In 1960, the cartoon series The Flintstones hit prime-time television as the first animated television series aimed specifically at adults. Mixing blue collar humor with Stone Age imagery and sight gags, the show ran for six years. In spite of adult themes, the series was a hit with kids as well.
When the television series disappeared, the Flintstones Bedrock City Theme Park (422 W. Mt. Rushmore Rd., 605/673-4079, www.flintstonesbedrockcity.com [1], mid-May–mid-June and mid-July–Labor Day daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., mid-June–mid-July daily 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m., closed Labor Day–early May, $9, child under 5 free) appeared, making its debut in South Dakota in 1966. Over a period of a few years, there were four theme parks built, two in the United States and two in Canada. Today there are only two parks remaining, one in Arizona and this one.
The park features a small train that rides around the perimeter of the park, a playground, and statues of all of the Flintstones characters from the TV show. Visit Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty at their homes and then take a peek at some of Bedrock’s businesses. Children under six especially seem to appreciate the talking parrot statue that greets visitors at the entrance.
In keeping with the theme park’s location, there is a Mount Rockmore, with four carved faces, one of which is a dinosaur. There is also a small theater where you can see old Flintstones reruns and eat popcorn. At the entrance to the park is a Flintstones-themed gift shop and a restaurant where you can dine on brontoburgers, dino dogs, and chickasaurus sandwiches.
The property also includes a campground. Campground guests who wish to visit the theme park pay admission fees once, after which access to the theme park is free for the length of their stay.
Links:
[1] http://www.flintstonesbedrockcity.com