Theme Parks

Frontier City Corporate Office

Frontier City was founded in 1958 along what was originally Route 66 by businessmen James Burge and Jack Williams . The park began with a “haunted” farm, mine trails, and bandits. The farm was free, but the gunfight show cost 25 cents.

Today the park has 25 rides, including 3 water rides and 5 roller coasters. With the closure of Bell’s Amusement Park in 2006, Frontier City is the only amusement park left in Okalahoma. The park sits on 55 acres and new attractions are generally added each year. In 2017, plans include a new water ride, a complete overhaul of the Wildcat roller coaster, and a new show featuring music from the 1950’s through the 1970’s will be added.

Frontier City was acquired in late 2016 by EPR Properties for $312 million.

Frontier City

Frontier City was acquired in late 2016 by EPR Properties for $312 million.

History

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Corporate Office

St. Augustine Alligator Farm was founded in 1893 in St. Augustine, Florida. The park was originally a small operation at the end of a railway line, where passengers could buy souveniers and see a small museum. The alligators were an afterthought.

Today, the company operates the oldest attraction in the state of Florida. The park has 24 species of alligators and crocodiles, as well as other reptiles, mammals, birds, and shows. The company recently added a zip line over a small lake. There is a rookery in the back of the 7 acre property where wild birds live and nest.

In 1989, the park received accreditation from The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In September of 1992, the park was added as a U.S. Historic District.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

In 1989, the park received accreditation from The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In September of 1992, the park was added as a U.S. Historic District.

History

Lion Country Safari Corporate Office

Lion Country Safari was founded in 1967 in Western Palm Beach County, Florida, by a group of British and South African entrepreneurs who wanted to offer those who could not travel to Africa, a chance to see what a safari was like. The company operates a cageless zoo.

The company operates a type of “reverse” zoo, where animals roam free and people are caged in their cars. The park has more than 1,000 free roaming animals, including giraffes, lions, white rhinos, and zebras, as well as 5 miles of paved roadway. There is also a walk through area of the park, which includes a spray fountain children can run through, a petting zoo, and gift shop. Due to a few patrons who did not follow the rules, lions are now housed behind fences or water ways to prevent accidents.

Lion Country Safari was named 3rd Best Zoo in the Nation by USA Travel Guide. The Florida location is the last “Lion Country Safari” to remain open. Other locations, such as the ones in Texas, California, Ohio, and Virginia, have all closed down operations.

Lion Country Safari

History

Discovery Cove Corporate Office

Discovery Cove was founded in Orlando, Florida, in July of 2000. The company operates a hands on dolphin, aviary and aquatic park. The company is owned by Seaworld Parks and Entertainment and is a sister park to Acquatica Orlando, as well as Seaworld Orlando.

The park has 4 water themed attractions, including a coral reef swimming pool that has fish and manta rays, a dolphin pool, where guests can swim with dolphins, and the tropical “river”, which goes through the aviary and the perimeter of the park. The aviary has numerous parrots that guests can feed.

Discovery Cove only allows 1,200 visitors at any given time, to keep the animals from becoming overly stressed by crowds. The park has different admission prices, depending on how involved a guest would like to become. Discovery Cove is one of Orlando’s most popular attractions.

Discovery Cove

History

Lagoon Park Corporate Office

Lagoon Park was founded in 1886 in Farmington, Utah, originally as a resort called Lake Park. Privately owned, the park boasts 10 roller coasters, 3 of which are entirely unique.

The park ran into disrepair and was closed for at least 3 years during WWII. It was on the verge of being completely destroyed when the Freed family decided to overhaul and restore the park. The Freed family still own and operate this amusement park. The company has tried to install a new ride every year, but economic problems made this impossible in 2010.

Today, Lagoon Park has 10 roller coasters, and 53 rides total. This park is one of the very few in the US which allows food and drinks to be brought inside the park. This is due to the longstanding tradition of picnic’s by the lake. The park also offers full service RV parking and a campground.

Lagoon Park

Lagoon Park was founded in 1886 in Farmington, Utah, originally as a resort called Lake Park. Privately owned, the park boasts 10 roller coasters, 3 of which are entirely unique.