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, Jason & Kayla Shipman bought the property in hopes of making the 525 acres their dream ranch and quickly realized that Discoveryland had the potential to once again be a destination for Oklahoma families. With a vision for a new multi-use event center and a significant remodel of the Amphitheater and Picnic Pavilion, construction on the property started in late 2020. It is their desire to again create an asset that can be enjoyed by families and be a source of pride for Sand Springs and the surrounding communities.