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Lakes Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,661 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Myers, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Lakes Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with a freshwater lake for fishing, also offers bike & boat rentals, trails & picnic spots.
What runners say about Lakes Park
“The park has multiple playgrounds that are clean, well-designed, and perfect for kids of all ages 🛝.”
“You can fish 🎣, hike scenic trails 🚶♂️, bike the paved paths 🚴♀️, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful lakes and nature views 🌅.”
“The park has multiple playgrounds that are clean, well-designed, and perfect for kids of all ages 🛝.”
This park is very close to where we ate lunch at the newly reopened Sweet Tomatoes, so after we ate, we headed over to check it out. Lakes Park is a 279-acre public park located along Gladiolus Drive, just south of Fort Myers. It is operated by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation.
This park provides a very enjoyable experience whether you choose to walk the paths, reserve a pavilion or explore the numerous things to do. We had an absolute blast riding the mini train ($10 / person) which quickly transforms you into a kid (if you’re an adult) and provides so much fun as you enter a scale world of…
I came here to do some birding. I was surprised by the variety of species here. It was so beautiful and easy to navigate. Parking was not very expensive. I will definitely come back and recommend it. The squirrels here do approach humans and get very close. It is clear that people feed the wildlife.
Stopped for a few hours with the kids while on vacation. Beautiful lake. We tried fishing (remember to look up fishing license rules for Florida!) but did not catch anything. The bathrooms were a great asset (real bathroom facilities, not port a potties). The trails were nice. Parking was reasonably priced.
Trail conditions & character
“You can fish 🎣, hike scenic trails 🚶♂️, bike the paved paths 🚴♀️, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful lakes and nature views 🌅.”
“If you visit the park, it is important to note that admission is free, but parking is not.”
“You can fish 🎣, hike scenic trails 🚶♂️, bike the paved paths 🚴♀️, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful lakes and nature views 🌅.”
“The park has a large playground for children, a train museum, a mini train ride for children and adults, boardwalk paths and many picnic tables and areas for walking.”
“The bathrooms were a great asset (real bathroom facilities, not port a potties).”
Plan your run at Lakes Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteleegov.com
- Phone+1 239-533-7578
- Social Facebook
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