PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Limited availability on all tours and programs, call for reservations and availability.
ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE MOUND HOUSE- WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE AN ARCHAEOLOGIST?Explore items archaeologists recovered from the Calusa Indians that lived on this 2,000 year old Indian Shell Mound. Participants will have the opportunity to view artifacts currently not on display, and sort through material from the shell mound. Get down to the nitty gritty of being an archaeologist by learning some of the techniques and tools that are used. This program is suited for visitors of all ages.
CALOOSA CARVERS DEMONSTRATIONS:Join the Caloosa Carvers on the grounds of the Mound House for woodcarving demonstrations featuring several replica artifacts from the Calusa culture.
CALUSA INDIAN SHELL MOUND TOUR:Go on a walking tour of the grounds once a Calusa Indian Village and learn about the history of the site, the variety of plantings and what lies beyond the mound that has sustained people for thousands of years.
CALUSA INDIAN POTTERY: TIME TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY!New! Explore the ceramics of Southwest Florida and the Calusa Indians with this hand on program. Participants will make and decorate their own piece of clay pottery while learning how the Calusa and other indigenous people made their ceramics. Sneak a peek at artifacts not currently on public display and learn how archaeologists study pottery fragments and other artifacts to better understand cultures of the past.
CALUSA INDIAN TOOLS AND WEAPONS:Known as the “shell people”, the Calusa Indians lived in Southwest Florida for over 2,000 years. Learn about the variety of weapons and tools they made from local resources. 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 visitors of all ages.
GARDENS OF THE MOUND HOUSE WALKING TOUR:Discover the wide variety of unique and native plants that make up the gardens of the Mound House and how the Calusa Indians and Early Settlers used them in their daily lives.
GUIDED BEACH WALK AT NEWTON BEACH PARK:Explore the natural treasures on Fort Myers Beach through a guided walk along the shore. Participants should meet at Newton Beach Park under thatched hut (4650 Estero Blvd). Wear sunscreen, appropriate clothing, shoes and hats. Tours are approximately 45 minutes - weather permitting.
GUIDED KAYAK ECO-TOUR:Explore the winding mangrove creeks and hidden backwaters of Estero Bay as only a kayaker can. This unique eco-tour is guided by Dexter Norris, biologist, naturalist and Mound House Environmental Educator. Experience the abundant natural beauty of the ancient realm of the Calusa. Search for birds, fish, manatees and dolphins as you paddle through the Estero and Hell Peckney bays in a tandem kayak. Conditions permitting, the tour includes a stop at Dog Key archaeological site. Mound House kayak tours are conducted in accordance with Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism guidelines. All paddling equipment provided. Weather permitting. COST: $45 per person (Members $15) Museum Admission included. Private group tours available. Reservations required. 239-765-0865
GUIDED TOUR:Call 239-765-0865 for availability. These tours are guided by staff interpreters and perfect for both adults and families. Come and experience a variety of hands on interactives and see inside a 2,000 year old Calusa Indian Shell Mound!
LIVE MARINE CREATURES OF FORT MYERS BEACH: New! Join us for a marine touch tank experience and see up close what marine creatures the Calusa Indians depended on for survival. Explore various marine species found on Fort Myers Beach and learn about their important role in the environment and how they were utilized by the Calusa, early settlers and people today.
MOUND KEY BOAT TOURS: New! Leaving port from Fish Tale Marina, board the Estero Bay Express on an exclusive experience to Mound House and onto Mound Key, Capital of the Calusa. At both sites you will learn about the rich history of the Calusa as well as new findings scientists are discovering about this ancient society. Guests will disembark from the boat to hike the trails of Mound Key. All along the way, discover the ecology of Estero Bay as you search for diverse wildlife including dolphins, manatees, and birds. This trip requires walking and travelling over rough terrain. Reservations required. Call 239-765-0865 for more information and to secure reservations. COST: $55 per person; Members $50. Weather permitting.
SETTLERS ON THE SHELLS TOUR:Tour with one of our educators to explore one of the area’s most unique sites. Discover the sites eclectic history starting with the Calusa Indians who settled on the property 2,000 years ago.
SUNSET KAYAK TOURS:Scheduled to catch a beautiful sunset off the water of Estero Bay, participants will explore tidal creeks and winding mangrove tunnels extending into the hidden backwaters of the bay as only a kayaker can. This unique tour offers rare opportunity to experience the abundant life within our estuary in the quiet of twilight. Reservations required 239-765-0865. COST: $50 per person (Members $25) All paddling equipment provided.
WALKING WITH WILDLIFE:New! There is a wondrous variety of birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals which can be observed on the grounds and the local bay waters of the Mound House. Join us for a leisurely walk and close-up look at the wide variety of creatures that live or visit here during different times of the year.
