Merritt Island Dragon, Concrete dragon sculpture at Dragon Point, Merritt Island, United States.
Merritt Island Dragon is a concrete sculpture positioned at the meeting point of Indian River and Banana River. The work stands roughly 65 feet long and 35 feet tall, constructed from concrete and steel reinforcement.
Artist Lewis VanDercar and property owner Aynn Christal created the dragon in 1971 using roughly 10 tons of materials transported by wheelbarrow. This effort established a permanent landmark at this location along the rivers.
The site's name references a Native American belief that a dragon appearing in river mists brings good fortune. Visitors can sense this cultural connection when walking along the rivers today.
The sculpture can be viewed from the water or nearby shores, with the best vantage points during sunrise and sunset hours. Accessibility depends on river conditions, so it helps to watch tide levels and weather before planning a visit.
The original artwork was named Annie and featured red-lit eyes and a propane-based flame-throwing feature during special events. This fire-breathing element created a striking performance that visitors found memorable.
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