The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers Is Closing
The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, Florida, which opened in 1938, will be closing at the end of the month. The park’s final days of operation will be the weekends of Sept. 20-22 and Sept. 27-29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., after which all operations will close to the public. The Fun Park will be closed, effective immediately.
In 1997, Pam Cronin and her late husband, Tom, took the helm of The Shell Factory when it was under foreclosure and lovingly transformed it from a Florida roadside tourist spot to a sought-out destination for locals, seasonal residents and tourists. “This has been an incredibly hard decision for me, and one that was not made lightly, as the Shell Factory has been such a big part of the community and my life for many decades,” said Cronin. “We are so proud of the countless joyous experiences that the Shell Factory has provided for residents and visitors of our community, as children and families have laughed aboard the bumper boats, tried a round of mini-golf, flew on the zipline, learned about our loveable animals, enjoyed delicious food and sweet treats, discovered many unique treasures from our store and so much more.”
What About The Animals In The Shell Factory Nature Park?
My immediate question to the closing was “What about the animals?” In a statement, they disclosed The Shell Factory is committed to working collaboratively with wildlife officials, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to safely transport and re-home the park’s 400-plus animals. As for the employees, they are partnering with CareerSource and appropriate HR-related consultants to ensure employees have access to the resources and assistance they need.
The last few years have been harsh to The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers. The park has endured hurricanes, the recession, financial challenges, fires, and the pandemic. The cost of ongoing maintenance and necessary repairs just became too much.
“On behalf of our entire team at the Shell Factory, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and cherished memories created by our visitors, employees and community members throughout the years, including many who have cherished their own childhood memories at the Shell Factory and gone on to create new memories with their children and grandchildren in these same beloved spaces,” said Cronin. “While we bid farewell to this chapter, the Shell Factory team remains committed to preserving the rich legacy of our landmark and exploring ways to honor its history and impact on the community.”
What’s Next?
As mentioned earlier, they will remain open for 2 more weekends, after that, the intention is for the 18 acres to be sold. No further details were available.
3 of The Top Attractions in the US Are In Florida
The 2024 Travelers’ Choice® Awards Best of the Best Things to Do list is out and there’s a reason why so many people vacation in Florida. 25 of the most loved top attractions in the US made the list, highlighting the highest rated experiences and attractions around the world and in the US based on Tripadvisor reviews.
What’s number one? The Empire State Building in New York City climbed to the top as the No. 1 attraction, not just in the US, but globally. Reviewers are wowed by the 360-degree view of New York, where they can point out all of their favorite landmarks and see up to six states on a clear day. Over 300 reviews deem it a “once in a lifetime” experience and more than 8,000 5-star reviews put this tourist spot on top. Another New York iconic spot also made the top 3 top attractions in the US list.
Top Attractions in the US
- Empire State Building, New York City, New York
- Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Central Park, New York City, New York
Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor states “Experiences make a trip, and our Best of the Best Things to Do Awards offer some of the highest-rated activities from across the world, highlighted by our community of travelers. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a leisurely explorer, the ‘Best of the Best’ badge has the seal of approval from global travelers as a source of inspiration for an unforgettable vacation.”
Top Attractions in Florida
Florida still maintains itself as a major tourist destination with 3 of the top attractions in the US being here in the Sunshine State. As a 20 year resident of Florida, I love doing touristy things, but I’m kind of disappointed in myself. I’ve not been to any of these 3 attractions. Yet.
