A massive project is in the works for northeast Oklahoma, as plans are underway to create a new theme park and resort worth $2 billion. This upcoming attraction, named the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, is expected to rival the scale of Walt Disney’s iconic Magic Kingdom Theme Park.
Situated on a sprawling 1,000-acre site just west of Grand Lake on Route 66, the development will encompass a 125-acre theme park. According to the company behind the venture, this theme park promises to offer a one-of-a-kind experience, comparable to some of the world’s most renowned resort destinations.
Larry Wilhite, the CEO of American Heartland, expressed his excitement about making Oklahoma the location for this ambitious project. In a press release, he emphasized that Oklahoma’s strategic position as a crossroads in the heartland, along with its business-friendly environment and collaborative partnerships, played a crucial role in bringing this dream to life. The company aims to create unforgettable and multi-generational experiences for families in Oklahoma.
Designed to be family-friendly, the theme park will feature six distinct American lands, providing visitors with an immersive journey through the country’s history.
The park will be divided into themed sections, each with its own unique name: Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village, and Electropolis.
As visitors stroll through the various sections representing different aspects of American history, they will have the opportunity to enjoy a plethora of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, scenic waterways, and a diverse selection of restaurant-quality food and beverages.
Creating Lasting Memories and Unforgettable Experiences for Families
According to Gene Bicknell, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of American Heartland, the park aims to be a place where families can come together and create cherished memories, filled with joy, laughter, imagination, and wonder. He emphasizes that the celebration will encompass various aspects of our country, including its diverse landscapes, cultures, and, most importantly, its people. Regardless of where visitors hail from, they are assured to feel right at home in the American Heartland.
The first phase of this ambitious project, set to launch in Spring 2025, will feature the Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, occupying an impressive 320-acre area. Anticipated to become the largest campground in the central U.S., it will offer a whopping 750 RV spaces, 300 cabins, and a range of amenities.
Following this, the theme park and resort are scheduled to open their gates in 2026, welcoming guests to embark on an extraordinary experience that will resonate with the spirit of the American Heartland.
The development will also feature a modern indoor water park and a 300-room hotel.
A Transformative Tourist Attraction in Northeast Oklahoma
Oklahoma State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom expressed his belief that northeast Oklahoma is the perfect location to represent the heart of America. This significant investment of $2 billion in the state is expected to generate over 4,000 job opportunities and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region, with the potential to create a transformative long-term economic impact.
The resort is being developed by American Heartland, an affiliate of Mansion Entertainment Group, LLC, which is Branson’s prominent brand known for performing arts, animation, and studio expertise.
The team of designers consists of over 20 experienced individuals who were formerly associated with Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers.
Kristy Adams, the senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group, American Heartland, and Three Ponies, anticipates that American Heartland will become a central tourist attraction along Route 66. With its grandeur and excellence, it is expected to draw more than two million visitors from out-of-state to Oklahoma annually. The scale and quality of this development will be unparalleled in the region, making Vinita, Oklahoma an essential and unmissable destination for families worldwide.
