Island Hopping and Globe Trotting

Legoland adds Chima-themed area

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. » Legoland Florida’s newest ride and play area will open to the public on July 3.

Park officials said in a news release Tuesday that the expansion is based on the popular Legends of Chima product line.

Construction is under way on the Chima-themed area within the park — it includes an interactive water ride called The Quest for Chi, a Lego-building challenge, a 4-D movie and a meet-and-greet with costumed characters.

The Chima story line is about a pristine, natural paradise that has become a battleground for eight animal tribes.

Legoland Florida is based on the building-block toys and has rides and attractions geared toward ages 2 to 12. The Winter Haven location is one of five Lego-based theme parks in the world, and the company’s largest.

Visitor center honors Sitting Bull

FORT YATES, N.D. » A tourist information center honoring former Dakotas tribal leader Sitting Bull opened last week on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

The Sitting Bull Visitor Center is operated by Sitting Bull College and offers information regarding local and special events and places to visit. A gift shop features a variety of authentic Native American arts and crafts, among other items.

The center was a joint project of the Standing Rock Native American National Scenic Byway, Sitting Bull College and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, the tribe’s director of tourism, says the center is a "dream come true" that honors a great leader.