We were in search of a free place to spend a few hours near Daytona Beach last week. We found it at the Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens in Port Orange, Volusia County.Here, the ruins of the Dunlawton Sugar Mill and the remnants of Bongoland, a Florida attraction of yesteryear that featured concrete dinosaurs, can be found amongst gardens and walking trails.
Among the ruins of the sugar mill.
Below, a small box turtle makes its way through the outdoor chapel, a popular site for weddings.
We spent a few hours at the gardens, our visit cut short by a sudden downpour. This is not the place to be if it's raining. While there is a gazebo, and the sugar mill exhibit is covered, most of the attraction involves outdoor walking trails.
When you visit, pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the volunteer station. The brochure lists all the sights and exhibits in the gardens. Kiosks and plaques also are spread out throughout the gardens and sugar mill to identify the exhibit or explain the history of the gardens and sugar mill.
Some of the dinosaurs from Bongoland are still embedded in the scenery of the gardens, thrilling my child. There's also a lot of interesting history to learn about the place, and even my 7-year-old liked it. I had a difficult time trying to convince him we couldn't finish our tour in the rain.
Don't go expecting a lot -- the walking trails are simple, and the cement dinosaurs are not painted. But admission is free, and it's a fun place to wander, away from the touristy attractions. There is a donations box in the front near the entrance, but no one stands over you so you feel guilty if you don't put money in the box. Volunteers maintain the park.
The Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens is located at 950 Old Sugar Mill Road, Port Orange. For details, call (386) 767-1735.
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