Conecuh County Property Disputes — Dinosaur Adventure Land Alabama

A Fresh Start in Alabama

Following his release from federal prison in 2015 after serving approximately eight years for tax fraud, Kent Hovind quickly set about reestablishing his ministry and creationist operations. In April 2016, he met with Conecuh County commissioners to discuss plans for a new Dinosaur Adventure Land — a replacement for the original Pensacola, Florida park that had been seized by the federal government as part of his tax fraud case.

A supporter donated approximately 140 acres of land in Lenox, Alabama, in rural Conecuh County. Hovind announced plans to build a new creationist theme park on the property, and the new Dinosaur Adventure Land opened in April 2018.

Operating Model

The Alabama park was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Unlike the original Pensacola location, the new park did not charge admission fees. However, reports indicated the operation also lacked liability insurance — a significant concern for a property hosting visitors and featuring physical attractions.

Hovind relied on a network of volunteers and supporters to build structures and maintain the property. The park featured camping areas, recreational activities, and creationist educational displays, operating as both a ministry outreach and a gathering place for Hovind’s followers.

Recurring Pattern

The Conecuh County property became the setting for a pattern familiar from Hovind’s earlier legal history in Escambia County, Florida. Construction activity on the property proceeded with minimal regard for local building codes and permit requirements. Structures were erected by volunteer labor without the inspections and approvals required by county regulations.

This disregard for local authority mirrors the exact behavior that led to Hovind’s five-year legal battle with Escambia County over building permits at the original Dinosaur Adventure Land — a dispute that ended with his 2006 no contest plea to three building code violations.

Escalation

The Conecuh County property ultimately became the site of the domestic altercation that led to Hovind’s 2021 domestic assault conviction. In October 2020, Hovind allegedly threw his then-wife Cindi Lincoln to the ground on the property. The incident, combined with Lincoln’s subsequent protective order filing, drew renewed scrutiny to the Alabama operation and Hovind’s continued pattern of conflict with both personal relationships and legal authorities.

The Alabama Dinosaur Adventure Land continues to operate as of the time of this writing, with Hovind using it as a base for his online ministry and speaking engagements despite his second criminal conviction.