For nearly 90 years, families have been making memories on the shores of Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, Florida. Long before children earned their first driver's license at Driving School or splashed through the LEGOLAND® Water Park, visitors came from around the world to experience the beauty and charm of Cypress Gardens.

Today, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort proudly continues that tradition. While the attractions have evolved through the decades, the spirit of bringing families together remains as strong as ever. From historic botanical gardens to LEGO®-themed adventures, the property has become a place where generations can connect through fun, discovery, and imagination.

As Cypress Gardens approaches its 90th anniversary, we're looking back at the incredible history that helped shape one of Florida's most beloved family destinations.

A Timeline of Nearly 90 Years of Family Memories

1936
Dick and Julie Pope open Cypress Gardens.

1943
The first world-famous Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show debuts.

1950s–1980s
Cypress Gardens becomes one of Florida's top tourist destinations, appearing in films, magazines, television shows, and travel brochures around the world.

2009
Cypress Gardens closes after more than 70 years.

2011
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort opens on the historic property while preserving the Botanical Gardens.

Today
Families continue making memories on the same shores of Lake Eloise where visitors have gathered for nearly nine decades.

The Vision That Started Cypress Gardens in 1936

When Dick Pope Sr. and his wife Julie opened Cypress Gardens in 1936, Florida was still emerging as a tourism destination. Their dream was simple but ambitious: create a beautiful attraction where visitors could experience Florida's natural beauty in a way they had never seen before.

Guests quickly fell in love with the lush gardens, towering cypress trees, winding pathways, and stunning lakefront views. What began as a botanical attraction soon became one of the state's most famous destinations, attracting visitors from across the United States and around the world.

For many families, a trip to Cypress Gardens became a Florida tradition. Generations returned year after year to experience the gardens and share the same memories with their children and grandchildren.

How Cypress Gardens Helped Put Florida Tourism on the Map

Long before Central Florida became known for its world-famous theme parks, Cypress Gardens was drawing visitors to the region. In many ways, it helped introduce millions of travelers to Florida as a family vacation destination.

The attraction appeared in travel guides, postcards, magazines, and television programs throughout the mid-20th century. Images of blooming flowers, graceful Southern belles, and thrilling water ski performances became iconic symbols of Florida tourism.

Its popularity helped establish Winter Haven as a destination worth visiting and contributed to the growth of tourism throughout Central Florida. Even today, many longtime Florida residents remember Cypress Gardens as one of the state's most treasured attractions.

The Famous Water Ski Shows That Captivated Generations

Few attractions are more closely connected to Florida history than the legendary Cypress Gardens water ski shows. Beginning in the 1940s, these performances became a must-see experience for visitors of all ages.

Guests gathered along Lake Eloise to watch athletes perform incredible stunts, including human pyramids, barefoot skiing, synchronized formations, and daring jumps. The shows pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the water and helped make Cypress Gardens famous around the world.

Over the decades, the water ski shows appeared in films, television programs, and promotional campaigns that showcased Florida to millions of potential visitors. For many families, watching these performances became the highlight of their vacation.

The Florida-Shaped Pool That Became a Landmark

Another unforgettable part of Cypress Gardens history was the famous Florida-shaped swimming pool. Instantly recognizable and widely photographed, the pool became one of the attraction's most iconic features.

Families gathered there to cool off during hot summer days, while celebrities and athletes visited throughout the decades. The unique design reflected the creativity and imagination that made Cypress Gardens stand out among Florida attractions.

Although many guests remember the gardens and ski shows first, the Florida Pool remains one of the most cherished symbols of the property's rich history.

The Botanical Gardens That Continue to Bloom Today

One of the most remarkable things about visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort is that guests can still experience a living piece of Florida history. The original Cypress Gardens Botanical Gardens remain preserved within the Resort and continue to delight visitors every day.

Spread across beautifully landscaped grounds, the gardens feature towering cypress trees, exotic plants, colorful flowers, and peaceful walking paths. Many of the trees found throughout the gardens are decades old, creating a unique environment that connects today's families with generations of visitors who came before them.

The Botanical Gardens offer a completely different experience from the excitement of rides and attractions. Families can slow down, explore together, and appreciate the natural beauty that first made this property famous nearly 90 years ago.

Then vs. Now: A Property That Continues to Bring Families Together

Although the attractions have evolved, one thing has never changed: families continue making unforgettable memories together.

A New Chapter: The Arrival of LEGOLAND Florida Resort

In 2011, the property entered an exciting new chapter when LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened its gates. Designed specifically for families with children ages 2–12, the Resort brought a new generation of adventures to this historic location.

Rather than replacing the site's history, LEGOLAND Florida embraced it. The Resort preserved the Botanical Gardens while introducing interactive attractions, LEGO-themed rides, family entertainment, and hands-on experiences built around creativity and imagination.

Today, guests can experience the best of both worlds—modern family fun alongside one of Florida's most treasured historic attractions.

Building New Family Memories Through Play

While Cypress Gardens was known for gardens and water ski shows, LEGOLAND Florida Resort creates memories through play. Every corner of the Resort is designed to inspire creativity, encourage exploration, and bring families together.

Children can earn their first driver's license at Driving School, master ninja skills on LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride, and marvel at incredible LEGO creations in MINILAND USA. Families can splash together at the Water Park, explore SEA LIFE Florida, and enjoy seasonal events throughout the year.

These shared experiences create the same kind of lasting memories that families have been making on this property for nearly a century. The attractions may look different today, but the joy of spending time together remains unchanged.

Why the Botanical Gardens Are a Hidden Gem at LEGOLAND Florida

Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover that one of Florida's most beautiful botanical attractions is located right inside LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat where families can take a break from the excitement and experience a different side of the Resort.

Whether you're admiring blooming flowers, spotting native wildlife, or simply enjoying a stroll beneath the shade of historic trees, the Botanical Gardens offer something truly unique. It's an opportunity to connect with Florida's past while creating new family memories in the present.

For guests who love nature, history, photography, or simply discovering something unexpected, the gardens are one of the Resort's most rewarding experiences.

Celebrating 90 Years of Family Memories

As Cypress Gardens approaches its 90th anniversary, its legacy continues to thrive through the families who visit LEGOLAND Florida Resort each year. What began as a botanical attraction in 1936 has evolved into one of Florida's most beloved family destinations while preserving the history that made it special.

Today, guests can ride roller coasters, build with LEGO bricks, cool off at the Water Park, and walk through gardens that have welcomed visitors for generations. Few attractions in Florida can offer such a unique blend of history, nature, imagination, and family fun.

Whether you're reliving cherished memories of Cypress Gardens or creating your very first LEGOLAND Florida adventure, you're becoming part of a story that has been bringing families together for nearly 90 years.