Many, many years ago when South Florida was a tourist destination there were attractions up and down the cost. One that has been gone so many years now was called Africa USA. It is considered one of the first theme parks in the US. And it didn't cost to get in - you could walk the gardens all day for FREE. But if you wanted to go on the boat ride or the African train ride it cost. But they were well worth the cost. Now bear with my memory as I try to remember back almost 50 years ago.
The "Train" ride was special train cars pulled by a jeep. If I remember right you boarded in front of the ticket/gift shop area and would ride to the gated part of the park where a native warrior would let you in. And then you would be in Africa. None of the animals in this part of the park were caged. You had zebra and other animals of the African velt. Unlike Lion Country - there were no lions. The trip took you to an African village where you would get off and could buy gifts and Ice cream. I think there was a native show there also and depending on the time of year you were left till the next "train" or the "train" would wait for you.
When you got back you could walk the gardens or take the boat ride which also cost. It would take you around the lake in the Gardens and past a monkey island and the geyser (man made) which would erupt every 15 minutes.
The place was a lot of fun and I think it would even go over today as a nice roadside attraction. But between developers and the city working against the owners the place finally went under. Today it just a development of houses - the only remains are the geyser, which no longer works.
Of all the places that disappeared along the east cost of south Florida I think I miss Africa USA the most.
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