Lakes Park
A serene Fort Myers gem offering botanical gardens, scenic trails, wildlife, and a charming miniature train ride for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Lakes Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Fort Myers gem offering botanical gardens, scenic trails, wildlife, and a charming miniature train ride for all ages.
"Lakes Park is a true gem in Fort Myers, offering a peaceful escape into nature with stunning scenery and plenty of activities."
🚂 Ride the Miniature Train
A must-do! It's $5 per person, kids under 5 are free. Enjoy the 15-min scenic journey!
🌳 Perfect Picnic Spot
Find a quiet, grassy spot by the lake for a relaxing picnic with abundant bird life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakes Park & Gulf Railroad
Miniature train station
A charming 15-minute ride on a 1/8th scale train through scenic landscapes and miniature villages. Fun for all ages!
Botanical Gardens
Central area of the park
Beautifully maintained gardens with diverse flora, perfect for a relaxing stroll, photography, and enjoying nature's beauty.
Scenic Trails & Lakes
Throughout the park
Explore miles of walking and biking trails around peaceful lakes, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and exercise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Train Rides
Embrace the Outdoors: What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Ride the Miniature Train
A must-do! It's $5 per person, kids under 5 are free. Enjoy the 15-min scenic journey!
🌳 Perfect Picnic Spot
Find a quiet, grassy spot by the lake for a relaxing picnic with abundant bird life.
🚴♀️ Bike & Boat Rentals
Rent bikes or swan boats to explore the park's trails and lakes. Great for families!
📸 Capture Nature's Beauty
The botanical gardens and scenic lakes are ideal for photography, especially during sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Ride the Miniature Train
A must-do! It's $5 per person, kids under 5 are free. Enjoy the 15-min scenic journey!
🌳 Perfect Picnic Spot
Find a quiet, grassy spot by the lake for a relaxing picnic with abundant bird life.
🚴♀️ Bike & Boat Rentals
Rent bikes or swan boats to explore the park's trails and lakes. Great for families!
📸 Capture Nature's Beauty
The botanical gardens and scenic lakes are ideal for photography, especially during sunset.
🐊 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and even alligators from a safe distance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lakes Park is widely praised as a beautiful and versatile destination in Fort Myers, offering a peaceful natural escape with diverse activities for all ages. Visitors rave about the well-maintained botanical gardens, scenic trails, and abundant wildlife. While most experiences are positive, a few unfortunate incidents, like theft of fishing gear, have been reported, overshadowing an otherwise enjoyable day for some.
"Lakes Park is a true gem in Fort Myers, offering a peaceful escape into nature with stunning scenery and plenty of activities. The botanical garden is a highlight, beautifully maintained with a diverse variety of plants and flowers that change with the seasons. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, photography, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
The park itself is spacious, with scenic walking and biking trails, large lakes, and plenty of shaded areas to unwind. Wildlife is abundant—you’ll likely spot birds, turtles, and maybe even a gator from a safe distance. There are also playgrounds for kids, picnic areas, and paddle boat rentals for those looking to explore the water.
Whether you’re visiting for exercise, relaxation, or a fun day with family, Lakes Park offers something for everyone. The well-kept gardens and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit in Fort Myers!"
Marijana TheQueen
"So I plan a pleasant day with my granddaughter at the park. Beautiful park for sure. We drop out traps and take a relaxing train ride. Return to find our traps pulled and lines cut. How sad. What could have been a wonderful example of how to feed and provide for oneself became a lesson in how people are horrible. One park employee in passing was astonished himself. I hope this person got enough satisfaction to offset the negative experience they provided for my grand."
Shawn McNeil
"Always fun to go here with the kids. The park trail is big and the kids get to walk/ scooter around freely with no worries of them going into the street. Time goes super fast when you are in here lots to do. We really like it , we hope the water park gets fixed soon the kids really miss it."
Daylin “Mommy” Pecora
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lakes Park is centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the park.
Information on public transportation routes to Lakes Park can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access. Check local transit schedules for potential options.
Lakes Park offers parking facilities for visitors. During peak times or special events, parking can fill up, so arriving early is advisable.
Yes, Lakes Park has bike trails and is a popular spot for cycling. You can bring your own bike or rent one at the park.
Absolutely! Lakes Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip from surrounding areas in Southwest Florida, offering a variety of activities for all ages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Lakes Park is typically free. However, specific attractions like the miniature train ride have a fee.
The miniature train ride at Lakes Park costs $5 per person, and children aged 5 and under ride for free.
The operating hours for the miniature train can vary seasonally and are subject to change. It's best to check the park's official schedule or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Lakes Park offers bike rentals and boat rentals, including paddlecraft and swan boats, for visitors to enjoy the park's amenities.
Lakes Park hosts various events throughout the year, including holiday light displays on the train and other seasonal activities. Keep an eye on local event listings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Lakes Park offers a wide range of activities including walking and biking trails, fishing, playgrounds, picnic areas, a botanical garden, and a miniature train ride. +1
Yes, Lakes Park is known for its abundant birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching. You can often spot various species around the lakes and trails.
Lakes Park features playgrounds for children, making it a family-friendly destination. There's also a splash pad. +1
Yes, fishing is permitted at Lakes Park. You can bring your own gear or rent equipment for a day of angling on the lake.
Visitors can expect to see various wildlife, including birds, turtles, and potentially alligators from a safe distance. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lakes Park does have food and concessions available, though options may vary. It's also a popular spot for picnics.
Absolutely! Lakes Park has numerous picnic areas and is a fantastic location for a picnic, with many scenic spots to choose from.
Yes, Lakes Park provides charcoal grills, making it an ideal location for barbecues and family gatherings. +1
While the park has some concessions, there are also many restaurants and dining options available in the surrounding Fort Myers area for a wider variety of choices.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the picnic areas and throughout the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The botanical gardens, scenic lakes, and sunset views offer excellent opportunities for photography. The miniature train and its village are also popular subjects. +1
Yes, Lakes Park is renowned for its beautiful sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture stunning evening skies over the water. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. It's always best to check with park management for specific guidelines.
You can photograph a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, turtles, and potentially alligators. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
The miniature train ride itself, the charming village it passes through, and the surrounding landscapes offer many photo opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
❤️ Couples & Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Lakes Park & Gulf Railroad
Tickets are reasonably priced at $5 per person, with children under 5 riding for free, making it an accessible activity for families. The train's route provides a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty and man-made curiosities. Be prepared for potential lines, especially during peak seasons or weekends, as this attraction is very popular.
Beyond the ride itself, the train station area often features related exhibits or themed decorations, especially during holidays like Christmas, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Nature's Oasis: Gardens, Lakes, and Wildlife
A significant highlight is the beautifully maintained botanical garden. This area showcases a diverse collection of plants and flowers that change with the seasons, providing a vibrant and fragrant backdrop for relaxation and photography. It's a peaceful retreat where you can unwind, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the local flora.
For those seeking active recreation, paddlecraft rentals are available, allowing you to explore the lakes from the water. The park also features fitness stations and jogging paths, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
Family Fun and Community Hub
The park also serves as a venue for various events, from spring break bounce houses to festive holiday light displays on the miniature train.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit