History Walks of Bonita Springs

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History Walks of Bonita Springs

Walking tours featuring the cultural and natural history of Bonita Springs, Florida
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History Walks scheduled for 2022.

- Saturday, Jan 8, 2022, at 10am, Land of the Calusa
- Saturday, Jan 29, at 10am, How Bonita Got Its Name
- Saturday, Feb 5, at 10am, Places of Wonderment
- Sunday, Feb 13, at 11am, Bonita Lover’s Walk
- Saturday, Feb 19, at 10am, Downtown Landmarks
- Saturday, March 12, at 10am, How Bonita Got Its Name
- Saturday, March 26, at 10am, Cruising Down The River

- Saturday, April 9 at 10am, Land of the Calusa
- Saturday, April 23 at 10am, Places of Wonderment
- Saturday, May 14 at 10am, Downtown Landmarks
- Saturday, May 28 at 10am, Cruising Down The River

Details and booking at:
https://bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html

02/14/2024

Calusa Walk

The Southwest Florida Archaeological Society is offering a “Calusa Walk” on March 9th in Bonita Springs as part of Florida’s Archaeology Month and Calusa Coast 2024 events.

Discussions feature Southwest Florida’s Native American history dating back over 8,000 years and first European contacts in our state. Learn about the archaeology of the first people to live in Bonita Springs. Hear stories of the mighty Calusa, who ruled all of Southwest Florida, including their contact with the Spanish starting in 1513. Learn about the Calusa’s capital on Mound Key in Estero Bay, Ponce De Leon, Pedro Menendez and Fort San Anton de Carlos in 1566. Learn about the end of the Calusa Empire and the history of the Seminoles and Miccosukee.

See demonstrations of the technology the Calusa used to prosper: the atlatl, shell tool making, weaving, ceramics, and more. Walk through Depot Park over the Imperial River to Island Park and learn about our local environment and uses of native plants.

Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch or eat at one of the nearby restaurants (lunch not included). Also on March 9 in Riverside Park, there is the free Bonita Fest by the GOATs of Bonita from 11 - 4. You may stay and enjoy the food, music and vendors. More info at goatsofbonita.com

The tour cost per person is $20 with advance reservation, or $25 the day of. The tour is guided by Charlie Strader of the Southwest Florida Archaeological Society and Arron Thomas of Calusa Ghost Tours.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Meet on March 9th before 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Email [email protected], or call/ text 239-992-6133, to reserve and receive participant notes and details.

01/22/2024

There is a special tour on Saturday, January 27, 2024 · 10am - 12:30pm. Designed and organized by CREW Land & Water Trust, you may join the specialty program of Then and Now: Bonita Springs and the Imperial River.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/then-and-now-bonita-springs-and-the-imperial-river-tickets-728369000287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The Imperial River and its tributaries were the main means of travel and commerce in Bonita Springs until the first railroads and the Tamiami Trail in the 1920s. The river was vital to fishing and recreation, attracting winter visitors and new residents. Walk through Riverside Park, Depot Park, and Island Park as we learn about the human and ecological history of Bonita Springs and the Imperial River. Dive into the ecology of the river, its connections to CREW, water quality issues, and human development along this short walk through historic downtown Bonita Springs with local historian, Charlie Strader.

Walk through Riverside Park to Depot Park and over the river to Island Park. Learn about the community’s main dock, Rosemary Creek and learn about the construction of historic homes built in the 1930’s Riverside subdivision.

Learn about the river’s ecosystem, its importance to the past and present. Discussion topics include the river’s watershed and CREW lands, water quality issues, stormwater management, flooding, and human development. Highlights include: Learning about native plants, Native American settlements, pioneer life along the Imperial River and tributaries, along with the beginnings of Bonita Springs. The goal is to make the presentation less a lecture or history lesson, and more a conversation with questions answered.

Start/End at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. Total walk distance is about 2 miles and tour duration of around 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

Charlie Strader is a local historian and anthropologist who previously served as the chairman of the City of Bonita Springs Historical Preservation Board, as well as the SWFL Archaeology Society, Bonita Springs Historical Society, and more. His interests include anthropology, travel, nature, and history.

12/06/2023

Thanks to all who have taken our walking tours!

