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 (now Old US 41) in the 1920s. The river was 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. Learn about the community’s main dock and Rosemary Creek. See historic homes in the 1930's Riverside subdivision. Learn about the river's ecosystem, its importance to the past and present, and about water issues (water quality, flooding, etc.).

Learn about the archaeology of the first peoples to live in Bonita Springs. Hear the stories of the mighty Calusa, who ruled all of Southwest Florida and whose capital was Mound Key in Estero Bay, including their contact with the Spanish starting in 1513. See demonstrations of the tools the Calusa used to prosper: the atlatl (an ancient device to throw a spear for fishing) shell tool making, weaving, and more. Walk to Island Park and learn about our native plants and ecology.

Learn how Bonita Springs got its name and stories about many of our oldest buildings. Tour 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. We’ll also make stops at the Goodbread Grocery, our 1921 Elementary School on the National Registry of History Places, our oldest church, Fleming House, and other neighborhoods with historic houses. Stay afterward for an optional garden-to-table lunch at the Shangri-La (reserve in advance) and learn about its new programs.

Hear about lost historic tourist attractions of wonderment like the original Shell Factory (now in North Fort Myers), Seminole Indian Village, the Dome, and Mystery House. Then get a VIP tour of the 80-year-old Everglades Wonder Gardens, still going strong, to experience the history and beauty of this tropical oasis and learn about the colorful Piper brothers who created it.

Private walks may be arranged for a group of a minimum of 10 participants. Private walks also include the Ghost Walk and Monuments, Arts, & Culture walk—the latter featuring more than two dozen murals, sculptures, and memorials.

Guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes early to register. Masks are required as of the writing of this article and social distancing guidelines will be in effect.

Note that the cost per person is $10 less if reserved and prepaid with a credit card via Paypal (within 24 hours advance of walk date), as opposed to paying the day of the walk. Prepayment can be done on the Bonita Springs Historical Society website.