Cypress Gardens - Winter Haven, Florida

Billed as Florida's first theme park, Cypress Gardens opened on January 2, 1936, as a botanical garden. Over the years Cypress Gardens became one of the biggest attractions in Florida, known for its water ski shows, gardens, and Southern Belles. The park operated until April 2003 when it closed due to a decline in tourism. The park reopened under new ownership in February 2004 as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park but closed permanently in September 2009. In October 2011 Cypress Gardens reopened as Legoland Florida. Only the botanical garden has been preserved inside the new park.