Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village, Miniature park in Whitby, Canada
Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village was a theme park in Whitby featuring over 160 model buildings at 1:12 scale that recreated southern Ontario architecture alongside botanical gardens across a large property. The collection also included full-size historic structures and detailed miniature landscapes.
The site opened in May 1980 after Leonard Cullen transformed an empty plot into a major tourist destination. It operated successfully for 25 years until 2006, when the model buildings were relocated to other venues.
The village offered visitors more than just model buildings to observe from a distance. Working railways and radio-controlled boats brought the miniature scenes to life, drawing photographers and families back throughout the seasons.
The original site is no longer in operation, but visitors can view the model buildings today at the Niagara Parks Commission Botanical Gardens in Niagara Falls. It helps to check ahead about where the collection is displayed and which areas are accessible.
The property also housed the Jabez Lynde House from 1812, an actual historic building equipped with animatronic figures. These full-size figures showed the original family members and stood out distinctly from the model buildings.
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