Exploring Bongoland: The Forgotten Theme Park of New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Step into the mysterious past of Bongoland, a once-ambitious amusement park that now lives on as an intriguing piece of history within the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Once a whimsical destination for families, Bongoland’s story is one of failed dreams and forgotten amusement, leaving behind remnants of its quirky charm. Today, urban explorers and history enthusiasts can wander through this unique site, marveling at the traces of its colorful past intertwined with the natural beauty of the gardens.
Immerse yourself in the legacy of Bongoland with our exclusive 360-degree panoramic virtual tour. This captivating experience allows you to uncover the hidden secrets of the park from the comfort of your home. From the remnants of prehistoric dinosaur statues to the tranquil sugar mill ruins, our virtual tour offers a comprehensive view of this enigmatic location, bringing its storied past to life for urban explorers everywhere.
Click here to view it in fullscreen.
Urban explorers and history buffs alike are always on the lookout for hidden gems and forgotten pieces of Americana. One such treasure is Bongoland, a defunct and mysterious theme park in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Though its lifespan was short, Bongoland remains a fascinating chapter in Florida’s history. This blog delves into the rise and fall of Bongoland, its unique attractions, and its lasting legacy for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
The Origins of Bongoland
Bongoland’s story begins in the late 1940s, at a time when Florida was transitioning into a vacation hotspot. The site chosen for Bongoland was a historic 19th-century sugar mill, nestled on the Dunlawton Plantation in Port Orange, just outside New Smyrna Beach. This sugar mill dated back to the 1830s and had been a site of significance during the Second Seminole War.
In 1947, Dr. Perry Sperber, a local eccentric and entrepreneur, leased the site with the ambitious idea of creating a unique theme park. The name “Bongoland” is believed to have been inspired by Bongo, a live monkey who became the park’s unofficial mascot.
What Made Bongoland Unique?
Bongoland wasn’t your average theme park. It was a curious blend of history, whimsy, and kitsch. The park featured life-sized dinosaur sculptures, hand-crafted from concrete and wire by a local artist named M.D. “Manny” Lawrence. These prehistoric creatures—Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, and a few others—were scattered throughout the lush landscape, creating a surreal mix of natural beauty and fabricated fantasy.
Other attractions included a recreated Seminole Indian village, a botanical garden showcasing Florida’s flora, and the ruins of the original sugar mill. These diverse elements were meant to appeal to a wide range of visitors, from families seeking lighthearted fun to those interested in Florida’s rich history.
A small train ride also wound its way through the park, allowing guests to take in the quirky sights at a leisurely pace. Visitors could interact with Bongo the monkey and other animals in a modest petting zoo.
A Short-Lived Dream
Despite its intriguing concept and scenic location, Bongoland struggled to attract visitors. Part of the problem was competition. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, other attractions in Florida, such as Silver Springs and Cypress Gardens, were already well-established, drawing tourists away from smaller venues like Bongoland.
Additionally, Bongoland’s marketing efforts were limited, and the park’s unusual blend of features may have confused potential visitors. Was it a historical site, a botanical garden, or a theme park? This lack of focus hindered its success.
By 1952, after just five years of operation, Bongoland shut its doors for good.
What Happened to Bongoland After Closure?
After its closure, Bongoland faded into obscurity. Nature began to reclaim the site, with the once-vivid dinosaur sculptures becoming overgrown with vines and moss. The sugar mill ruins, however, remained intact and were eventually preserved as a historical landmark.
In 1963, the site was transformed into the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, a public botanical garden that still operates today. The gardens pay homage to the area’s history, including the remnants of Bongoland. Visitors can still find several of Manny Lawrence’s dinosaur sculptures hidden amongst the greenery, making it a must-visit destination for urban explorers and nostalgia seekers.
Why the location Matters
Bongoland is a reminder of the post-World War II era, a time when roadside attractions and quirky theme parks dotted America’s landscape. It speaks to the ingenuity and ambition of local entrepreneurs like Dr. Perry Sperber, who sought to create something magical in their communities.
For urban explorers, Bongoland is an irresistible blend of history and mystery. The preserved sugar mill ruins and the slowly decaying dinosaur sculptures provide a glimpse into the past, while the botanical gardens showcase the beauty of nature reclaiming man-made structures.
Visiting Bongoland Today
Today, you can visit the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens to explore what remains of Bongoland. Located at 950 Old Sugar Mill Road in Port Orange, Florida, the gardens are open to the public and free to enter, though donations are appreciated.
Be sure to take your time wandering the gardens, discovering the dinosaurs, and soaking in the rich history of the sugar mill ruins. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of quirky roadside attractions, or an avid urban explorer, this site is sure to captivate your imagination.
The Legacy of Bongoland
Though Bongoland’s operation was brief, its story continues to intrigue and inspire. It stands as a testament to a bygone era when creativity and eccentricity shaped Florida’s tourism industry. For urban explorers, it offers the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures and piecing together the narrative of a forgotten theme park.
So, pack your camera, put on your explorer’s hat, and visit Bongoland’s remnants at the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens. This unique destination promises an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Pro Tip: If you visit, plan your trip during the cooler months to enjoy the gardens without Florida’s sweltering heat. Don’t forget to look out for the dinosaurs—they make for excellent photo opportunities and a tangible connection to Bongoland’s quirky history.
By remembering and preserving places like Bongoland, we keep the spirit of exploration alive. Whether it’s through walking the grounds or reading about its history, Bongoland reminds us that even fleeting dreams leave lasting imprints.
You can also check out our top abandoned places in Florida page.

360-degree panoramic image of one of the concrete dinosaurs at Bongoland
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Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:
- Canon DSLR camera
- Canon 8-15mm fisheye
- Manfrotto tripod
- Custom rotating tripod head
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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