The Dusty, High-Octane History of Frontier City: From Boomtown to Six Flags HQ
The Wild West isn't just a theme—it’s a survival story. In this episode of Only in OK, we are diving deep into the dusty, high-octane history of Frontier City. This Oklahoma City icon isn't just a theme park; it’s a survivor that outlasted real estate developers, economic crashes, and even an F2 tornado.
We explore how a 1957 state birthday exhibit became the secret headquarters of the global Six Flags empire while the rest of us were just waiting in line for the Silver Bullet. Whether you’re a rollercoaster nut or a fan of Oklahoma history, strap in—we’re going back to the Old West, right off I-35.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
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The "Boomtown" Origins: How Hollywood publicist James Burge saw Disneyland in ’55 and decided OKC needed a slice of the action.
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The Park That Refused to Die: How the 1980s oil crunch accidentally saved Frontier City from being demolished for a real estate development.
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The Six Flags Birthplace: The "Only in OK" fact—the company that bought Six Flags (Premier Parks) started in a small office in the Frontier City parking lot.
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Frontier City on Film: From the gritty streets of Dillinger (1973) to the cult horror of The Fun Park and the neon nights of American Ninja Warrior.
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Ride Deep Dives: The resurrection of the Wildcat, the "hand-me-down" pedigree of the Silver Bullet, and the interactive history of Quick Draw.
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The 2021 "Water Hero": A look back at the guest who climbed the lift hill to save stuck passengers (and got a 5-year ban for it).
Frontier City Ride Guide
| Ride Name | Type | Backstory |
| Silver Bullet | Steel Looping | A classic Schwarzkopf model with high G-force and only a lap bar. |
| Wildcat | Wooden | Resurrected after sitting abandoned in KC for 13 years; named by Deer Creek 6th graders. |
| Diamondback | Steel Shuttle | Originally part of "Lightnin' Loops" at Six Flags Great Adventure. |
| Steel Lasso | Suspended | Built for the 50th Anniversary; the first "feet-dangling" ride in OK. |
Valentine's Day Survival Guide: Science Museum Oklahoma
Need a sitter for Valentine's weekend? Science Museum Oklahoma has you covered with Parents’ Night Out on February 13, 2026.
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Who: Kids aged 6-12.
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What: After-hours museum access, science activities, pizza, and supervision.
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Cost: $60 for members / $70 for non-members.
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Deadline: Register by February 9th at sciencemuseumok.org.
Partner Spotlight: Enid SOS
Our partner for today’s show is Enid Street Outreach Services (Enid SOS). They provide essential services—food, showers, medical advocacy, and shelter—to the unsheltered and low-income community in Enid, OK.
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How to help: Donate clothing (jeans/sleeping bags) or volunteer your time.
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Learn more: Visit enidsos.org .
#Frontier City #OklahomaCityHistory #OnlyInOK #SixFlagsHistory #OKCPodcast #SilverBullet #WildcatCoaster #OklahomaTravel #EnidSOS #ScienceMuseumOK #ParentsNightOut
