This Weird Florida Roadside Attraction Has Dinosaurs, Camels, and Fresh Oranges
Tucked along Spring Lake Highway in Brooksville sits one of Florida’s most wonderfully bizarre roadside attractions. Boyett’s Grove combines a citrus gift shop, a quirky museum stuffed with taxidermy and antiques, and a backyard zoo where you can feed camels and monkeys. It’s the kind of place that makes you ask “what am I looking at?” in the best possible way, then leaves you grinning as you walk out with fresh oranges and memories you’ll never forget.
1. Step Back Into Old Florida’s Golden Age of Tourist Traps
Walking through Boyett’s front doors feels like tumbling into a time capsule from Florida’s heyday of wacky roadside stops. The interior bursts with taxidermy creatures, vintage collectibles, and curiosities stacked floor to ceiling. It’s overwhelming in the most delightful way possible.
The owner herself often gives enthusiastic tours, pointing out treasures and sharing stories that bring the collection to life. Kids get wide-eyed at the sheer volume of stuff to discover. Every corner reveals something unexpected, from old Florida memorabilia to bizarre antiques you’ve never seen anywhere else.
Some visitors find the eclectic vibe charming and nostalgic, while others describe it as wonderfully strange. Either way, it’s authentically Florida in a way that polished theme parks can’t touch. The museum section celebrates the state’s quirky tourist culture before everything became corporate.
You’ll want to take your time wandering through the maze of exhibits. The place rewards curiosity and patience. Don’t rush through this part because once you head outside to the animals, you probably won’t circle back inside.
Photography enthusiasts love capturing the oddball displays. Just respect the collection and ask before touching anything fragile. This isn’t a hands-on museum, but your eyes will definitely get a workout soaking it all in.
2. Feed Exotic Animals You’d Never Expect in Central Florida
Behind the gift shop lies a surprisingly diverse collection of animals waiting for treats. Camels, zebras, mini horses, goats, emus, and even lemurs call this place home. Staff members hand you bags of feed, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with creatures you’d normally see only at major zoos.
The camel is often a favorite, gently taking carrots from visitors’ hands. Kids squeal with delight when the goats crowd around for snacks. Even the zebras occasionally wander close, though staff warn against feeding them by hand since they can be nippy.
What makes this experience special is the up-close access. You’re not separated by thick glass or standing fifty feet away. These animals are comfortable around people and clearly enjoy the interaction.
The mini horses especially love attention and will follow you along the fence line.
Reviewers consistently mention how well-cared-for the animals appear. The pens stay remarkably clean, and there’s no overwhelming animal smell that plagues some petting zoos. Staff members are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the residents.
Plan to spend at least an hour in the animal area. Feeding time creates genuine connections, especially for children who’ve never touched a camel or gotten close to a monkey. It’s hands-on education wrapped in pure fun.
3. Meet Monkeys and Lemurs in an Unexpected Setting
Among the most memorable residents are the primates who bring serious personality to your visit. Monkeys chatter and reach through their enclosure for treats, while lemurs watch with those distinctive wide eyes. One visitor exclaimed about feeding a monkey, calling it an unforgettable highlight of the trip.
These aren’t just static exhibits where animals hide in the back. The primates actively engage with guests, making eye contact and clearly communicating when they want more snacks. Their intelligence shines through in every interaction, creating moments that feel almost conversational.
The lemurs tend to be more cautious but equally fascinating to observe. They move with distinctive bouncing gaits and display behaviors you’ve probably only seen on nature documentaries. Kids especially love learning about these Madagascar natives living in the Florida sunshine.
Staff members share interesting facts about each primate’s personality and preferences. Some monkeys are goofballs who perform for attention, while others maintain a more dignified demeanor. Getting to know their individual quirks makes the experience personal rather than generic.
Photography opportunities abound here, though be patient. Animals operate on their own schedule, not yours. Wait for those perfect moments when a lemur poses just right or a monkey reaches toward your camera with curious fingers.
These shots become treasured vacation memories.
4. Discover a Massive Alligator Living on the Premises
No Florida roadside attraction would be complete without a gator, and Boyett’s doesn’t disappoint. Their resident alligator is described by multiple visitors as absolutely huge, the kind of prehistoric-looking creature that reminds you why these reptiles survived millions of years.
Unlike the animals you feed, this gator stays safely behind barriers for everyone’s protection. You can view it from designated spots, though overgrown vegetation sometimes blocks the best angles. One reviewer noted you peer through a small opening because plants need trimming around the enclosure.
The alligator embodies that classic Florida wildlife experience without requiring a swamp tour. It’s educational for kids who’ve never seen one outside a zoo and nostalgic for longtime Floridians who remember when gators were roadside staples. The sheer size impresses everyone.
Staff members share information about alligator behavior and conservation. They emphasize respecting these powerful predators while appreciating their role in Florida’s ecosystem. It’s a good reminder that the state’s wildlife extends far beyond theme park characters.
