Investor alleges fraud in American Heartland theme park project

The future of the highly publicized American Heartland theme park is now in doubt after its primary investor filed a federal lawsuit accusing the project’s developers of fraud, racketeering, and psychological abuse.

Timeline of the Project and Lawsuit

1. July 2023 – American Heartland theme park is announced at a public event in Vinita, Oklahoma.
2. 2022–2024 – Investor Gene Bicknell funds the project with more than $60 million, according to the lawsuit.
3. 2024-2025 – Aerial footage shows little to no progress at the proposed site.
4. July 2025 – Bicknell files a federal lawsuit against the developers, alleging misconduct.

Grand Promises, Minimal Progress

The 125-acre park was billed as a world-class destination that would rival top-tier resorts and theme parks across the country. Developers claimed the park would open in 2026 and help transform northeast Oklahoma’s tourism economy.

At the July 2023 announcement, Stephen Hedrick, one of the project’s developers, declared:

“American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will offer a visitor experience rivaling the world's top resort destinations — and it’s right here in Oklahoma.”

Despite bold claims, recent aerial images taken in 2023, 2024, and again this year show that the Vinita site remains largely undeveloped.

Allegations of Spiritual Coercion

Investor Gene Bicknell now claims he was manipulated into funding the project through a series of messages that his legal team says were designed to mimic divine instructions.

The lawsuit names developers Larry Wilhite (CEO of Mansion Entertainment Group), Rick Silanskas, and Stephen Hedrick. According to court filings, the men carried out a “years-long campaign of psychological and spiritual abuse,” pressuring Bicknell to commit tens of millions of dollars to the project.

Some messages cited in the lawsuit include texts and emails disguised as divine messages:

1. “This mission will not tolerate anything but ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE and ABSOLUTE CLIFF DIVING FAITH FROM THE HIGHEST MOUNT ABOVE THE SEA.”
2. “NOW LISTEN. I AM INSTRUCTING YOU TO EMPTY THE STOREHOUSES AND ACCELERATE THIS MISSION WITHOUT DELAY.”
3. “TRUST THEM COMPLETELY AND AVOID INSERTING ANY DISTRACTIONS OR DOUBTFUL QUESTIONS.”

Developers Previously Insisted Project Was Funded

At the time of the 2023 launch, developers pushed back on skepticism from the public and media.

“We bought all the land. We own all of our properties, and we’re just developing it,” Wilhite said in a 2023 interview. “Is it going to happen? Yes, sir. We’re funded internally, and so we’re moving forward.”

Uncertain Future

As the lawsuit proceeds in federal court, the future of the American Heartland theme park remains unclear. Despite millions in investment and bold early promises, the project has yet to break ground.

News On 6 reached out to Mansion Entertainment Group and the American Heartland Theme Park for comment but has not received a response as of publication.