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BREVARD HISTORY: Tropical Wonderland Park in Titusville Endorsed By Tarzan Actor Johnny Weissmuller

By  //  May 8, 2026

nature-centered themed park built in 1959

Built in 1959 as "Florida Wonderland," the park became known as "Tropical Wonderland" in 1971 when Johnny Weissmuller, star of the "Tarzan" movies, endorsed the park.
Built in 1959 in Titusville as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 when Johnny Weissmuller, above right, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed the park. (Florida/Tropical Wonderland Facebook image)

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Located on U.S. 1 just south of State Road 50 in Titusville, Tropical Wonderland was a 50-acre, nature-centered themed park endorsed by Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller.

Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the Tarzan movies, endorsed it.

The park was originally opened by Herbert Clay “H.C.” Kirk and featured an old west and Indian village area, electric boat rides, a train ride, and many types of animals. Monkey Island was a favorite of visitors from all over.

The old western town was called Dodge City and was patterned after the popular TV series of the time, “Gunsmoke.”

The characters included Marshal Dillon, Miss Kitty, and the Long Branch Saloon, which served non-alcoholic drinks. Every hour, the town would stage a “hanging.”

According to Cliff Rouse, an actor who played the “Apache Kid” when the park was in its prime, would attract 30,000 to 50,000 guests a day.

The park experienced an economic downturn in the late 1960s, but after its name was changed to Tropical Wonderland and Weissmuller lent his name in support, the facility recovered as “Tarzan” made appearances to sign autographs and pose for pictures, generating positive buzz.

During this time, the park featured amusement rides, food, gift shops, and other fun activities. Things were looking up until Weissmuller pulled his support because of alleged animal treatment issues.

The park was originally opened by Herbert Clay “H.C.” Kirk and his wife, above, and featured an old west and Indian village area, electric boat rides, train rides, and many types of animals. Monkey Island was a favorite of visitors from all over. After H.C. Kirk’s death in 1978, ownership of the property was passed to his son, Bob. (Image courtesy of Florida/Tropical Wonderland Facebook page)

“No one knows if this was true or not, or if Weissmuller was just not happy, but there are old articles with so many animal escapes over the years it was open, and even when it closed down,” said an article in bigfloridacountry.com.

The park featured a variety of wild animals, including “Wanda” the elephant, who escaped onto U.S. 1 one night, where she was struck and killed by a truck.

The almost-forgotten Florida Wonderland park was located in an area then known as Indian River City, and locals still say there is a colony of monkeys living in the surrounding woods.

With Walt Disney World’s opening in October of 1971, Tropical Wonderland closed its doors for good in 1973, and all that remains after more than 45 years are old canals, a chalet that once housed a reptile zoo, and a few patches of concrete and tile floors.

After H.C. Kirk’s death in 1978, ownership of the property was passed to his son, Bob.

Another attraction, Marine Life Park, was a short-lived park built across the street from the Tropical Wonderland Park on U.S. 1 and closed around 1967.

The marine park had porpoise shows, a manatee you could pet, along with rays and sea turtles. The park also included a petting zoo, boat ride, and amusement rides.

Kennedy Point Yacht Club & Marina is currently located at the former Marine Life Park.

(All images are courtesy of the Florida/Tropical Wonderland Facebook page)

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Marine Life Park was a short-lived park across the street from Tropical Wonderland on U.S. 1. They had porpoise shows, a manatee you could pet along with rays and a sea turtle.
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Marine Life Park was a short-lived park across the street from Tropical Wonderland on U.S. 1. They had porpoise shows, a manatee you could pet, along with rays and a sea turtle.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.
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Built in 1959 as “Florida Wonderland,” the park became known as “Tropical Wonderland” in 1971 after Johnny Weissmuller, star of the “Tarzan” movies, endorsed it.

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