Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park

3050 Hecker Pass Highway
Gilroy, CA 95020
gilroygardens.org

GILROY, CALIF.-- . Gilroy Gardens is California's only horticultural theme park and Home of the World-Famous Circus Trees. With 6 majestic gardens, educational exhibits and over 40 family rides and attractions this unique property boasts a truly green environment.

California's only horticulture theme park — the dream of Michael Bonfante (former owner of Nob Hill Foods) — launched with a prized collection of Circus Trees” from nearby Scotts Valley. The trees feature magically complex designs through the process of grafting. Eco-themed Bonfante Gardens was ahead of its time when it opened on the founder's birthday in 2001.

Anything manmade gives way to nature,” said Michael, who personally helped build Bonfante Falls representing the five major styles of waterfalls that occur in nature.

The seasonal theme park is now operated by Cedar Fair (with assets such as Knott's Berry Farm, California's Great America and 14 parks throughout the U.S.)  In July 2016  Lumination, a festival of light with over 30 large light sculptures and displays, is a limited engagement, night-time attraction separately ticketed or sold as an add-on to theme park admission.

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a volunteer Board of Directors. It operates under a management agreement with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and separately leases land and assets from the City of GilroyThe park has been awarded a Golden Ticket by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for Landscaping, every year since 2005.