In 2026, a large, $2 billion “Americana-themed” park will open thousands of miles away from the usual theme park hubs.
A theme park of similar size to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida or Disneyland in California will be part of the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, but it will not be located in either state.
Instead, a 1,000-acre property in northeast Oklahoma, just off Route 66, is where the park and resort are supposed to be constructed.
“Oklahoma is excited to welcome American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” Oklahoma State Rep. Rusty Cornwell said in a press release. “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 park will feature traditional amusement park rides, live performances, kid-friendly activities, water features and dining options, all of which will combine to create an “Americana-themed environment.”
According to American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite, Oklahoma was chosen as the project’s location due to its “business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts.”
“We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,“ Wilhite said in the announcement. “At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination. We look forward to bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma.”
The 125-acre theme park will include six distinct areas, each representing a different aspect of “the American history” More than 20 former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers were part of the design team.
The park offers guests the option of staying in a 300-room hotel currently under construction or a large RV park with 750 RV spots and 300 cabins with amenities.
According to the company, the $2 billion investment in the development project will create approximately 4,000 jobs and have a significant positive impact on Oklahoma’s tourism industry. According to American Heartland, the park and resort will bring more than 4.9 million visitors a year to the state.
The RV park and cabins, scheduled to open in spring 2025, will be the first phase of construction at the facility. The theme park and resort are scheduled to open in 2026.