Tucked away in Port Orange is an abandoned theme park in Florida with a unique history. Before you start picturing Busch Gardens and Disney World-style theme parks, this isn’t anything on that grand scale. However, anyone who grew up in the area likely knows what Bongoland is, and now whenever anyone visits Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange, they’ll also get a glimpse of the theme park from days gone by.
Walking through the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange brings about a dose of history that Florida residents truly cherish.
Google Local/James Simpson
But while you’re admiring the blossoming botanicals in this incredible garden, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the abandoned theme park remnants from long ago.
Google Local/Julie Bowles
That’s right. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you…that IS a triceratops lurking in the bushes. Bongoland was a short-lived theme park that Dr. Perry Sperber created in the 1940s. Sperber, a dermatologist from Daytona Beach was a dinosaur hobbyist in his spare time.
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Sperber enlisted help from Manny Lawrence to create ginormous prehistoric replica animals out of chicken wire and concrete. This was the start of Bongoland, a mishmash of exhibits that also included historic sugar mill ruins, a miniature train, live animals, and more.
Google Local/Joan Clark
Unfortunately, the desire to see a weird combination of exhibits was low and Bongoland closed a mere five years after it opened.
Google Local/Eddie Leyva
Today, the concrete dinosaurs still remain as part of the gardens but are now surrounded by blooming succulents and magnolias.
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Visitors can check out the gardens with a small donation, and see the sugar mill ruins which also still remain on site.
Google Local/Julie Bowles
Just don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for whatever is lurking in the bushes.
Google Local/Quentin Hodges
What do you think about this abandoned theme park in Florida? Have you ever visited Bongoland Ruins before? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section! Or, you could also plan a trip to the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens to see some of these concrete structures up close.
Google Local/James Simpson
Google Local/Julie Bowles
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Google Local/Eddie Leyva
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Google Local/Quentin Hodges
If you’re a fan of abandoned places throughout the Sunshine State, this one might be of interest. Read all about the story behind the abandoned overseas railroad in Florida.
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Address: Bongoland Ruins, 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd, Port Orange, FL 32129, USA
