About Lakes Park

Lakes Park is a place for all of the southwest Florida community to enjoy. Visitors can relax, exercise and explore. The park boasts several miles of paved and unpaved trails and boardwalks. Water activities include canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Picnicking and bird watching are also popular activities. Visitors can make use of our outdoor fitness stations, enjoy our gardens, or reserve shelters for private parties. Enjoy tours throughout the park. Lakes Park hosts many community events such as the Lakes Park Farmers Market, the Fall Festival featuring Scarecrows In The Park, StoryTime in the Garden, and more.

A sign for lakes park with an american flag flying in the background.

Entrance, Lakes Park in Fort Myers, FL

History of Lakes Park

The history of Lakes Park is a study in the majesty and strength of nature. As late as the 1960s, this beautiful property was a man–made quarry. Transformed by time into a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, it is a monument to the enduring power of nature. Purchased by Lee County in 1978, the park was developed in 1984 for the community to enjoy.


With the help of Hurricane Charley in August 2004, many invasive exotic trees were downed throughout the park. This event helped to validate the drastic need for removal of exotic vegetation, and escalated the park’s exotic removal program. Over the past several years, new playgrounds and water parks have been added. The Miniature Train & Railroad Museum was founded in 1992, and new concession facilities with food sales, bike and watercraft rentals have been expanded.

Important Park Information

Programs


When is Storytime in the Park?

Takes place on the first and third Thursday of the month from October-May.
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Meet in the Children's Garden, each story is appropriate for infants to 3rd graders. Adults must stay during the event and a chair is recommended.

No admission fee but must pay for parking. (See Parking FAQ)


When is the Farmers Market?

Wednesdays
9 a.m.-1 p.m. (October-June)
Come for fresh produce, food, and vendors! Check out the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation under the blue tent for crafts (Weeks 1,3,5) and plants (Weeks 2,4) for sale.

Parking is free during the Farmer’s Market


When is Bird Patrol?

Bird Patrol Tours will be the 1st Saturday of the month starting at 8 AM meet at Shelter A7, near the train station. The tour lasts about 2 hours.  Binoculars and a hat are recommended.

No admission fee but must pay for Parking (See Parking FAQ)

 

General Information

What are the hours of operation?

Lakes Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

 

Where is Lakes Park located?

7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

 

Is there an entrance fee?

There is no entrance fee, but parking fees apply.


Parking

How much is parking?

Parking fees ($1 per hour or $5 per day) are charged per vehicle. A Lee County Parks Annual Pass (see below) is also acceptable. 


 4 Convenient ways to pay for parking at Lakes Park parking lot.

You will need your license plate number to complete payment. 

  • Pay by Phone: After scanning the QR code, users will receive a text message with a link to pay for parking. Alternatively, texting PARK to the designated short code will generate a payment link.
  • Pay at Kiosk: Locate the Premium Parking kiosk in the parking lot, enter your license plate number, select the amount of time, and pay using cash, debit, or credit card. Kiosks do not provide change. Beach parks will initially only offer text-to-pay and online payment options until kiosks are installed at a later date.
  • Pay Online: Visit www.premiumparking.com, locate the parking lot, enter your license plate number, and follow the instructions to complete payment.
  • Mobile App: The Premium Parking app is available for download via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store


What is Lee County Parks Annual Pass?

  • Valid for 12 months since the date of issue
  • Can be purchased in the Premium Parking app, or at www.premiumparking.com after May 1, 2025
  • Digital pass - no physical sticker required
  • Honored at the following locations:
  • Bonita Beach Access #1
  • Little Hickory Island Beach Park/Bonita Beach Access #10
  • Bowditch Point Park
  • Bowman’s Beach 
  • Turner Beach
  • San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve
  • Alva Boat Ramp
  • Davis Boat Ramp
  • Imperial River Boat Ramp
  • Lavender’s Landing Boat Ramp
  • Matlacha Boat Ramp
  • Punta Rassa Boat Ramp
  • Pine Island Commercial Marina 
  • Lakes Park
  • Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
  • Manatee Park
  • Hickey Creek Mitigation Park
  • Caloosahatchee Regional Park 



 

Is there accessible parking available?

