Bedrock City, Custer, South Dakota – Legends of America
For nearly half a century, Bedrock City Theme Park and Campground in Custer, South Dakota, captivated the imaginations of countless visitors, offering a nostalgic journey back to the Stone Age. Sadly, this once-thriving attraction met its demise in April 2019 when it was reduced to rubble. Let’s take a look at the history of this beloved park and why it captivated so many people.
A Stone Age Theme Park is Born
In 1966, during the height of The Flintstones TV show’s popularity, a 62-acre park opened on Mount Rushmore Road. Six investors, two of whom owned local cement plants, saw a unique opportunity to bring the animated world of Bedrock to life. The show, created by Hanna-Barbera, featured a modern Stone Age family living in suburban America, utilizing primitive technology. The animated sitcom followed the lives of the Flintstones and their neighbors, the Rubbles, and was the first of its kind to air on primetime television.
The South Dakota park proudly declared that it was a place where "Fantasies come alive in this modern Stone-Age setting of fun-filled buildings and play areas."
A Journey to the Stone Age
For decades, visitors were invited to explore Fred’s Bedrock City and wander through the town’s streets. These excursions included a visit to Mount Rockmore and Barney Peaks, a show at the Rockmore Theatre, and a miniature Iron-Horse train ride through the Wild West and Dinosaur Canyon. Guests could also take a ride in the Flintmobile and enjoy the playground and arcade.
For travelers seeking overnight accommodations, the park offered cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Guests could also enjoy a heated swimming pool, mini-golf, and access to the playground and arcade.
At the entrance, a 20-foot-tall statue of Dino perched on a rock welcomed visitors. Inside, a gift shop and the Pronto Burgers Cafe offered refreshments and souvenirs. For those taking the tour, "modern buildings" awaited, including Fred and Wilma’s house and Barney and Betty Rubble’s home, adorned with leopard-print throws, teal-painted concrete furniture, and framed illustrations of the families.
Main Street and Beyond
As visitors strolled down Main Street, they were greeted by a radio station, a fire department, and a grinning repairman at the auto shop, always ready to chisel wheels. Numerous storefronts and business buildings lined the street, each decorated in the show’s signature style, featuring sculpted and animated characters going about their daily lives. At the end of Main Street stood a mini Mount Rushmore, featuring the heads of Fred Flinstone, Barney Rubble, Dino, and Mr. Granitebilt, the founder of Bedrock.
During the peak summer months, live characters impersonating the Flintstones and the Rubbles would interact with visitors, adding to the immersive experience. The buildings were painted in vibrant cartoon colors, and statues and plywood cut-outs provided ample photo opportunities.
The Decline and Demise
Over the years, new owners took over the site, and as the popularity of The Flintstones waned, the park faced new challenges. Licensing negotiations with Warner Brothers, the owners of the Flintstones brand, became increasingly difficult. The company demanded that images and statues conform to their standards, which proved costly. As a result, the park’s admission fees could no longer cover the expenses.
In 2015, Bedrock City in South Dakota closed its doors. Mike Tennyson later purchased the site and attempted to work with Warner Brothers, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Many of the Flintstone buildings had deteriorated, and the site reopened as the Buffalo Ridge Campground Resort. During this time, more campsites were added, and many of the Flintstone items were removed.
In April 2019, the entire site was bulldozed, bringing an end to the era of Bedrock City in South Dakota.
A Lasting Legacy
Although Bedrock City is now gone, its memory lives on in the hearts of those who visited. For many, it was a place of nostalgia, where they could relive the magic of their favorite cartoon. The park’s unique blend of entertainment, camping, and Stone Age charm made it a beloved destination for families and fans of The Flintstones.
Location
The old theme park and campground were located at 422 West Mt. Rushmore Road.
See Also
- Destinations of America
- Lost Historic Landmarks and Vanished Sites
- Quirky Places & Roadside Attractions
- Vanished Sites Photo Gallery
Sources
I hope this rewritten article meets your expectations!