Apple Valley, California - Concrete Dinosaurs

I am an often visitor of the Apple Valley Dinosaurs. Unfortunately, little by little, these beautiful statues are starting to deteriorate. I am fascinated by these huge statues, made out of chicken wire steel rods and concrete! What once looked to be a miniature golf course is now a dino graveyard overrun with brush.

I have read what Gregory L. Wicker has written about when he helped build these creatures, but my question is: why? Was it for someone's children? Was Lonnie Coffman a dinosaur enthusiast? Would Mr. Wicker or anyone out there happen to have old pictures of how it all looked in its prime? I would love to hear how it all started and I'm sure anyone interested in going to see this attraction would be motivated by the history behind these cleverly built dinosaurs. [Angelina Guardado, 07/03/2008]

I am one of the poor souls who helped create these dinosaurs, circa 1970. At the time I did not have the foresight to recognize they or I would be part of Americana.

The creator, Lonnie Coffman, allowed my wife and I to work off part of our $65 a month rent creating his dream. He originally wanted it to be a miniature golf course. I was in the Air Force at the time, making $190 a month. We have made a few trips back since then and are always amazed it still stands today. Lonnie has a special place in our hearts and memories. [Gregory L. Wicker, 07/02/2006]

I love these dinosaurs! I think they look so cool. One of them has bees in its mouth, so look out. There are missing limbs/heads on some too. Be mindful as they are on someone's property. [Erin, 06/21/2006]

[RA: Oct. 2006: Photo added.]

Some poor misguided soul attempted to construct concrete dinosaurs. The decaying aftermath is not worth the trip to Apple Valley, but if you have to be there anyway . . . [K. Ward, 09/07/2000]