For 2024, the tours will be operated by the local tour company, Explorations. Explorations’ believes in the philosophy of “think globally, act locally." One way we can do that is to learn about where we live and what came before us. Learning about our cultural and natural resources can lead to appreciation of them and foster conservation and preservation.

Instead of set dates in 2024, private Walks may be arranged for groups. Costs per person are normally $20, with a minimum of $200. Contact us to schedule walks, presentations, and talks.

The tours and presentations are lead by Charlie Strader, President of Explorations. Through presentations and guided tours, he has introduced several thousand people to the local history and environment of Bonita Springs, Florida. At times, other local experts may assist in guiding.

Mr. Strader has a 45 year residency in Bonita Springs, FL, including over a decade living on a Native American archaeological site located on the Imperial River. He received a B.A. Degree in Applied Anthropology from the University of South Florida. He is current Treasurer of the Southwest Florida Archaeology Society and former 3 term president. He was involved in the recording of over a hundred local archaeology sites in the Florida Master Site File, active in numerous excavations and events, and visited or worked with various archaeologists on many South Florida sites. He is also twice former President of the Bonita Springs Historical Society and past Chairperson of the City of Bonita Springs’ Historic Preservation Board. He is also a member of various local plant and environmental organizations.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Bonita Springs Historical Society, or the Southwest Florida Archaeology Society. We hope you will explore and have fun while learning about the local area.

05/16/2023

The Bonita Springs Historical Society's last history walk of this season is a “Downtown Landmarks” tour on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

The guided tour starts 10am at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of, and is guided by Charlie Strader of the Bonita Springs Historical Society and Aaron Thomas of Calusa Ghost Tours.

Walk through the historic downtown with your local guides and listen to the stories of early Bonita Springs. See and learn about the people and places that once were at the center of Bonita Springs commerce, tourism, and social life along the Tamiami Trail and the Imperial River.

Visit the Historical Society’s 1915 McSwain Home and also hear about coming new developments. Features the Liles Hotel History Plaza, Artist Cottages, Imperial River, the Banyan Tree, Bensons Groceries, Shear Unity Spa, First Baptist Church, and Art & Public Places murals, and more.

Learn about the recent flooding and health of our waters, Home of the Tiger Snook, Home of the Swamp Buggy, Tin Canners, the Banyan Tree, and lost buildings like Doc Baird’s Camp, Eagle Hotel, Bonita Court, Pavilion and Community Center, Wayside Inn, Post Office, Lawhon’s Grocery, Mothers Kitchen, and more.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 per person discount on our website https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

04/24/2023

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues our popular history walks with a “HOW BONITA GOT ITS NAME” tour on May 13, 2023.

The tour starts 10am on Saturday, March 13th at the Shangri-La Springs Resort. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of and is guided by Charlie Strader of the Bonita Springs Historical Society and Aaron Thomas of Calusa Ghost Tours.

Learn how Bonita Springs got its name, about our city’s founders and many of our oldest buildings. Tour the grounds of the Shangri-La. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the beauty of this verdant and historic oasis in the middle of Bonita Springs. You may also stay and enjoy an organic farm to table lunch (meal not included).

Hear the history of the Shangri-La Resort and about its famous guests, the first developments of our town, and the relocated Goodbread Grocery. Visit the Elementary School (which its listed on the National Registry of History Places), our oldest standing church, local Art In Public Places mural, neighborhood areas with historic houses, and our largest spring.

Total walk distance is about 2 miles and tour duration of 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Shangri La Resort, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 per person discount at https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

04/11/2023

The popular history walks with a Downtown tour on April 22, featuring the Imperial River, called “CRUSIN’ DOWN THE RIVER.”

The guided tour starts 10am on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of.

The focus is on the Imperial River and its tributaries, which were the main means of travel and commerce in Bonita Springs until the first railroads and the Tamiami Trail (now Old US 41) in the 1920s. The river was a vital to fishing and recreation, attracting winter visitors and new residents. Walk through Riverside Park to Depot Park and over the river to Island Park. Learn about the early community’s main dock and Rosemary Creek, our river watershed and state’s first aquatic preserve.

