Plans have been tabled for a US$2bn theme park and entertainment destination development in north-east Oklahoma, US
The development is set to be built in phases, with accommodation opening in 2025
The main development, called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, will open in 2026
Spreading across 1,000 acres, the resort will be located close to Route 66
Plans have been tabled for a US$2bn theme park and entertainment destination development in north-east Oklahoma, US.
The development would be built in phases, starting with a large-scale caravan/RV park with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025.
The main development called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, would then follow in 2026.
Spreading across 1,000 acres, the resort would be located close to Route 66, the famous highway which runs across the US.
It would include the 125-acre theme park, which is comparable to the combined size of Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.
Featuring an Americana-themed environment with a range of rides, live shows, family attractions and waterways, as well as restaurants and a 300-room hotel, the park would offer a "unique visitor experience rivalling the world’s top resort destinations".
Six distinctly American lands are planned, taking guests on a journey through the American story – using themed rides and shows – featuring the Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.
The American Heartland project is driven by Mansion Entertainment Group, supported by Oklahoma state and local officials.
American Heartland CEO and president of Mansion Entertainment Group, 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.”
Led by Executive Producer Steve Hedrick, the design team behind American Heartland is made up of experienced theme park designers, including more than 20 former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers.
Design firms involved in the project include THG, FORREC and Cuningham, whose portfolios feature the theme park brands such as Six Flags, Disney Parks and Universal Studios.
Hopper Smith, interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, said: "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.
“We look forward to assisting with this project as it develops."
Kristy Adams, senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group, added: "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.”
