I have always loved walking as a form of exercise, yes, but also as a way of slowing down and truly taking in the world around you. Whether traveling by car, bus, train, or plane, you simply can’t absorb your surroundings the way you can on foot. On our trips, Myrna Wernick and I make a point of hiking each day. From the Galápagos to the Amazon, the environment keeps us engaged and curious. But you don’t have to travel far to find something worth exploring.
Right here, close to Grandezza, there are local areas that are both interesting and rewarding to walk. One that many residents may not know about is a short drive away and offers a pleasant trail with genuine historical significance.
The Buckingham Army Airfield no longer exists, but its story is worth knowing. In 1941, a group of Lee County and Fort Myers officials purchased land and leased it to the War Department for the construction of a military airfield. The project infused $10 million into the local community and required draining the surrounding swamp to complete. The original site spanned 7,000 acres and included a Gunnery Training School. At its peak, it was a vital part of the World War II war effort.
After the war, the abandoned Buckingham AAF was purchased in the 1950s by marketing entrepreneur Lee Ratner and his protégé Gerald Gould, who went on to develop Lehigh Acres along with an astonishing 11,000 miles of roads. Many of the service veterans who trained at Buckingham eventually returned to the area to retire and put down roots. Remnants of the airfield can still be found throughout the region today.
The Buckingham Trails Preserve, located on Buckingham Road, is a walkable piece of that World War II history. The 572-acre preserve features a 2.3-mile hiking loop through pine flatlands and open scrub habitat.
Myrna and I recently walked the Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, which offers a 1.8-mile “Gunner’s Trail.” The trail includes markers highlighting points of historical significance alongside beautiful natural scenery. It has recently been upgraded with an elevated boardwalk, making the walk even more enjoyable. Along the way, hikers will encounter remnants of military history woven into the landscape.
A few practical notes: the preserve is open from dawn to dusk, and pets are not permitted.
Given its proximity to Grandezza, this is an easy, drivable outing that fits comfortably into a morning or afternoon. The only caveat, as any local will recognize, is the seasonal traffic on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and Daniels Parkway. Time your drive accordingly, and you’ll have a peaceful and memorable walk well worth the short trip.