Try visiting during feeding times if possible, though schedules vary. Watching a gator eat is dramatically different from seeing one lounging motionless. That explosive movement reminds you exactly why these creatures command respect.
Just don’t try feeding this one by hand, as one humorous reviewer joked about avoiding.
5. Play Mini Golf Through Indoor and Outdoor Themed Courses
Your admission includes access to a surprisingly entertaining mini golf course that weaves through both indoor and outdoor spaces. The course incorporates the attraction’s weird charm with creative holes that challenge players of all skill levels. Parents report their kids had some of their best vacation moments here.
The indoor sections provide welcome air-conditioned relief during Florida’s brutal summer heat. You’ll putt through decorated rooms that continue the eclectic theme from the museum area. Then you emerge into sunshine for outdoor holes surrounded by tropical landscaping.
One reviewer specifically praised the course as “amazing,” noting how the varied terrain and obstacles kept everyone engaged. It’s not your standard cookie-cutter mini golf with windmills and castles. The holes feel custom-designed to match Boyett’s one-of-a-kind personality.
Families appreciate that mini golf is included rather than being an expensive add-on. After walking through exhibits and feeding animals, it’s nice to engage in an activity that gets everyone laughing and competing. The course provides perfect pacing for your visit.
Don’t skip this even if you’re not typically into mini golf. The unique design and the fact that it’s already paid for make it worth playing through. Plus, the outdoor sections give you different perspectives on the property you won’t see otherwise.
Grab a putter and embrace the quirky fun.
6. Pan for Gold and Trade Your Findings for Treasures
Kids get their own adventure through the gold panning activity included with certain ticket packages. They sift through sand and water searching for glittering specks, then bring their discoveries to be weighed. The amount of gold they find translates into store credit for picking gifts.
One parent mentioned their ten-year-old found the mining disappointing, so expectations matter here. It’s not a massive operation but rather a small-scale activity that gives children a taste of prospecting. Younger kids tend to enjoy it more than tweens expecting something elaborate.
The redemption process adds extra excitement as children browse the gift shop deciding how to spend their earnings. It teaches basic concepts about value and choice while rewarding their effort. Even small amounts of gold translate into fun prizes they’ll actually use.
This activity works best for elementary-aged children who love hands-on experiences. Toddlers might struggle with the technique, while teenagers may feel it’s too juvenile. Know your kids’ interests before building this up as a major highlight of the visit.
Staff members assist with the weighing process and help kids understand what they’ve found. It’s a nice touch that adds educational value to what could be just a gimmick. The interaction also gives children positive memories of friendly employees who made their experience special.
7. Cool Down with Included Ice Cream After Exploring
After wandering through exhibits and spending time outside with animals, everyone needs refreshment. Your admission includes ice cream from the on-site parlor, which serves up generous portions of cold, creamy goodness. Multiple reviewers specifically mention how delicious and refreshing it tasted after the heat.
The parlor advertises 23 flavors, though availability varies depending on the day. Some visitors found only five flavors in stock during their visit, which was disappointing. Calling ahead about flavor selection might save you from unmet expectations if your kids have their hearts set on specific options.
Root beer floats earn special mentions in reviews as particularly satisfying treats. There’s something nostalgic about sipping a float in this throwback setting. It completes the vintage Florida roadside experience in the most delicious way possible.
The included ice cream represents genuine value, especially since similar treats cost extra at most attractions. Families appreciate not getting nickel-and-dimed for refreshments. It’s one less expense to budget for during your visit.
The parlor area provides seating where you can rest and recharge before heading back out. Use this time to discuss favorite parts of your visit or plan what you want to see again. The ice cream break naturally divides your experience into manageable chunks, preventing exhaustion and crankiness.
8. Shop for Fresh Florida Citrus and Homemade Treats
Remember that this started as a citrus grove, and the fruit remains a highlight worth taking home. The gift shop stocks fresh oranges, grapefruits, and other Florida-grown produce that tastes worlds better than supermarket versions. Visitors consistently purchase citrus products to gift or enjoy themselves.
Beyond fresh fruit, the shop offers homemade candies, jams, and citrus-based treats made on-site. These make perfect souvenirs that actually get used rather than collecting dust. Supporting a small local business while getting quality products feels good for everyone involved.
The citrus selection changes with seasons and availability, so what’s offered during your visit depends on harvest timing. Staff members can explain what’s currently at peak flavor and make recommendations based on your preferences. Their knowledge comes from genuine experience, not corporate training scripts.
Prices remain reasonable compared to tourist trap markups elsewhere. You’re paying for quality local products, not inflated vacation pricing. Many visitors stock up on multiple items because the value justifies filling a bag or box.
Don’t leave without at least sampling something citrus-related. Whether it’s fresh fruit, candy, or spreads, these products capture authentic Florida flavor. Years from now, you might forget some details about your visit, but you’ll remember how incredibly sweet those oranges tasted.
