Buzz
Fred, Wilma, and Pebbles have been forced to leave Bedrock. For almost 50 years, Arizona’s Bedrock City has been a beloved destination for fans of The Flintstones, but now, as reported by the Arizona Republic, this unique roadside attraction along Route 64 in Valle has permanently closed its doors.
Situated just 30 minutes from the Grand Canyon, the property has long been a hotspot for tourists traveling through the region. However, its story as a roadside attraction isn’t over. According to reports, the iconic pterodactyl statue and nearly everything else in the park will be replaced by a new focus on
The new owner, Troy Morris, a raptor breeder, is transforming the site into Raptor Ranch. This upcoming attraction will feature birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, and eagles, with daily demonstrations showcasing their natural hunting abilities.
mlhradio, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0The closure of Bedrock City, which first opened in 1972, signifies the end of a cherished chapter. The park featured detailed replicas of the Flintstone and Rubble homes, along with a schoolhouse, jail, and theater. Visitors enjoyed attractions like a brontosaurus slide, a drive-through “volcano,” and opportunities to take pictures with iconic characters from the beloved cartoon.
Matthew Dillon, Flickr // CC BY 2.0Initially, the park employed actors to engage visitors, but its isolated location made it challenging to keep staff. Over time, the attraction deteriorated, leading to its listing for sale in 2015.
The mid-20th century saw a boom in roadside attractions inspired by pop culture, with Bedrock City being a standout example. In 1966, a Flintstones-themed park opened in Custer, South Dakota, followed by a Wizard of Oz theme park in North Carolina in 1970. Sadly, many of these parks struggled to survive. South Dakota's Bedrock City closed in 2015, coinciding with the Arizona park's sale. The Land of Oz in North Carolina remained abandoned for years, though it occasionally hosts special events.
mlhradio, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0For fans of Bedrock, there’s a silver lining: the park’s iconic dinosaur slide will remain, along with the saber-toothed cat and woolly mammoth statues. These will be incorporated into a children's playground planned by the new owner, Troy Morris.
"I recognize the emotional connection people have, but from a business perspective, it's time for a fresh start," Morris stated to the Arizona Republic. "However, we’ll ensure a small part of Bedrock remains."
