I can still feel the excitement I felt as a child, sitting on the banks of Lake Eloise, eagerly waiting for the start of the famous Cypress Gardens water ski show. The sound of the boat engines revving up, the cheers of the crowd, and the splash of the skiers hitting the water are memories that will stay with me forever. The Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven isn’t just a network of beautiful waterways, it’s a place where history was made, where dreams were built, and where the art of water skiing became world-renowned.
This isn’t just a story about the first theme park. It’s about the heart of a community, a legacy of how Winter Haven became the Water Ski Capital of the World.
A Personal Story
Growing up in Miami, my family spent our weekends on the water. I learned to water ski almost as soon as I could walk, riding behind our little boat on the lakes and intercoastal waterways of South Florida. For me, skiing was second nature, something that came with sunshine, family, and endless summers. But even though I spent a lot of time on skis, nothing prepared me for the first time I saw the Cypress Gardens water ski show.
Every year, we made the trek from Miami to Central Florida to visit my cousins. It was a tradition for our families to meet up, pack the cars, and head to Cypress Gardens. While I was too young to remember much about the park itself, one thing stood out to me every time: the water ski show on Lake Eloise.
To this day, it’s a memory I cherish, a connection to my love of water skiing and a glimpse at the art of skiing elevated to a performance of pure magic.
A Glimpse into Cypress Gardens’ History
Long before there was Disney World or Universal Studios, there was Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park, which opened in 1936 on the shores of Lake Eloise.
Founded by Dick Pope Sr. and his wife Julie, the Popes transformed swampland along the shores of Lake Eloise into a lush botanical paradise, filled with azaleas, camellias, and cypress trees. But Dick Pope wasn’t just a gardener, he was a marketing genius. He promoted the park by creating stunning postcards and magazine spreads, showing off the beauty of Florida to people around the world.
At first, Cypress Gardens was simply a place to walk through flower-filled gardens and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida. But in the early 1940s, everything changed when the first water ski show took place. It was a hit, and soon the park became famous for its daredevil skiers, high-flying pyramids, and jaw-dropping tricks.
By the 1950s and 60s, Cypress Gardens was world-famous. Hollywood came calling, using the park as a backdrop for movies, TV shows, and commercials. Stars like Esther Williams, Johnny Carson, and Elvis Presley visited the park, and it became a must-see destination for tourists traveling through Florida.
What Was Cypress Gardens Like?
Cypress Gardens wasn’t flashy like modern theme parks. It was elegant, charming, and peaceful, with a focus on nature, beauty, and entertainment. Here’s what it was like.
The Botanical Gardens
The heart of the park was the stunning gardens, filled with vibrant flowers, towering cypress trees, and peaceful paths. You could stroll along the brick walkways, admire the topiary displays, and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Eloise. The historic gazebo was a popular spot for photos, especially for couples and families.
One of the highlights was the “Living Fountain”, where a performer dressed as a statue would slowly come to life and gracefully move to classical music. It was a mesmerizing experience that felt magical.
The gardens were also famous for the Southern Belles — women dressed in elaborate hoop skirts and parasols, strolling through the park and posing for photos. These Southern Belles became iconic symbols of Cypress Gardens and were part of what made the park feel so timeless and elegant.
The Water Ski Shows
The water ski shows were the crown jewel of Cypress Gardens. Performed on Lake Eloise, these shows featured professional skiers performing incredible stunts, jumping over ramps, skiing barefoot, and forming multi-level pyramids. The human pyramid, with skiers stacked three or four levels high, became one of the most famous stunts and a signature of Cypress Gardens.
The shows were full of bright costumes, upbeat music, and daredevil energy. There was a narrator who kept the crowd entertained with jokes and commentary, and the skiers would wave and smile at the audience as they sped past.
During the holidays, they even had special-themed ski shows, like Santa Claus skiing on one ski or Easter Bunny performances. It was pure, family-friendly fun.
