The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort

**Jake** · 07-19-2023, 10:37 AM

Supposed 2 billion dollar theme park coming to Vinita.

We'll see. Wish them well.

https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/2b...3bdab83d0.html

**chssooner** · 07-19-2023, 10:48 AM

How to alienate 65% of the state's population: putting this 30 miles from the Missouri border.

Good luck to them, but putting this between Tulsa and OKC would be so much better, for everyone.

**Swake** · 07-19-2023, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by chssooner

How to alienate 65% of the state's population: putting this 30 miles from the Missouri border.

Good luck to them, but putting this between Tulsa and OKC would be so much better, for everyone.

I'm not saying it will ever be built, but the idea is to be in the Grand Lake area.

**Urbanized** · 07-19-2023, 10:55 AM

Hurts to admit, but demographics north and east of Tulsa are more appealing financially than west. It’s not a bad business decision.

**SEMIweather** · 07-19-2023, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by Urbanized

Hurts to admit, but demographics north and east of Tulsa are more appealing financially than west. It’s not a bad business decision.

Yep. This location puts it closer to NW Arkansas, Joplin, Springfield, and Kansas City. Equidistant to Wichita and Tulsa.

**Jake** · 07-19-2023, 11:02 AM

Cute little model of the park:
https://twitter.com/kolbyratigan/sta...496975878?s=20

Skeptical that this ever gets built, but it would be really cool if it did.

**Jesseda** · 07-19-2023, 11:09 AM

Has anyone seen the news about this. This 2 billion dollar project if it becomes reality will put oklahoma on the map for Theme Park entertainment destination

**Swake** · 07-19-2023, 11:09 AM

I had a roommate in college (at KU) and he was from Phoenix and his parents had a lake house on Grand.

**Zuplar** · 07-19-2023, 11:13 AM

Yeah honestly I've started rolling my eyes at anything East of Tulsa because I know the intent is not for me, the OKC resident, but for residents in the Four-State region. Definitely makes me a little sour, but I'd still probably go at least once to check it out if it gets built.

I love the incorporation of Route 66, I think the state should be maximizing the centennial.

**Anonymous.** · 07-19-2023, 11:37 AM

That is wild, good for Tulsa. $2 billion is a serious park.

Tried to link the image here, but it isn't very friendly.

https://mms.businesswire.com/media/2..._Park.jpeg.jpg

**GoGators** · 07-19-2023, 11:37 AM

It looks like the ownership group is based out of Branson, MO. That probably has something to do with the proposed location as well.

**Jesseda** · 07-19-2023, 11:38 AM

Well they have some well know names behind it. A former long time Disney engineer and also a person who developed Universal theme parks in Florida both of them just announced they are apart of this project that has been secretly in development along with names unknown but almost 2 dozen former Disney engineers are apart of this project. This will be interesting.

**Laramie** · 07-19-2023, 12:04 PM

Great news for Tulsa MSA, this will be a game-changer. All of NE Oklahoma will embrace this along with tourists throughout the country. It will be Big League and awesome.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1681684537766559745

GO T-TOWN!

**jccouger** · 07-19-2023, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by GoGators

It looks like the ownership group is based out of Branson, MO. That probably has something to do with the proposed location as well.

My immediate thought was this reminds me of Branson. Seems like direct competition and they'd be pretty close by. Doesn't make sense.

**PhiAlpha** · 07-19-2023, 12:14 PM

Yeah I wouldn’t knock this. That was my first instinct as well but there are some pretty reputable groups behind it and yes, it being close to Grand Lake is probably the key. Ton of money up there and it’s already a multistate destination drawing people from all over OK, AR, MO, KS and to a lesser extent TX and LA. Not a bad spot for this at all. Probably the best in the state outside of the Texas border. Less than an hour from Tulsa international as well.

As something comparable…who would’ve thought Branson would turn into a massive family destination when that whole thing started. Nearby casinos and the ability for the Cherokee nation to build one closer doesn’t hurt anything either. Pretty sure that’s not an option in Branson.

**Jesseda** · 07-19-2023, 12:18 PM

Well now I know why lately Tulsa has been in such a hurry to turn into a international airport as soon as possible. Never understood why the hurry but this make sense because with the theme park name they will probably advertise in other countries to visit and see all of America in one theme park

**shavethewhales** · 07-19-2023, 12:34 PM

^^lol, it's a group that owns a small theatre in Branson. Not really that reputable to be suddenly announcing a Disney-level investment in an almost random spot in Oklahoma.

^TUL is adding an international gate so people can get to Cancun easily, not for this.

I've heard this one before. Developers with no connection to the theme park industry making a splash by promising billions of dollar poured into a vague concept in the middle of nowhere. Last time was down in Texas and Muscle Shoals AL for a confusing two park pitch: https://attractionsmagazine.com/excl...e-a-nightmare/

There are several other examples. Grand Texas was a more legit theme park/resort/outlet mall proposal that resulted in just a water park and an RV campground after years of effort - and I consider that pretty good, all things considered. Getting something like this off the ground is not easy.

If you had $2 billion, where would you invest it? Even if your heart is set on a resort, why Vinita? Wouldn't you want to be closer to an airport and existing destinations? Grand Lake gets some traffic, but not that much. With this money, you could move in on Branson and easily compete with SDC - and Branson has an airport that is hardly being used. You could also build down on the coast, or anywhere else that gets traffic already. Why would they pick Vinita other than it being cheap, which shouldn't matter if they actually have access to $2 billion.

