On May 27, 2008 Gatorland unveiled a $4 million dollar complex designed to showcase the history and unique culture of the theme park, located on the site of the original gift shop and historic Godwin family home, that was destroyed by a three-alarm fire on November 6, 2006.
The new structure, offers visitors a modern shopping experience that complements the natural beauty of the theme park while keeping with the rustic feel of the sixty year old attraction. From the full-wall graphics pulled from the company’s expansive archives, to the replica of the observation tower full of cuddly plush alligators and the buckets that hang from the ceiling as lights, the new addition is sure to be a crowd favorite for many years to come.
The complex features over 19,000 square feet of retail, meeting and office space along with an open-air admissions pavilion that incorporates the historic gator mouth entrance, state-of-the-art meeting facility and classroom, and a cleverly designed shopping area featuring unique gifts ideas and a pictorial timeline outlining the rich history of the theme park.
Alligator Island, located in the northern section of Gatorland's "Gator Lake", is home to the largest reptiles in the park. Hundreds of alligators inhabit "Gator Lake", and Alligator Island is the best place to see Gatorland's largest alligators and crocodiles up close and personal as they soak up the Florida sun.
Making its debut in 1965, the original Gatorland Iron Horse gave visitors a glimpse of the south end of the park as it carried passengers over alligators and by the animal displays on its journey back to the station. After 35 years of loyal service carrying millions of passengers, the old Iron Horse was finally retired in 2000 and a new station was built.
Created in 1991 as a natural breeding area for Gatorland's gators, the 10 acre Gatorland Breeding Marsh contains 130 adult alligators... 100 females and 30 males. Living their lives in a completely natural environment, these alligators produce the next generation of Gatorland's namesake reptiles. Take a unique opportunity to learn more about Gatorland's Bird Rookery.
Enter if you dare the realm of Jungle Crocs, home to some of the largest and most dangerous crocodiles on the planet! Hear the tale of the intrepid adventurer Owen Godwin as he scoured the world over for the baddest crocs in the land.
Located at the southern end of the park is Gatorland's Swamp Walk, a self guided tour through an unspoiled native Cypress Swamp. A raised wooden walkway snakes itself through the Cypress trees affording visitors a rare look back into what much of Central Florida looked like before people started draining the wetlands to build their farms and homesteads.
Just across from the Very Merry Aviary and Allie's Barnyard is Gatorland's Flamingo Lagoon, home to a small colony of American Flamingos. Found in tropical and sub-tropical areas throughout the world, flamingos can reach a height of 5 feet and may live over 40 years in captivity.
Drop by Allie's Barnyard and say hello to some of the cute and cuddly barnyard critters that call Gatorland home. Here you'll find Dolly Llama, a real sweetheart with a bucktooth grin who just loves having her picture taken. Say hello to Gracie, a friendly goat who just loves to eat from your hand, and Harley the Macaw who just might say hello back!
Gatorland's Very Merry Aviary, home to the colorful and friendly Lorikeets, is a great place to get upclose to nature. These brightly colored parrots, native to the Western Pacific and East Indies area, are specially adapted to a diet of pollen, nectar, and fruit.
Most people have a fascination with snakes, with many individuals having a deathly fear of them. The fact is, snakes are basically misunderstood reptiles that have gotten a bad reputation, and they play a very important role in our environment. Florida has many different varieties of snakes, most of which are completely harmless to human beings.
For over half a century, Gatorland has been creating fond vacation memories for millions of visitors who have entered through its gaping gator mouth entrance. Families, friends and employees alike have ventured through the glass double doors on their way to a journey through this natural, low-tech adventure.
Gatorland has been entertaining people with fun, exciting and educational shows about dangerous and unusual animals for years! Where else can you help a gator wrestler pick out the gator they are about to wrestle or have an up-close experience with really cool reptiles or see crocs and gators jump high in the air for food? No where! So come and share the adventure at all of our fun shows.