Shell Factory Fort Myers Florida Permanently Closing

After 86 years of serving the community as a family-friendly, Shell Factory & Nature Park Fort Myers announces plans to permanently close and sell the property.

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. During this time, the park’s onsite restaurants, the Southern Grill and Tommy’s Outdoor Café will serve a limited menu while supplies last.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park Fort Myers was established in 1938. The 18-acre, old-Florida roadside attraction has entertained multiple generations with amusement-style rides, arcade games, miniature golf, 50,000 square feet of gift shops, and a 4.5-acre nature park with over 400 animals, birds, reptiles, fish, and much more.

“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,” owner Pamela Cronin said.“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.”

“This is an unfortunate, yet natural evolution that we have seen countless old Florida roadside
attractions like ours face. Many other classic tourist destinations that were once booming have
come and gone over the years,” Cronin said. “Having witnessed these changes within our
industry, I feel proud that the Shell Factory has achieved such a long-lasting, 86-year history that has touched the lives of so many, and I’m grateful for the incredible journey and enduring legacy we leave behind.”

Pamela Cronin is dedicated to supporting the employees during this transition and ensuring they have access to the resources and assistance they need, as well as working collaboratively with wildlife officials to safely re-home the park’s 400-plus animals.

Recognizing the connection between the Shell Factory and the greater community, Pamela Cronin wishes to leave a legacy of happy memories shared at the Shell Factory on Facebook.com/ShellFactoryNaturePark using the hashtag #MyShellFactoryMemories.

“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 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.”

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