Highlights include: Learning about Native American and pioneer life along the Imperial River and our local fishing history, while visiting Riverside Park, Liles Hotel Historic Plaza, Depot Park, Island Park, and seeing historic homes in the Riverside Subdivision.

Includes discussions regarding ecology, stormwater issues, the wildlife, health and flooding of the river’s waters, its importance to our local environment and development, both in the past and present.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Begins at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 discount at https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html. Call 239-992-6997 for questions.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

03/20/2023

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues its popular history walks with a “PLACES OF WONDERMENT” tour on April 8, 2023, featuring the community’s downtown past and present attractions.

The tour starts on Saturday, April 8th, at 10am at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $35 in advance ($45 the day of), and includes entrance to the Wonder Gardens.

Take a guided walk, hear stories of Bonita Springs’ origins and visit the Wonder Gardens. Walk through the historic plaza in Riverside Park and learn about the Imperial River and local early businesses. Learn about our lost historic attractions of wonder like the Shell Factory, the Seminole Indian Village, the Dome, and the Mystery House.

Then visit the Everglades Wonder Gardens and have a guided VIP Tour through the verdant grounds. Experience the history, beauty and wonder of this tropical oasis in the middle of Bonita Springs. After the tour, enjoy an optional picnic lunch at the nearby parks, or dine at one of the local restaurants.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 discount at www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

03/09/2023

Land of the Calusa History Walk

As part of Florida’s Archaeology Month, the Bonita Springs Historical Society is offering a “Land of the Calusa” walking tour on March 18th.

Discussions feature Southwest Florida’s Native American history and first European contacts. Learn about the archaeology of the first peoples to live in Bonita Springs. Hear stories of the mighty Calusa, who ruled all of Southwest Florida, including their contact with the Spanish starting in 1513. Learn about the Calusa’s capital on Mound Key in Estero Bay, Ponce De Leon, Pedro Menendez and Fort San Anton de Carlos in 1566. Learn about the end of the Calusa Empire and the history of the Seminoles and Miccosukee.

See demonstrations of the tools the Calusa used to prosper: the atlatl, shell tool making, weaving, and more. Walk through Depot Park over the Imperial River to Island Park and learn about our local estuarine environment and uses of native plants. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch or eat at one of the nearby restaurants (lunch not included).

The tour starts 10am on Saturday at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of. The tour is guided by Charlie Strader of the Southwest Florida Archaeological Society and Arron Thomas of Calusa Ghost Tours.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 per person discount at https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote the local cultural activity!

02/21/2023

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues its popular history walks with a “HOW BONITA GOT ITS NAME” tour on March 4th, 2023.

The tour starts 10am on Saturday, March 4th at the Shangri-La Springs Resort. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of and is guided by Charlie Strader of the Bonita Springs Historical Society and Aaron Thomas of Calusa Ghost Tours.

Learn how Bonita Springs got its name, about our city’s founders and many of our oldest buildings. Tour the grounds of the Shangri-La. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the beauty of this verdant and historic oasis in the middle of Bonita Springs. You may also stay and enjoy an organic farm to table lunch (meal not included).

Hear the history of the Shangri-La Resort and about its famous guests, the first developments of our town, and the relocated Goodbread Grocery. Visit the Elementary School (which its listed on the National Registry of History Places), our oldest standing church, local Art In Public Places mural, neighborhood areas with historic houses and our largest spring.

Total walk distance is about 2 miles and tour duration of 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Shangri La Resort, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 per person discount at https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

02/09/2023

The Bonita Springs Historical Society announces History Walk in Downtown Bonita Springs on February 18th.

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues its popular history walks with a “Downtown Landmarks” tour on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

The guided tour starts 10am at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of.

Walk through the historic downtown with your local guides and listen to the stories of early Bonita Springs. See and learn about the people and places that once were at the center of Bonita Springs commerce, tourism, and social life along the Tamiami Trail and the Imperial River. Also hear about coming new developments.

Features the Liles Hotel History Plaza, Artist Cottages, Imperial River, Riverside Park, the Banyan Tree, Engels Bike Shop, Bensons Groceries, Shear Unity Spa, First Baptist Church, and Art & Public Places murals, the Historical Society's 1915 McSwain Home, and more.

