His vision was to present the dinosaurs as they would have appeared while roaming the earth, to show more of the reality than just simply bones as seen in museums.

Among the ostrich ferns and the woodlands located in Ossineke, Domke and his nephews began constructing life-size dinosaurs.

The process was slow and meticulous.

Combinations of concrete cement, lime, animal fur and asphalt, built upon wire mesh structures with precise muscle and facial features.

Courtesy Photo A Pteranodon is seen at Dinosaur Gardens in Ossineke.

Ninety years later, 27 incredible animals still stand and are recognized as some of the finest folk art in Michigan, and Dinosaur Gardens is honoring and celebrating this milestone.

Dinosaur Gardens is celebrating its 90th birthday on Sunday, June 29, honoring not only the park, but also Paul Domke and his nephews for the legacy they constructed that is Dinosaur Gardens.

Dinosaur Gardens is not your typical roadside tourist attraction; it offers so much more.

The visitors’ guest book proves that the dinosaurs continue to delight and entertain both young and old alike from all around the world.

“When you’re walking into Dinosaur Gardens, you’re walking into past, present and future memories for every person,” said Nicole Godfrey, head of marketing and promotions for Dinosaur Gardens. “It’s such a special family place you can visit. I just love the family atmosphere it provides.”

Courtesy Photo Jameson and Jackson Godfrey enjoy playing mini golf at Dinosaur Gardens.

Surrounded by beautiful ferns, local foliage and nature’s woodlands, the half-mile trail transports visitors back to the days when the dinosaurs roamed freely.

The stroll among the colorful and well-maintained dinosaur exhibits, as the speaker system produces roars and screeching birds in the distance, provides the true atmosphere of the prehistoric era.

Included with each dinosaur exhibit is a placard of information from Domke’s original assessments from the Smithsonian Institute many years ago, providing visitors insight into the history of long ago.

Dinosaur Gardens is not an updated animatronic venue. It’s a piece of history that one man designed and sculpted by hand before the internet was so readily available.

Dinosaur Gardens owner Gary Stephan said, “We have traveled all over the United States looking at other replicas and we’ve never seen anything as good as Mr. Domke’s dinosaurs. He was a true artist in his own in concrete and steel.”

Courtesy Photo Dinosaur Gardens owner Gary Stephan waves from a tractor at the park.

Since purchasing Dinosaur Gardens in 2013, owners Gary and Connie Stephan have made numerous additions and upgrades.

Nestled among the 18-hole miniature golf course that was previously built by the McCort family years ago, is an elevated sandbox that the Stephans constructed for young children to shovel and shift through in search of their favorite fossils.

Also, a guest favorite is the addition of the miner’s sluice, with water rushing through troughs as you sift the sands away to reveal numerous gems, fossils, shark teeth, arrowheads or amethyst drusy.

Dinosaur Gardens offers several package deals that include all the experiences available at the park, located at 11160 U.S.-23 South, Ossineke.

The pavilion is another added addition. This large, covered patio is ideal for birthday parties and family get-togethers.

Courtesy Photo Dinosaur Gardens owner Gary Stephan holds his grandson, John Maverick, near a "90" sign and balloons at Dinosaur Gardens.

The renovated gift shop offers everything dinosaur-themed imaginable: T-shirts, trinkets, toys and souvenirs along with delicious Dole Whip dessert and refreshing boba drinks.

Membership passes are also available.

“It’s our version of the season pass for Dinosaur Gardens,” Godfrey said. “A way we’re hoping to get locals to be able to enjoy our park more for the entire season.”

The pass includes a one-time yearly membership fee for the entire family, unlimited walkthroughs for the entire season, free event entries and early access to events along with an updated newsletter.

In the past 12 years Dinosaur Gardens has risen to notoriety and claimed the spotlight in several interesting venues, including being featured in a Moosejaw Clothing advertisement, a Superbowl commercial and a Hollywood produced movie entitled, “Hot Air.”

News Photo by Shell Hoffman A dinosaur statue is seen at Dinosaur Gardens in Ossineke.

The Stephans also provide support through Dinosaur Gardens with scheduled discounted local school group tours and events for local nonprofit organizations such as Friends Together, Special Olympics and the annually sponsored Putt Putt for a Cause, revealing their true passion for giving back to the community.

Entry fees are $10 per adult and $1 per child. The day will include a picnic lunch and guided history tour of the park along with the main event being the dinosaur show of Paleo Joe.

“He’s gonna teach about the education of dinosaurs, bringing us some fossil casts and he’ll just make everything an educational experience with his stories of being a paleontologist,” Godfrey said. “The love for dinosaurs, it doesn’t end. Dinosaurs are such fascinating creatures, they’re intriguing.”

Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is offering a showing of Paul Domke’s artistic talent along with his work at Dinosaur Gardens.

“I think Dinosaur Gardens is such a wonderful place to have family time,” Gary Stephan said. “It’s an educational experience, let alone a recreational experience. We get so caught up on technology and the games that kids play, it’s truly a place where they go out and get some exercise. Having a chance to get up close to these dinosaurs and feel how big they were when they walked the earth. To watch these families, kids and grandparents all come in here and enjoy the park. I think they’re all a little closer when they leave than they were when they came in here.”

News Photo by Shell Hoffman The Dinosaur Gardens sign is seen at the park in Ossineke.

News Photo by Shell Hoffman A dinosaur prowls through the woods at Dinosaur Gardens in Ossineke.