Yes, designated ADA-accessible parking spaces are available throughout the parking lots. Note: There is still a charge for parking in the ADA accessible parking spots with the following exceptions that are permitted to park free: Vehicles with a disabled veteran license plate (DAV), specific mechanical modifications for disability accommodation, and those with a Florida Toll Exemption pass.

 


 Amenities & Activities

What activities are available at the park?

Visitors can enjoy walking and biking trails, kayaking, playgrounds, picnic areas, the many gardens, the Railroad Museum of South Florida with a train ride, and seasonal events.

 

When is the Railroad open?

The train runs weekdays (weather permitting) from 10-2 and weekends from 10-4. Extended hours available during October and December. Contact at info@rrmsf.org for further information.

 

How much is the Railroad ride?

Ages 1-5: Free

Ages 6-Adult: $5

Note: Pregnant women, children under 1, and patrons over 250 lbs. are not permitted to ride.


Can I rent bikes or kayaks?

Yes, rentals are available on-site through the Wheels of Fun. Availability may vary based on weather and demand.

Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri: 10am – 4pm
Sat, Sun & Holidays: 10am – 5pm

Please arrive at least an hour before the posted closing times for bike and boat rentals.

Further Info: https://wheelfunrentals.com/fl/fort-myers/lakes-regional-park/about


Is food available for purchase in the park?

Yes, a snack shop is available.

Whistle Stop Ice Cream Shop at the Marina

Mon – Fri: 10am – 3pm
Sat, Sun & Holidays: 10am – 5pm

Further Info/Menu: https://wheelfunrentals.com/fl/fort-myers/lakes-regional-park/the-whistle-stop/


Is there a playground for children?

Yes, Lakes Park features multiple playground areas, including a popular Children’s Garden designed for interactive play.

 

Are pets allowed?

NO pets or emotional support animals are allowed. Service animals ONLY.

 

Facilities

Are restrooms available?

Yes, restrooms are located throughout the park.

 

Are there picnic areas?

Yes, there are many picnic tables and shelters available to use throughout the park at no charge. For a large group or event, a reservation of a shelter or pavilion is recommended.

 

How do I reserve a pavilion or space for an event?

Renting a pavilion at Lakes Park in Fort Myers is straightforward.

Reservation Process

  • Pavilions can be rented online or by calling the park office at (239) 533-7578.
  • Reservations must be made at least 181 days in advance, as they fill up quickly, typically four to six months ahead.

Rental Details

  • Pavilion rentals range from $25.00 to $50.00, depending on the size.
  • Each pavilion includes amenities such as electricity, picnic tables, water, and BBQ grills.

Additional Information

  • For larger gatherings, consider renting the screened-in lodge for $150.00 per day, with a refundable deposit of $250.00.
  • Note that vehicles are not allowed in the event field, so plan accordingly.



Rules & Safety

Is fishing allowed?

Yes, fishing is permitted in designated areas.

 

Are grills allowed?

Yes, charcoal grills are permitted in designated picnic areas.

 

Can I bring alcohol into the park?

No alcohol is allowed.

 

What should I do in case of an emergency?

Call 911 for emergencies. There are an AED and Stop the Bleed kit located in Parking lot #3.

 

Accessibility

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, many areas of the park, including trails and facilities, are ADA accessible.

 Are there accessible playground features?

Yes, portions of the Children’s Garden and playground areas are designed with inclusive features.


E.Z Rider Tours



Limited Tours Available

At the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, we believe that everyone should benefit from the beauty and fun at Lakes Park, which is why we created and are funding the E.Z. Rider Lakes Park Assisted Tour Service! The E.Z. Rider is a six-passenger golf cart available to guests of Lakes Park by advance reservation which transports individuals and families who could not otherwise enjoy the park.

Call 239-671-2006 or email: Juliana Silva jsilva@leegov.com to reserve.


Lost and Found?

Call Juliana Silva, Lakes Park Programmer, at 239-671-2006

During railroad operating hours, many items are turned in at the railroad museum, so it would be advisable to check there.