Learn about the recent flooding and health of our waters, Home of the Tiger Snook, Home of the Swamp Buggy, Tin Canners, the Banyan Tree, and lost buildings like Doc Baird’s Camp, Eagle Hotel, Bonita Court, Pavilion and Community Center, Wayside Inn, Post Office, Lawhon’s Grocery, Mothers Kitchen, and more.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 per person discount on our website https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

02/06/2023

If you are looking to do something different this Valentine’s Day, the Bonita Springs Historical Society is offering a “Bonita Lovers Walk” tour on February 14th, 2023.

The guided tour starts at 10am on Tuesday, February 14th at the McSwain House. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of. The tour is guided by Charlie Strader of the Bonita Springs Historical Society and Aaron Thomas of Calusa Ghost Tours.

Visit the historic 1915 McSwain House and learn about our town’s history. Stop at an Art In Public Places murals and hear stories of Survey and early Bonita Springs. Then have a guided tour of Shangri-La Springs, one of our first developments and site of the springs that gave Bonita Springs its name. Learn about the owners and intriguing uses of this resort over time. Stay afterward for an optional garden-to-table lunch, or to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lush and historic oasis.

Starts/Ends at McSwain House. Total walk distance is about 2 miles and tour duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet before 10:00 AM at the McSwain House, 27451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

For History Walk reservations, book online in advance for a $10 discount at www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

01/23/2023

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues their popular history walks with a Downtown tour on February 4th, and considering recent flooding, appropriately focuses on the Imperial River. The first walk of the season is “CRUSIN’ DOWN THE RIVER.”

The guided tour starts 10am on Saturday, February 4, at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of.

The focus is on the Imperial River and its tributaries, which were the main means of travel and commerce in Bonita Springs until the first railroads and the Tamiami Trail (now Old US 41) in the 1920s. The river was a vital to fishing and recreation, attracting winter visitors and new residents. Walk through Riverside Park to Depot Park and over the river to Island Park. Learn about the early community’s main dock and Rosemary Creek.

Highlights include: Learning about Native American and pioneer life along the Imperial River and Rosemary Creek, along with Riverside Park, Liles Hotel Historic Plaza, Depot Park, Island Park, and see historic homes in the Riverside Subdivision.

Includes discussions regarding ecology, stormwater issues, the wildlife, health and flooding of the river’s waters, its importance to our local environment and development, both in the past and present.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Begins at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 discount at https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html. Call 239-992-6997 for questions.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

01/10/2023

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues its popular history walks with a “PLACES OF WONDERMENT” tour on January 21, 2023, featuring the community’s downtown past and present attractions.

The tour starts on Saturday, January 21 at 10am at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $35 in advance ($45 the day of), and includes entrance to the Wonder Gardens.

Take a guided walk, hear stories of Bonita Springs’ origins and visit the Wonder Gardens. Walk through the historic plaza in Riverside Park and learn about the Imperial River and local early businesses. Learn about our lost historic attractions of wonder like the Shell Factory, the Seminole Indian Village, the Dome, and the Mystery House.

Then visit the Everglades Wonder Gardens and have a guided VIP Tour through the verdant grounds. Experience the history, beauty and wonder of this tropical oasis in the middle of Bonita Springs. After the tour, enjoy an optional picnic lunch at the nearby parks, or dine at one of the local restaurants.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 discount at www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

12/26/2022

History Walk in Downtown Bonita Springs on January 7.

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues its popular history walks with a “Downtown Landmarks” tour on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

The guided tour starts 10am on at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of.

Walk through the historic downtown with your local guides and listen to the stories of early Bonita Springs. See and learn about the people and places that once were at the center of Bonita Springs commerce, tourism, and social life along the Tamiami Trail and the Imperial River. Also hear about coming new developments.

Features the Liles Hotel History Plaza, Artist Cottages, Imperial River, Riverside Park, the Banyan Tree, Engels Bike Shop, Bensons Groceries, Shear Unity Spa, First Baptist Church, and Art & Public Places murals, the Historical Society's 1915 McSwain Home, and more.