**formerly405Tulsan** · 07-19-2023, 12:35 PM

This just seems odd, especially so close to Branson. I'll take things that will never happen for $100 please.

https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/2b...ter_tulsaworld

**PhiAlpha** · 07-19-2023, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by shavethewhales

^^lol, it's a group that owns a small theatre in Branson. Not really that reputable to be suddenly announcing a Disney-level investment in an almost random spot in Oklahoma.

^TUL is adding an international gate so people can get to Cancun easily, not for this.

I've heard this one before. Developers with no connection to the theme park industry making a splash by promising billions of dollar poured into a vague concept in the middle of nowhere. Last time was down in Texas and Muscle Shoals AL for a confusing two park pitch: https://attractionsmagazine.com/excl...e-a-nightmare/

There are several other examples. Grand Texas was a more legit theme park/resort/outlet mall proposal that resulted in just a water park and an RV campground after years of effort - and I consider that pretty good, all things considered. Getting something like this off the ground is not easy.

If you had $2 billion, where would you invest it? Even if your heart is set on a resort, why Vinita? Wouldn't you want to be closer to an airport and existing destinations? Grand Lake gets some traffic, but not that much. With this money, you could move in on Branson and easily compete with SDC - and Branson has an airport that is hardly being used. You could also build down on the coast, or anywhere else that gets traffic already. Why would they pick Vinita other than it being cheap, which shouldn't matter if they actually have access to $2 billion.

A bunch of good reasons not to throw another park in Branson. Can build casinos near it, closer to texas and closer to a decent sized metro, no competition from a bunch of other attractions in a Branson which is even more in the middle of nowhere than Vinita, easier access to a major interstate, closer access to a large airport, more flat and open space, and as far as being in the middle of the country…less competition from other types of entertainment and drivable from most of the country.

Not saying it’s going to happen but it’s also not as stupid of an idea as you’re making it out to be.

**Pete** · 07-19-2023, 12:49 PM

Press release:

******

American Heartland Announces $2 Billion Theme Park and Resort Development in Northeast Oklahoma
The 1,000-acre resort destination is expected to attract more than 4.9 million guests per year to VINITA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Oklahoma state and local officials joined American Heartland leadership to announce American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, a more than $2 billion entertainment destination development in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66. The development will be built in phases starting with a large-scale RV park with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025 and a world-class theme park and resort scheduled to open in 2026. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will offer a unique visitor experience rivaling the world’s top resort destinations.

“We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite said. “At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination. The state’s business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts have helped make this possible. We look forward to bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma.”

American Heartland will be a 1,000-acre development with a 125-acre theme park, which is comparable to the size of Magic Kingdom® Theme Park and Disneyland® Park. The park will feature an Americana-themed environment with a variety of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways as well as restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings.

“Oklahoma is excited to welcome American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” Oklahoma State Rep. Rusty Cornwell said. “Located on historic Route 66 just west of Grand Lake, the development will attract visitors from around the world to experience and celebrate the rich cultures and hometown values America has to offer.”

The adjacent 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, designed by Oklahoma architects ADG Blatt, will be the largest campground in the central U.S. with 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins plus amenities.

“There’s no better place to represent the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom. “This $2 billion investment in our state will create more than 4,000 jobs and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region, and its long-term economic impact will be transformative. Tourism is already one of Oklahoma’s top industries and this project will elevate our state even further. Since tourism is a doorway to economic development, American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will draw new businesses not only to the surrounding area but also throughout the region and state.”

The developer is American Heartland whose leadership has deep Oklahoma roots. American Heartland is an affiliate of Mansion Entertainment Group, LLC, Branson’s leading performing arts, animation and studio brand.

Led by Executive Producer Steve Hedrick, the design team is made up of the world’s best theme park designers including 20+ former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers. Design firms include THG, FORREC and Cuningham, whose portfolios feature the world’s foremost theme park brands including Six Flags, Disney Parks and Universal Studios.

“We are pleased that American Heartland Theme Park and Resort has taken the first step and chosen Oklahoma to build a world-class entertainment destination,” said Hopper Smith, interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “We look forward to assisting with this project as it develops.”

American Heartland Theme Park and Resort is a family-friendly park promising timeless fun and boundless adventure. The 125-acre theme park will feature a collection of six distinctly American lands to welcome guests on a journey through the best of the American story. Families will find thrilling rides and heartwarming shows as they discover Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.

“American Heartland will be a place families can come together to create lasting memories, experience joy, laughter, imagination and wonder,” American Heartland Founder and Chief Creative Officer Gene Bicknell said. “There is so much to celebrate about our country: its landscapes, its cultures and most importantly, 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 modern indoor water park.

“American Heartland will be an anchor tourist destination on Route 66 set to attract more than two million out-of-state visitors to Oklahoma each year,” Kristy Adams, senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group, American Heartland and Three Ponies, said. “The scale and quality of the development will be unlike anything else in the region, making Vinita, Oklahoma a can’t-miss destination for families around the world.”

Learn more at americanheartlandthemepark.com and threeponiesrvparkandcampground.com.

**SEMIweather** · 07-19-2023, 12:56 PM