New Port Richey in Pasco County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Moon Lake Gardens and Dude Ranch

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 25, 2013

1. Moon Lake Gardens and Dude Ranch Marker

Inscription. Development of this former 9,000 acre sportsman's paradise was begun in 1933 by Ed Haley's Moon Lake Company. It opened in 1937, complete with bridle paths, native and exotic trees, flowers and shrubs, and plenty of game and fish. The lodge, casino and cottages were constructed of local materials. In its heyday guests included novelists Rex Beach, financier Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., and the Florida Legislature--convened for a parley. Al Capone is said to have been a guest, using assumed names. World War II led to the untimely closing of this forerunner of Florida's self-contained resorts.

Erected 1984 by The Pasco Board of County Commissioners and The Historical Preservation Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.

Location. 28° 17.362′ N, 82° 37.059′ W. Marker is in New Port Richey, Florida, in Pasco County. Marker is on Moon Lake Road (County Road 587) 0.2 miles Carver Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Port Richey FL 34654, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Moon Lake Gardens Stone Barn (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mc Neil Homestead 1882 (approx. 2.7 miles away); Pasco County Veterans Memorial

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(approx. 3½ miles away); Pasco County Centennial (approx. 3.7 miles away); Vereen Methodist Episcopal Church, School and Cemetery (approx. 5.1 miles away); Pine Hill Cemetery (approx. 5.9 miles away); Seven Springs (approx. 6.1 miles away); Fivay Junction - Greenfield - Tucker Cemetery and Community (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Port Richey.

Also see . . . History of Moon Lake Gardens. (Submitted on August 14, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

Additional commentary.
1. Fire
Lodge and all buildings but stone barn were destroyed by fire in 1996.

— Submitted August 14, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, February 2, 2021

2. Moon Lake Gardens and Dude Ranch Marker

Looking north on Moon Lake Road.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,434 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 13, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2. submitted on February 2, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.