Can you imagine building an alligator pit in your backyard? That’s exactly what Owen Godwin Senior did back in the 1930s. He had this crazy dream of opening a place where people could get up close and personal with Florida’s wildest residents, particularly alligators. Right here in Orlando, his vision became a reality in 1949 with the opening of the Florida Wildlife Institute, later renamed Gatorland. Believe it or not, people thought Owen was a little nuts. Why would anyone pay to see alligators when you could just find them in any swamp? But Owen was onto something. He knew people were curious about these prehistoric creatures. Today, Gatorland is known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” and for good reason. Over 2,000 alligators call this 110-acre park home, from adorable babies to massive adults lounging in the sun. You can walk along boardwalks above massive breeding marshes, watch in awe as trained handlers demonstrate their skills in the Gator Jumparoo show, or even brave the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, soaring over the very creatures that make Gatorland famous. Gatorland is more than just a theme park, it’s a testament to one man’s dream and dedication to showcasing the incredible wildlife of Florida.
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
What if I told you that the very heart of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church beats with the rhythm