Fort Myers, Florida: Shell Factory
Now just a large seashell and souvenir gift shop -- the Waltzing Waters have been removed.
Shell Factory and Nature Park
- Address:
- 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL
- Directions:
- Shell Factory and Nature Park. North edge of the city. On the west side of US Hwy 41/N. Tamiami Trail about 1.5 miles south of Del Prado Blvd N.
- Hours:
- W-Su 10 am - 6 pm. Closed M-Tu. (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 239-995-2141
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Visitor Tips and News About Shell Factory
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Shell Factory The incredibly tacky Shell Factory, north of Fort Myers, Florida, is too weird to be believed!
[Martin Hafer, 08/07/2012]We found Shell Factory easily -- well maintained with a variety of things to do. Shops, restaurants, nature park, ballroom. Also some odd things such as stock cars and a fire engine. Shell Factory is closed Mon and Tue (we were there on a Tue) so we just walked around the "village like" environment outside.
We were told by the security guard that the Waltzing Waters were taken out some time ago due to high cost to maintain it. Great attraction, can't wait to go back when they are open!
[Dawn Peters, 07/25/2010]A sad loss of the Waltzing Waters -- the main reason we list this attraction.
The Shell Factory claims to be "the world's largest shell factory." They also have a "Waltzing Waters" light and water show. The Shell Factory is a mid-century relic. The Shell Factory is a sprawling tourist trap with a nature park, a seafood and steak restaurant, bumper boats, a video game arcade, and gift shops.
The Shell Factory tries to be all things to all people, which at times results in a confusing juxtaposition of elements, such as Santa Claus... next to faux taxidermy... next to acrylic toilet seats with shells inside.
[Kristy Chan, 07/03/2010]That's our kind of gift shop!
Waltzing Waters - Shell Factory Waltzing Waters presents "Liquid Fireworks," a patented array of individually moving nozzles creating truly stunning effects. The waters jump, twist, sway and swirl in breathtaking movements that surpass those of human dancers. The world's most elaborate water, light and music production is a triumph of artistry and engineering.
The expertise of three generations comes with every Waltzing Waters show. Otto Przystawik invented the first musical fountains over 70 years ago, and the family tradition continues today.
Come and see our nightly displays here at The Shell Factory. The water dances with musical themes from rock to classical masterpieces to show tunes. All shows are unique -- you will never see the same show twice.
[Joyc Joray, 02/07/2007]2010: Waltzing Water is no longer operating at the Shell Factory. 2006: We enjoyed a performance of the Waltzing Waters back when it was housed indoors (the smell of mildew is vivid in our memories). But it's true -- the water streams are manipulated through elaborate plumbing first devised in the 1930s.
Huge replica of Sea Shell is displayed at the entrace to this attraction -- site also features a wild life park - water cars - restaurants and gift shops. Buy almost any type of shell ornament.
[Bill Tomsick, 05/28/2001]Nearby Offbeat Places
- Twistee Treat, Fort Myers, FL - 2 mi.
- Ethereal Thomas Edison Statue, Fort Myers, FL - 5 mi.
- Pipeosaurus - Imaginarium Dinosaur, Fort Myers, FL - 5 mi.
- In the region: The Bubble Room, Captiva, FL - 22 mi.
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For years the Shell Factory was most famous -- to some, anyway -- for its Waltzing Waters "liquid fireworks" show (currently in mothballs). It's good to see that the place has picked up the slack with other jaw-dropping sights.