Future unclear for Prehistoric Forest, dinosaurs

DANBURY TOWNSHIP – The Prehistoric Forest does not yet have a new owner, despite the 10-acre property going up for auction last Saturday.

Steve Pitzer, real estate agent for the park’s owner, said two people had registered to bid for the onc-time tourist attraction, but it was ultimately decided that no place bids would be placed that day.

“We are currently working with both parties at this time to formulate potential purchase offers on the property,” Pitzer said.

The minimum published bid was listed online as $275,000, plus a 10 percent buyer’s premium.

It is not known what the future holds for the Prehistoric Forest and Mystery Hill, nor the many hand-sculpted and -painted dinosaurs that still reside there. The tourist site had been a popular tourist stop starting in 1953, drawing people with attractions ranging from a T-rex and a volcano to a gravity-defying hill.

“Both (prospective buyers) are holding pretty close to the vest with any plans that they may have for the property,” Pitzer said.

He added that, while he can’t pin down an exact time, he would guess that a decision will be made within the next couple of weeks.

“Hopefully, we may have an auction for the dinosaurs at a later time if either party decides not to purchase those,” he said.

The property owner, Len Tieman, purchased the park with his wife in 1995. They transformed it into a more child-friendly environment and Tieman built many of the new dinosaurs himself.

“It’s one less family attraction we have to promote,” said Larry Fletcher, Ottawa County Visitors Bureau director, when the Tienmans announced it was closing. “That business represents a completely unique destination.”

Tienman and his wife, Denise, ran the park for 15 years before closing it in 2010. They initially planned to keep the property, but decided this year to sell it.

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