About Us - Our History
In the 1970s, World Changers Inc., led by the Jeffers Family, partnered with renowned architect Frank Wallace and contractors F&D Construction Co to create Discoveryland in the “Coyote Trails” area west of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. After completion, the property featured a breathtaking amphitheater with seating for roughly 2,000 people, parking for 800 vehicles, a barbeque pit, dressing rooms, concession stands, a camping area and a “trading post” for tickets and souvenirs.
Discoveryland’s debut musical was “Dust on Her Petticoats” with a cast of around 80 and a crew of 45. It was the first production in the area to feature womanhood and have a woman director. In 1977, the production of “Oklahoma!” began and its success quickly put Discoveryland on the map. In 1979, Discoveryland was awarded the Oklahoma Governor’s Tourism Award and shortly after was proclaimed the national outdoor home of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”.
“Naturally, we’re delighted and honored that Rodgers and Hammerstein have paid Discoveryland the tribute. But equally important to us is the fact the show will now be presented in its “home” state on an ongoing basis,” Bill Jeffers, General Manager of Discoveryland said at the time.
Seasons lasted 13-weeks from June-August and for dinner and a show it would run about $10 making it the ideal spot for summer family entertainment. “We would sell out seats every Friday and Saturday night and have to sell grass seats!” said Tirita Montross, former Discoveryland employee. Discoveryland became a place of magic for the millions of people that visited and it was a source of pride for the performers and the citizens of Sand Springs and West Tulsa.
Unfortunately, performances came to an end in the summer of 2011 and Discoveryland was officially closed in 2014.
A New Life
In 2019, the property was purchased with the vision of transforming it into a dream ranch and it quickly became clear that Discoveryland had the potential to once again be a destination for Oklahoma families. With plans for a new multi-use event center and major renovations to the Amphitheater and Picnic Pavilion, construction began in late 2020. The goal has always been to create a community asset that families can enjoy and that Sand Springs and the surrounding communities can be proud of once again.
Media Gallery
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Abandoned Oklahoma
Since 1976, the Discoveryland amphitheater has brought family fun and musicals to Sand Springs and the surrounding area. Most popularly known for its showing of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!”.
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New owners envision wedding/events center on former Discoveryland property
A Sand Springs couple has purchased the former Discoveryland property and plans to build a wedding/events venue on it. Jason Shipman and his wife, Kayla, recently bought the roughly 525 acres for $1.7 million from 1 Voice Foundation, Inc., a Florida-based organization that supports victims of childhood cancer, according to county land records.
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Discoveryland Ranch In Sand Springs Reopens As Event Venue
An Oklahoma landmark, known for outdoor musical performances, will soon become a wedding and event venue.
Discoveryland Ranch is welcoming anyone to check it out this weekend for an open house.
News On 6's Meredith McCown was live in Sand Springs on Wednesday with a look at what to expect.
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DiscoveryLand Ranch: An update on one of Oklahoma’s staple landmarks!
Discoveryland, one of Sand Springs, Oklahoma’s staple landmarks. Built in the 1970’s, Discoverland amphitheater was home to the illustrious production,” Oklahoma!” a musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The play consisted of live actors and animals which brought smiles to families who traveled from all over the region to watch the story unfold. Many Sandite’s remember Discoveryland in its heyday.
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Discoveryland Property Under Major Renovations, To Reopen As Event Venue
The old Discoveryland property in Sand Springs has new owners and is under major renovation. It will return as “Discoveryland Ranch” with some new features. The property is packed with history, where for 35 years, people from all world would spend their summer nights taking in an old classic. “ At one point they had all 50 governors here for a performance,” said Discoveryland Ranch owner Jason Shipman.
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Couple reviving Discoveryland, famed home of "Oklahoma!"
Jason and Kayla Shipman know they belong to the land, and the land they belong to is grand. It's called Discoveryland.