The Shell Factory and Nature Park
Bus Tour and Group Packages
Special group rates are available for lunches and
dinners in all of our provision establishments, call for
details. |
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Reservations for Buses:
Help Us As We Can Only Accommodate 40
Buses At A Time. Call Irene at 800.282.5805 ext. #117.
We offer a low priced adventure here in SW Florida, with 68,000 sq feet of adventure, plenty of casual seating, dining, exhibitions, 200 animals, millions of lights at night, Waltzing Waters, retail shops, coffee shop, arcade, clothing, millions of shells, coral, jewelry, toys, and a shelling beach.
Things At Our Location
The attraction boasts of the world’s largest
collection of rare shells, common seashells, sponges, coral, fossils and
sea life specimens.
We also have a huge selection of imaginative gifts from around the
world, the 60,000 square foot retail store makes each visit like a new
adventure or treasure hunt. Our on site US Post Office allows you to
easily send your riches home.
The Shell Factory’s complete selection of wearable Florida fashions can
be found in the “Barefoot Company Shops”. From hats to beach towels and
everything in between will enhance your one of a kind “Florida Style”.
Our food services include Capt’n Fishbones Steak N Fish House which has
moderately priced seafood and steaks, a full selection of cocktails, NFL
Sunday and great occasional entertainment, Subway and the Kids Cafe. Capt’n Fishbone’s menu includes all the Florida favorites like;
scallops, shrimp, grouper and steaks, burgers and sandwiches. You may
also enjoy the great tropical weather at The Swamp or Dogbones Café
where you and even your four legged friends are welcome. Inside at the
north end of the property visit Subway for healthy and delicious sub,
salad or pizza.
Special group rates are available for lunches and dinners in all of our
provision establishments, call for details.
Next, satisfy your sweet tooth in the old-fashioned Fudge Kitchen. Rosie
has been crafting this sweet treat for more than thirty years and each
taste is a little slice of heaven. Also close by are tropical jams and
jellies, other candies, homemade pretzels and everyone’s favorite, ice
cream.
A stroll through the newly renovated Holiday House any time of the year is a
beautiful and heartwarming adventure,
sure to quicken the pulse and bring back happy memories. Our holiday
collectibles like; Department 56, Fontanini and Charming Tales are
yours to discover any time of the year. Most other holidays of the year
are also represented. You may find unique Hanukkah gifts, Peter Rabbit,
Cupid and little Leprechauns that make every holiday special.
The largest selection of pearls available in SW Florida, fabulous
jewelry in every price range, ceramics, photo frames, tableware,
metallic art, stained glass and
gifts of every description are available. Mixed among the thousands of
gifts are some unique displays, exhibits and collections. As you enter
the “Factory” please take a moment to discover the incredible variety of
shells from around the world, showcased in their original collection.
In the rear of our fabulous establishment is the artisan, Howard Hartke.
He is spinning the pottery wheel and chatting all the while. Around him
you’ll see Raku pottery. The Raku pottery process is very unique ceramic
firing process. After the pottery has been bisque fired, it is glazed
and Raku fired to a temperature of around 1800 (F) in a propane-fired
Raku kiln. The pottery is removed from the Raku kiln with specially
designed Raku tongs, while it is still glowing hot, and placed in a
metal can filled with combustible materials. The heat from the pottery
ignites the material and the can is immediately sealed. The fire quickly
uses all the oxygen in the can and draws it from the pottery and glaze
or "post fire reduction" The reduction stage is what causes the
wonderfully unique, unpredictable and spontaneous patterns of color and
metallic luster. After 15 minutes or so in the reduction can, the
pottery is removed and dunked in water to "freeze" the patterns. Are you
interested in learning to ‘throw the wheel’ if so, give us a call! We
can also set up classes for you and your friends. We can make pieces to
Raku fire or make pieces to decorate your home with or pieces you cook
or bake in or serve with. Make this a party event for you and your
friends. You will have to return at another time to glaze your pieces.
This will only take a short time to do this and the price of the class
includes the glazing and firing of your pieces (Raku firings not
included).
For the wild and wacky kids; get wet on the “Bumper Boats”, pitch a few
water balloons at “Water Wars”, take out a paddle boat and
feed the fish and turtles. Also, see if you are ready for the
“Masters” with a round of “Miniature Golf”. Inside, visit the Groovy
Stop; Video Arcade which has games and rides available for children of
all ages, including a fire engine ride designed for the wheelchair
bound.
So, what’s new at the Nature Park? A Lorikeet Aviary and Touch and Feel
Center are the most recent additions. Our baby zebra, named Anne Curry,
(for her stint with the TV host on the early morning show) alligators,
iguanas, snakes, skunks, emus, a baby hedge hog, donkeys, too many
others to mention call the Nature Park home. This is all surrounded by a
lush and beautiful botanical trail. The botanical trail is fabulous
thanks to our masterful gardener, her incredible green thumb and
infinite patience (with the animals nibbling on her work) has created a
verdant walk around the animal habitats and through the 7.000 square
foot aviary. At our Nature Park
& Botanical Gardens you will find a bobcat and his catty friends
like an African Serval and a Caracal. Our raccoons are found
cavorting with their close relatives the Coatimundis and Kinkajous
from Central and South America.
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.
The Tommy Hoolihan Developer’s Showcase and Lifestyle Center is now open
and you can obtain information about the many new developments
throughout Lee County and other important area information is also be
available such as restaurant menus, special event information and more.
Most recently, the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center is
now located at the Shell Factory and Nature Park,
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 3RD, 2010 , FOR THE SUMMER CAPT'N FISHBONES, DOGBONES CAFE AND THE SWAMP BAR WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY'S AND TUESDAY'S.
Fishbone's Hours Are:
Mon - Tues – Thurs -Sunday ~ 11am
till 8 pm
Friday and Saturday ~ 11am till
8pm
Dogbones Cafe' Hours Are:
11am - 7pm SUNDAYS ONLY
The Swamp Bar Hours Are:
Mon - thru - Saturday ~ 12am
till 8pm
Entertainment Schedule
Please call
for entertainment information.
Click Here For Events
Calendar
Our entertainment venues are subject to change so be sure to call
ahead to see what's going on:
995-2141ext. 117
To learn more about our tour and group packages, please call us at:
800-282-5805
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Admission to The Shell Factory is FREE |