Roadside Oddities: Prehistoric Gardens

Driving on Hwy 101 south of Port Orford Oregon you might double take as you pass the life size recreation of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

This is the home of the Prehistoric Gardens. A true gem to beheld!

Prehistoric Gardens, created by sculptor E.V. Nelson, has been a beacon of quirky for nearly forty years.

Creating these sculptures of cement over a wire armature was a passion for Mr. Nelson and by the looks of his garden he was a very busy man developing his art.

We were told early the the sculptures that were once maintained by E.V. have now been restored to a more lifelike representation, of course I'm sure due to new scientific evidence.

As you begin the walk down the trail you immediately realize that you are in a actual rain forest as the cool mist is a sure give away!

What could be lurking further in this garden?

When venturing further down the path you find what exactly lurks in this forest.

Dinosaur after dinosaur!

Continuing to meander through the interpretive trail you are treated to a plethora of prehistoric fact detailing the various ages of the dinosaur.

To the right is what I like to a bigobrontopodasuarus.

Although that not it's real name. I think name describes how big these creations really are.
The creations by E.V. Nelson seem like a dream from the late sixties, his intent was to educate all of us.

I think he was successful as I had a wonderful time and learned a good amount about dino's, but certainly I should have paid attention a little more.

After all there isn't anything called a bigobrontopodasuarus!

photos courtesy vandegraeff

If you happen to be traveling back north from the Prehistoric Gardens towards Port Orford, make it a point to get out and stretch your legs and see this fabulous view!

This wayside also has a visitors center and a interpretive trail that highlights the Capt. Tiechnor's discovery of the area including Battle Rock.