Learn about the recent flooding and health of our waters, Home of the Tiger Snook, Home of the Swamp Buggy, Tin Canners, the Banyan Tree, and lost buildings like Doc Baird’s Camp, Eagle Hotel, Bonita Court, Pavilion and Community Center, Wayside Inn, Post Office, Lawhon’s Grocery, Mothers Kitchen, and more.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a $10 per person discount on our website https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

11/21/2022

The Bonita Springs Historical Society announces a Holiday Lights Walk of Downtown Bonita Springs on December 7th.

Take a guided evening walk through our beautiful lighted Downtown parks to see the City’s decorations and see why people come from miles around to enjoy. Visit the historic 1915 McSwain Home during the society’s Festival of Trees, where you can even bid on a decorated tree or wreath. Learn about our town’s history, and hear stories along the way.

The guided tour starts 6:00pm on Wednesday, December 7th at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of.

While walking among the city’s decorations, local guides will tell stories of early Bonita Springs. Participants will learn about the people and places that once were at the center of the first City of Bonita Springs and the importance of the Tamiami Trail and the Imperial River.

The walk features the Liles Hotel History Center, Artist Cottages, the Imperial River, Riverside Park, the Banyan Tree, Bensons Groceries, Shear Unity Spa, First Baptist Church, Art & Public Places murals, the Historical Society’s McSwain Home, and more.

Learn about the Tin Canners, Home of the Tiger Snook, Home of the Swamp Buggy, the Banyan Tree, and lost places like Doc Baird’s Camp, Eagle Hotel, Bonita Court, the Pavilion and Community Center, Wayside Inn, Post Office, Lawhon's Grocery, Mothers Kitchen, etc.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. Tour starts at 6:00pm at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a discount on their website https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

11/04/2022

The Bonita Springs Historical Society announces a River History Walk in Downtown Bonita Springs.

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues their popular history walks with a Downtown tour on November 19th, and considering recent flooding, appropriately focuses on the Imperial River. The first walk of the season is “CRUSIN’ DOWN THE RIVER.”

The guided tour starts 10am on Saturday, November 19, at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $25 in advance, $35 the day of.

The focus is on the Imperial River and its tributaries, which were the main means of travel and commerce in Bonita Springs until the first railroads and the Tamiami Trail (now Old US 41) in the 1920s. The river was a vital to fishing and recreation, attracting winter visitors and new residents. Walk through Riverside Park to Depot Park and over the river to Island Park. Learn about the early community’s main dock and Rosemary Creek.

Highlights include: Learning about Native American and pioneer life along the Imperial River and Rosemary Creek, along with Riverside Park, Liles Hotel Historic Plaza, Depot Park, the dock, Island Park, and see historic homes in the Riverside Subdivision.

Includes discussions regarding the ecology, health and flooding of the River's waters, its importance to our local environment and development, both in the past and present.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a discount at https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html. Call 239-992-6997 for questions.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural activity!

05/17/2022

The Bonita Springs Historical Society continues its popular history walks with a “CRUSIN’ DOWN THE RIVER” tour on May 28th featuring the community’s local waterways and downtown historic district.

The guided tour starts 10am on Saturday, May 28, at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. The cost per person is $20 in advance, $30 the day of. It is their last history walk of this season.

The focus is on the Imperial River and its tributaries, which were the main means of travel and commerce in Bonita Springs until the first railroads and the Tamiami Trail (now Old US 41) in the 1920s. The river was also vital to fishing and recreation, attracting winter visitors and new residents. Walk along the river to Depot Park and over the river to Island Park to learn about local ecosystems, the early community’s main dock and Rosemary Creek.

Learn about Native American and pioneer life along the Imperial River, along with Riverside Park, Liles Hotel Historic Plaza, Depot Park, the dock, Island Park, and see historic homes in the Riverside Subdivision.

Includes discussions regarding the environment, stormwater, health and flooding of the river’s waters and its importance to our estuaries and development, both in the past and present.

Total walk distance is about 1 mile and tour duration of 2 hours. Note that for walking, it will be uneven ground at times. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel in Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For History Walk reservations, book in advance online for a discount at https://www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org/Happenings/tours/index.html, or call 239-992-6997.

The Historical Society is appreciative to Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for grant funds to help promote this local cultural and environmental activity!

Address

Bonita Springs, FL
34135

Website

https://www.goexploring.com/explorations/Bonita%20Springs%20Tours/

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