Mound House

Exploring the Historic William H. Case House

Overview

The William H. Case House, also known as the Mound House, is a must-visit location in Fort Myers Beach. As the oldest standing structure on Estero Island, it provides a rich historical experience combined with fascinating archaeological insights. The site doubles as an archaeological dig, with a museum dedicated to the Calusa tribe, the original settlers of Southwest Florida.

The Calusa Tribe

Known as "The Shell Indians," the Calusa were renowned for carving tools and weapons from seashells around 2,000 years ago. When these tools became unusable, tribe members discarded them into what is now a large shell mound. It was on top of this ancient mound that the Case family constructed the Mound House in 1906. Today, the house has been restored to reflect its appearance in the early 1920s, complete with period-appropriate furniture and decor.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Mound House can explore a variety of museum exhibits that detail the history of the Calusa tribe, the Fort Myers area, and the house itself. The site offers archaeological tours of the shell mound, guided beach walks, and kayaking outings for all ages and skill levels. Recent visitors have praised the detailed and informative exhibits, the enjoyable and leisurely kayaking tours, and the knowledgeable tour guides.

Visitor Information

Hours

The grounds are open daily from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The museum and museum store are open from Wednesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets

Admission to the Mound House is priced at $15 for adults, $8 for students with a valid ID, and $5 for children aged 6 to 12. Admission is free for children 5 and under. Pricing for kayaking, tours, and programs varies, although most packages include the cost of admission to the Mound House. For more details, refer to the Mound House website.