There are many exciting things to do on Sanibel Island while you’re on your next vacation. You can relax in the sunshine on a local beach, head to a nearby restaurant to experience fresh seafood, or stroll through a museum to learn more about the history and nature of the area. But just because you’re staying in one of our Sanibel Island rentals doesn’t mean you’re limited to the island itself.
You might consider taking a day trip to Fort Myers, just 45 minutes away. When you’re there, you’ll have tons of activities to choose from, but for a truly unique experience, hop aboard the Murder Mystery Train!
This journey is a true one-of-a-kind adventure for the whole family, guaranteeing fantastic memories you won’t soon forget.
What is the Murder Mystery Train?
The Murder Mystery Train in Fort Myers allows you and your family to become detectives, solving a classic whodunit mystery while taking a train ride through the gorgeous sections of Fort Myers. Not to mention that you’ll get a fantastic meal as well! If you love reading old murder mysteries, watching reruns of Murder, She Wrote, or simply testing your sleuth skills, this is the journey for you!
This attraction has been a favorite of locals and visitors since it first opened in the early 1990s. The Seminole Gulf Railway had purchased more than 100 miles of track running from north Naples to Arcadia, giving the local Fay family a significant expansion of its freight business. However, the family knew they didn’t want to stick with freighting alone.
They decided to test out the concept of a dinner train on a short section of their tracks. While all of the dinner options were popular, the murder mysteries were the most successful. Since then, the Murder Mystery Dinner Train has taken more than 500,000 people to witness over 70 unique productions.
When you hop on board, you’ll get to witness an impressive crew of actors employed by the railway itself, and you’ll even be encouraged to get involved with the story and figure out who the murderer is. At the same time, the wait staff will deliver you a sumptuous 5-course meal throughout the 40-mile round trip.
What’s on the Menu?
Your experience on the Murder Mystery Train will last approximately three hours. So what can you expect to eat during that time?
You’ll be served an appetizer of cheese, crackers, and fruit, all specially selected by the chef to perfectly complement each other. Next comes the soup du jour; while this option changes every day, one of the guests’ favorites is the Creamy Potato Leek Soup. You’ll also enjoy a freshly made salad before diving into some heavier options.
When choosing your entree, you can opt for uniquely named dishes like the Who Dunnit? Prime Rib, Super Sleuth Salmon, or the Killer Chicken Francese. Your table will also enjoy delicious pretzel rolls imported from Germany! Finish your meal with the homemade apple spice cake to satisfy your sweet tooth.
You may want to indulge in a tempting drink special throughout your meal. Many cocktails are named with your experience in mind, including the Looks to Kill Lemonade, Conspiracy Coffee, Assassin’s Dead, and Lil’ Red Caboose. You can also choose from a wide selection of Florida-made craft brews, beers from famous national brands, and wine options, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Hours, Directions, and Parking
If you’re ready to experience one of the unique things to do in Fort Myers, you’ll want to know the logistics. First, note that all Murder Mystery Dinner Trains depart from the Colonial Station in Fort Myers promptly at 6:30 p.m. (or 5:30 p.m. on Sundays and some holidays). Guests must arrive at the station at least 45 minutes before their departure time.
As of writing, tickets cost $119 per person for journeys held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Saturday journeys cost $125 per person. Your admission cost includes your train ride, the murder mystery show, and your five-course meal. While coffee and tea are complimentary, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Gratuity is not included in the price of your ticket.
The train departs from Colonial Station, located at 2805 Colonial Boulevard. To get there from Sanibel Island, begin by driving southeast on Sanibel Captiva Road toward Rabbit Road. Turn right onto Tarpon Bay Road before taking a left onto Periwinkle Way. After 2.7 miles, make another left onto Causeway Boulevard, then continue to Bridge C/Sanibel Causeway. You’ll then follow the Sanibel Causeway for about three miles.
Once you have made it onto the mainland, continue onto County Road 867 for almost two miles. Make a left turn onto McGregor Boulevard, then after 2.7 miles, make another left turn onto FL-867 N/McGregor Boulevard. Drive for 6.6 miles before turning right onto Colonial Boulevard. You’ll stay on the left land to take the ramp onto Colonial Boulevard. After 0.8 miles, keep left to stay on Colonial Boulevard, and after 1.4 more miles, you’ll be at the station!
You’ll find plenty of free parking at the depot when you arrive. Since the train journey is round-trip, you’ll be returned to your car and don’t have to worry about making other arrangements.
Book Your Sanibel Island Condo
Once you solve the mystery and figure out whodunit you’ll have plenty to talk about on your drive back to Sanibel Island! One of our Sanibel Island condo rentals will be waiting to welcome you home. You can relax and unwind while taking advantage of luxurious amenities like spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, breathtaking views of Sanibel Island, flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet, and more.
Plan Your Visit
On top of the fabulous location and the impressive amenities, Sandalfoot also offers unparalleled customer service. Our team of locals loves welcoming visitors to the area and showing them why we love Sanibel and Captiva Islands! No request is too big or too small, whether you have a question about your rental or you want a recommendation for things to see around town.
On your upcoming trip to Sanibel Island, consider staying with us at Sandalfoot. Not only do we put you close to the Murder Mystery Train, but you’ll also be just moments from all of Sanibel’s best activities! We are proud to offer a wide range of condo rentals to suit all parties, whether you’re planning a solo trip, a romantic getaway, or a fun vacation with the whole extended family. You’ll have plenty of room and all the features you need to feel right at home no matter who’s coming along.
Now is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some downtime on the beautiful shores of Sanibel Island. Contact us today to learn more about all of our available vacation rentals in Sanibel Island!