The Shows and Attractions
In addition to the gardens and water ski shows, Cypress Gardens had various live performances:
- Ballet and acrobatic shows performed on stages throughout the park
- Animal encounters featuring exotic birds and animals
- The Butterfly House, a tranquil space where you could walk among live butterflies
- The Belle Hop Singers, a musical group dressed in period costumes
There were also boat tours that took visitors around the Chain of Lakes, providing a closer look at the natural beauty of the area.
Hollywood’s Playground
Cypress Gardens became a popular filming location for Hollywood movies and TV shows. In fact, the park appeared in over 200 films and TV productions. Some of the most famous films shot at Cypress Gardens include “Easy to Love” (1953) starring Esther Williams and “This is Cinerama” (1952), which showcased the park’s water ski show.
Cypress Gardens was also featured on TV shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”, further boosting its fame.
Fun for Kids
For kids, Cypress Gardens had a wholesome, playful charm. There were interactive exhibits, children’s play areas, and opportunities to meet the Southern Belles or watch puppet shows. It was a park that truly catered to families of all ages.
A Piece of Florida History
For those who grew up in Florida, Cypress Gardens was more than just a park, it was a piece of our childhood, a place where families made memories, and where you could experience the beauty of Old Florida charm.
The park also had a way of making visitors feel like they were stepping into a postcard from the past. It wasn’t about fast rides or thrills, it was about relaxing, enjoying nature, and soaking in the magic of the gardens and lakes.
Cypress Gardens’ Legacy Lives On
After decades of success, Cypress Gardens faced challenges in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including hurricanes, financial troubles, and competition from newer theme parks like Disney and Universal. The park closed in 2003, reopened briefly as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, and eventually closed for good in 2009.
But its legacy lives on at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, which opened in 2011 on the same site. LEGOLAND has kept the historic botanical gardens intact, and you can still stroll through them today. The water ski show tradition continues, now with a LEGO-themed twist, as part of LEGOLAND’s entertainment offerings.
A Florida Tradition That Shaped Winter Haven
The shows became so iconic that Hollywood came calling. The park appeared in over 200 movies, TV shows, and commercials, with stars like Esther Williams and Elvis Presley stopping by. The skiers were even featured on The Ed Sullivan Show and performed for royalty and dignitaries around the world.
Cypress Gardens’ Legacy Lives On
Cypress Gardens closed in 2009, but its legacy is far from forgotten. Today, the site is home to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, which still honors the park’s history. The botanical gardens remain intact, and you can still stroll through the same peaceful paths that visitors walked decades ago.
And the water ski shows? They’re still a part of Winter Haven’s story. LEGOLAND Florida now puts on its own version of a water ski show, featuring LEGO characters and stunts that pay homage to the original Cypress Gardens skiers.
But for those of us who experienced it, Cypress Gardens will always be part of our childhood memories. It was a place of wonder and inspiration, where we saw athleticism and artistry combined on the water.
Even today, when I drive through Winter Haven or spend time on the Chain of Lakes, I think about those ski shows. I imagine the bright costumes, the music, and the cheers of the crowd as the skiers performed pyramids, flips, and stunts that seemed impossible.
The Legacy Lives On
While the original Cypress Gardens is gone, its legacy lives on in Winter Haven. The park helped shape the identity of the area, and the Chain of Lakes continues to be a hub for water sports, boating, and community events and will forever be known as the Water Ski Capital!
If you visit Winter Haven today, you’ll still find locals who remember those shows with fondness, some even skiers themselves who were inspired to get out on the water after watching the performers at Cypress Gardens.
For me, that legacy is personal. The shows reminded me of my own love for water skiing and the wonder of the art form, performance, and something that brought people together.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Now, as an adult, I look back on those trips to Cypress Gardens with gratitude. It wasn’t just about the ski show or the gardens, it was about spending time with family, making memories, and being inspired by the magic of Florida’s lakes and waterways.
If you ever find yourself on the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven, take a moment to imagine those glittering costumes, the roar of the crowd, and the daredevil skiers flying through the air. It’s a piece of Florida’s history that will never be forgotten.
Main Image Credit: (State Archives of Florida)
