Today, Oklahoma state and local officials joined the leadership of American Heartland to announce the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort. It is a development worth over $2 billion and located in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66. The development will be constructed in phases, with phase one consisting of a large-scale RV park with cabins set to open in spring 2025, followed by a world-class theme park and resort scheduled to open in 2026. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort aims to provide a unique visitor experience that rivals the top resort destinations worldwide.
Larry Wilhite, the CEO of American Heartland, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort. Oklahoma, situated at the crossroads of the heartland, is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination. The state’s business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts have made this project possible. We eagerly anticipate bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma.”
The American Heartland development will span 1,000 acres, including a 125-acre theme park, comparable in size to Magic Kingdom® Theme Park and Disneyland® Park. The park will offer an Americana-themed environment with a wide range of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways, and high-quality food and beverage options.
Oklahoma State Representative Rusty Cornwell shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Oklahoma is excited to welcome American Heartland Theme Park and Resort. Situated on historic Route 66 just west of Grand Lake, this development will attract visitors from around the world to experience and celebrate the rich cultures and hometown values America has to offer.”
Designed by Oklahoma architects ADG Blatt, the adjacent Three Ponies RV Park and Campground will cover 320 acres, becoming the largest campground in the central U.S. It will provide 750 RV spaces, 300 cabins, and various amenities.
Oklahoma State Senator Micheal Bergstrom emphasized the transformative impact of the $2 billion investment, stating, “There’s no better place to represent the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma. This investment in our state will create over 4,000 jobs and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region. Its long-term economic impact will be significant, elevating our state’s tourism industry and attracting new businesses to the surrounding area, as well as the region and state as a whole.”
American Heartland, the developer, has strong roots in Oklahoma and is affiliated with Mansion Entertainment Group, LLC, a leading performing arts, animation, and studio brand in Branson.
The design team, led by Executive Producer Steve Hedrick, consists of renowned theme park designers, including over 20 former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers. Design firms such as THG, FORREC, and Cuningham, known for their work with prominent theme park brands like Six Flags, Disney Parks, and Universal Studios, are also part of the project.
Hopper Smith, interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, expressed pleasure that American Heartland Theme Park and Resort has chosen Oklahoma as the location for their world-class entertainment destination. The department looks forward to providing assistance throughout the project’s development.
American Heartland Theme Park and Resort aims to be a family-friendly park offering timeless fun and limitless adventure. Spanning 125 acres, it will feature six distinct American lands, including Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village, and Electropolis. Visitors can expect thrilling rides, heartwarming shows, and a celebration of the best aspects of the American story.
Gene Bicknell, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of American Heartland, expressed the park’s vision, saying, “American Heartland will be a place where families can come together to create lasting memories, experience joy, laughter, imagination, and wonder. Our country has so much to celebrate, from its landscapes and cultures to its people. No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home at American Heartland.”
The development will also include a top-tier 300-room hotel and a modern indoor water park. Kristy Adams, the senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group, American Heartland, and Three Ponies, stated, “American Heartland will serve as an anchor tourist destination on Route 66, attracting over two million out-of-state visitors to Oklahoma annually. The scale and quality of this development will be unparalleled in the region, making Vinita, Oklahoma a must-visit destination for families worldwide.”