Cheetah Hunt Rollercoaster at Busch Gardens, FL (Theme Park Example) — Courtesy: Shutterstock — VIAVAL TOURS
PORT ORANGE, FL – Preserving ancient attractions from a defunct theme park in Central Florida is a hidden treasure.
The serene 12-acre botanical park is home to tall palm trees, centuries-old oak trees, and native Florida flora.
Jim Thalhuber, a visitor, remarked, “It’s definitely a little treasure sitting here.” The trails winding around the botanical garden. incredibly tranquil. Simply a wonderful, peaceful location. This is a place where you can escape the bustle, commotion, and attractions of Central Florida.
In Port Orange, off Old Sugar Mill Road, is a roadside attraction called Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens. Today, the location of a sugar cane plantation from the 19th century is a historical landmark.
Not only for its remains of a sugar mill, its antique machinery on exhibit, and its lush surroundings, but also for its enormous dinosaur exhibits.
According to Thalhuber, “you just don’t expect that in this kind of place.”
They are the remnants of Bongoland, a theme park named for the local baboon that opened in the late 1940s. The attraction had displays with a dinosaur theme, a train ride, and a model of a Native American town.
Not even five years were spent in Bongoland. Because of the “lack of public interest,” it closed in 1952. However, four of its dinosaurs, including a 25-foot triceratops, are still on display at the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, where admission is free.
A Ground Sloth, Dimetrodon, and Stegosaurus can also be found in the gardens, tucked away among the trees.
Karen Brown, who went with her grandchildren, remarked, “It’s amazing they’re still here and I hope they’re preserved, because this is a hidden treasure.”
Artist M.D. “Manny” Lawrence made the constructions out of chicken wire and thin concrete. Even though they are brittle and in disrepair, some of the details on the buildings may still be seen today.
The Sugar Mill Gardens website states that the T-Rex statue fell in 2019.
“I read a little bit about Bongoland and it makes sense, but I had no idea what to expect,” Thalhuber remarked.
With the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day, Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens (Botanical Gardens of Volusia) is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Although there is no entry fee, donations are welcome.
On the second Wednesday of every month, from 9 to 11 a.m., Master Gardeners are also available to discuss your plant issues and triumphs.
Stories that matter are our priority. At Florida Insider, we make sure that the information we provide our readers is accurate, easy-to-read, and informative. Whether you are interested in business, education, government, history, sports, real estate, nature or travel: we have something for everyone. Follow along for the best stories in the Sunshine State.
Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
