Cypress Gardens

Florida, United States

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Cypress Gardens, located near Winter Haven, Florida, was Florida’s first commercial theme park, opening on January 2, 1936.

Founded by Dick Pope Sr. and his wife Julie, it began as a botanical garden featuring over 8,000 varieties of flowers from more than 90 countries planted on the shores of Lake Eloise. Over time, it became famous for its spectacular water ski shows, earning the title “water ski capital of the world,” and appeared as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows.

The park expanded in the mid-20th century into a major tourist attraction while maintaining its botanical roots with lush gardens, including the iconic Great Banyan tree planted in 1939. In the 1980s, the family sold the park, which went through several ownership changes and struggled due to increased competition and hurricane damage in 2004.

Cypress Gardens officially closed in 2009, but its historic gardens and water ski shows have been preserved and are now part of the LEGOLAND Florida Resort, which honors the legacy with family-friendly attractions and seasonal events.