Photos Courtesy of: The Shell Factory

After 86 years, a famous roadside attraction in SWFL decided to close its doors for good this past september.

The Shell Factory opened its doors in 1938 in North Fort Myers and has been a family destination ever since. The roadside attraction featured a gift shop, restaurants, an arcade, a fun park, and a Nature Park that housed over 400 animals.

Over the decades, the Shell Factory has stood resilient through hurricanes, fires, and financial challenges. Pam Cronin, a dedicated owner for 27 years, had to make this difficult decision due to the costly upkeep of the nearly 90-year-old property. She shared “This has been an incredibly hard decision, as the Shell Factory has been a huge part of our community and my life. We are so proud of the countless joyous experiences shared here—whether aboard bumper boats, in our nature park, at the mini-golf course, or within our shops and restaurants” via the Shell Factory’s Facebook page.

The Shell Factory ended operations September 29th, 2024.

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