping destination. The Shell Factory is one of the largest employers the Ft. Myers / Cape Coral area of Lee County Florida.
The Nature Park has hundreds of animals and boasts a 7,000 square foot Rainforest Aviary. Walk the trail as you spot brightly colored parrots flying overhead and lush tropical landscaping throughout the habitat. Keep your eyes and ears open, as there is so much to see!
And now a recent addition, The Johnson, Jones and Masters
Natural History Museum. We are proud to announce that this is the
largest free private Natural History Exhibit in the United States.
The major re-construction is just about complete but the changes never
will be finished! We are working diligently on The Education Center
(called the Eco Lab), it is currently being remodeled and have just
completed a classroom area with colorful snakes and frogs, bunnies,
chinchillas, turtles, baby gators, kinkajous and so much more! The
petting farm has tripled in size and is a favorite of young and young at
heart.
Spend the whole day.
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Admission to The Shell Factory is FREE |