Here are the available programs and tours we are currently offering at the Mound House. Be sure to visit our online calendar to confirm timing and availability.
Hours of Operation
January 1st to April 30th
Tuesday through Saturday
9:00AM – 4:00AM
May 1st to December 31st
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday
9:00AM – 4:00AM
Cost of Admission
Adults: $10
Student With College ID: $8
Ages 6 – 12: $5
Ages 5 And Under: FREE
With Membership: FREE
Fun programs and tours for visitors of all ages! Private group tours and programs available for 10 or more.
Call 239-765-0865 for more information. Museum Admission not included for all programs.
451 Connecticut Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 – 239-765-0865 – www.moundhouse.org
Mound House Museum Hours for October -Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 9am to 4pm
Now Accepting Reservations for Boat Tours to Mound Key!
Call 239-765-0865 for information and reservations.
November 3, Saturday – 9:30pm to 12:45pm
November 20, Tuesday – 10:30am to 1:45am
January 25, Friday – 3:30pm to 6:45pm
February 8, Friday – 2:15pm to 5:30pm
February 23, Saturday – 2:30pm to 5:45pm
March 9, Saturday – 1:45pm to 5pm
March 24, Sunday – 2:30pm to 5:45pm
April 10, Wednesday – 3pm to 6:15pm
April 23, Tuesday – 2:45pm – 6pm
PROGRAM DETAILS
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 what archaeologists uncovered about the Calusa Indians that lived on this 2,000-year-old Indian Shell Mound. Participants will have the opportunity to view artifacts from the Mound House currently not on display and sort through materials from the Calusa Indian Shell Mound. Learn some of the techniques and tools that archaeologists use to uncover clues about people of the past.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CONSERVATION CAFE’ AT NEWTON BEACH PARK
New! Join Dexter Norris, Environmental Educator at Newton Beach Park (4650
Estero Blvd.) for a fun walking tour/ lecture about Fort Myers Beach and the natural environment. Breakfast provided. Reserv ations required 239-765-0865. $15 per person.
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!
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.
CALUSA INDIAN ART
The Calusa Indians used natural materials for many things. Learn how to braid cordage to create your own beautiful shell bracelet. Perfect for families with children 6 and older.
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.
COASTAL ECOLOGY BEACH WALK
New! Join Mound House Educators to explore the variety of species that can be found along the shoreline on Fort Myers Beach. Participants should meet at the Newton Beach Park Cottage (4650 Estero Blvd). Wear sunscreen, appropriate clothing, shoes, and hats. Weather permitting.
COOL CALUSA TOOLS
Explore the cool tools of the Calusa, swing a real conch hammer, handle a shark tooth carving tool, and try your luck with an ancient atlatl “spear thrower” just like the Calusa Indians did 2,000 years ago. Perfect for families with children 6 and older.
EXPLORING ARCHAEOLOGY, CAN YOU DIG IT?
Explore what archaeologists uncovered about 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 materials from the Calusa Indian Shell Mound. Get down to the nitty-gritty of being an archaeologist by learning some of the techniques and tools that are used. Perfect for families with children 6 and older.
SUNSET FULL-MOON RISING KAYAK TOURS
Scheduled to catch the full moon rising on a beautiful sunset, participants will explore tidal creeks and winding mangrove tunnels extending into the hidden backwaters of Estero 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. Call 239-765-0865 for more information and to secure reservations. COST: $50 per person (Members $25) All paddling equipment provided.
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.
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
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.
MUSIC ON THE MOUND
New! Featuring Fort Myers Beach artist, Sheena Brook. Tickets $15, MH Members $10. Bring your own chair or blanket and enjoy the very first Music on the Mound. No coolers allowed. Food and beer available for purchase. Sheena Brook was born and raised in Southwest Florida. Her path through music has helped her become the artist she is today. As a live performer, she has created her own sound playing all types of genres, looping and creating on the fly. Sheena has played festivals with artists like Kristian Bush, Helen Darling, and Josh Turner. Sheena has written with hit writers such as JT Harding, Andy Albert and many more. Her latest achievement is appearing on NBC’s Season 12 of The Voice and gaining a spot on Team Adam. She continues to play live, write music and work hard to chase her dreams and live a positive life.
GARDENS WALKING TOUR
Discover the unique plants that make up the gardens of the Mound House and how the Calusa and other Native Americans used them in their daily life. Take a stroll through the gardens and learn how native plants help to conserve water and protect wildlife. Museum admission included.
INDIAN MASKS
Explore the masks of the Calusa Indians! Create your own paper mask and try on several replica Calusa Indian masks that were discovered by archaeologists. Perfect for families with children 6 and older.
FAMILY ADVENTURES TOUR
New! Explore everything fun at the Mound House! Interpretive staff leads families through this entertaining and educational experience you’ll never forget! Perfect for families with children 5 and older.
FAMILY FUN KAYAK TOUR
New! Enjoy fun with the whole family at the Mound House with a kayak tour designed especially for parents and their children ages six and up. Look for wildlife including birds, dolphins, and manatees as we cruise through the mangroves in the Estero Bay. This trip is great for children and first time kayakers with instruction on land before heading out on the water at an easy, relaxed pace. Reservations required 239-765-0865. COST: $15 (ages 6 to 12); $25 (ages 13 and up) Museum Admission included (Members $10) All paddling equipment provided. Weather permitting. Maximum of 12 paddlers per tour.
MANGROVES BY KAYAK
Explore the winding mangrove creeks and hidden backwaters of Estero Bay as only a kayaker can. This unique 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. Mound House kayak tours are conducted in accordance with Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism guidelines. All paddling equipment provided. Ages 12 and up. Weather permitting. COST: $45 per person (MH Members $15) Museum admission included. Private group tours available. Reservations required by calling 239-765-0865. Maximum of 12 paddlers per tour.
TOOLS OF THE CALUSA DEMONSTRATIONS
This hands-on demonstration will explore how the most powerful American Indian tribe in Southwest Florida crafted their tools, weapons, and implements of daily life from their natural surroundings. Swing a real conch hammer, handle a shark tooth carving tool, and try your luck with an ancient atlatl “spear thrower” as you step back in time atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound. Museum admission included
MOVIE ON THE MOUND
New! Fort Myers Beach Film Festival will feature a family movie. The event starts at 7:45 pm. Free! Call 239-765-0865 or visit www.fmbfilmfest.com for more information. Bring your own blanket or chair!
WILD ART
Get outside and explore! Join Mound House educators for a fun and interactive lesson on nature, complete with a fun craft to take home! Great for families with children ages 5 and up.
BIRDS, BEES AND BUTTERFLIES
Come see what is in bloom and growing in the gardens at Mound House, and learn the latest information on how we are making the gardens are a great place for local wildlife. Great for Families and Adults.up.
Mound House is Located On Estero Island
451 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
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