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Much like other iconic cultural phenomena of the 20th century, Hanna-Barbera’s The Flintstones transcended its original medium. The beloved Stone Age family not only endorsed cigarettes but also featured in a 1994 live-action movie and inspired a wide array of merchandise, from video games to lunchboxes. In 1972, the franchise even inspired its own theme park.
Situated just 30 minutes from the Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona, Bedrock City was the vision of Linda and Francis Speckels, a husband-and-wife team who transformed the property into a 6-acre tourist destination. The park features concrete replicas of the Flintstone and Rubble homes, complete with props, a brontosaurus-shaped slide for kids to reenact the show’s iconic opening sequence, and scattered statues of the characters. Additionally, the site serves as an RV campground and parking area.
Matthew Dillon, Flickr // CC BY 2.0
Matthew Dillon, Flickr // CC BY 2.0
Matthew Dillon, Flickr // CC BY 2.0Initially, Bedrock City featured actors who stayed in character, but its isolated location made it difficult to maintain both staff and visitor numbers. Despite a consistent flow of tourists over the past 40 years, the park has struggled to generate significant profits. According to Atlas Obscura, many of its attractions are now in varying states of decay.
In 2015, Linda Speckels listed the property for $2 million, but it remains unsold. A potential obstacle is that any new owner would need to secure a licensing agreement with Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros. to continue using the show’s trademarks. (Another Flintstones park in South Dakota, owned by a different Speckels family member, was sold and shut down in 2015.) Given its location near the Grand Canyon, the 30-acre site could be repurposed into various ventures, such as a shopping center or golf course. Fans of The Flintstones hope the park’s distinctive features will be preserved rather than demolished.
