BOWIE, Md. (WUSA/CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) — A Six Flags park that opened its gates in 1974 will permanently close in November. Amusement park enthusiasts have only a few weeks left to enjoy Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, as the park is set to close permanently at the end of the season. The park's final day of operation will be in early November.
Hurricane Harbor, the water park adjacent to Six Flags America, will also be closing. The parent company of Six Flags announced that the approximately 500-acre property will be marketed for redevelopment. Six Flags America originally opened as a wildlife preserve in 1974 and transitioned to its current amusement park format in 1999.
The City of Bowie, MD will lose Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor after the 2025 season, as Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced plans to close the parks and market the 500-acre property for redevelopment. In a news release, the company cited a strategic realignment of its portfolio and has engaged CBRE to oversee the sale, with all 2025 tickets and passes still valid for the final season.
In July 2024, Cedar Fair, the owner of Kings Dominion, and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation merged into one company. Per Six Flags: “Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), the largest amusement park operator in North America, today announced that it will close Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland, after the 2025 operating season.”
The property, which is approximately 500 acres, will be marketed for redevelopment as part of Six Flags’ ongoing portfolio optimization program. The company has engaged CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services and investments, to market the property for sale.
“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” said Six Flags President & CEO Richard A. Zimmerman. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment. We anticipate strong interest in the property and will continue to strategically pursue portfolio optimization opportunities as we work to unlock the full value of our portfolio.”
This announcement has stirred emotions within the community. “This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests,” Zimmerman added. “We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests, and Six Flags is committed to supporting all impacted associates through the closure process at the end of this year.”
Six Flags America employs approximately 70 full-time associates. Severance and other benefits will be provided to all eligible associates. The park’s final operating day will be Sunday, November 2, 2025. The closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial results in 2025.
All 2025 season passes and tickets will be honored throughout the final operating season at Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor. For the latest information about the park, including operating calendar, please visit the Six Flags America website.
The closure marks the end of an era for the park, which has been a staple in the community for decades. According to the corporation, Maryland's Six Flags amusement park has been more than just a theme park—it is a cherished part of the county's identity, a source of joy for families, and a hub of economic activity.
Acting Prince George's County Executive Tara Jackson expressed her sentiments regarding the park's closure. “For decades, Six Flags has been more than just a theme park—it is a cherished part of our county's identity, a source of joy for families, and a hub of economic activity,” she remarked. Jackson's office promised to work closely with Six Flags and its stakeholders to guide a thoughtful and inclusive redevelopment process that supports jobs, growth, and long-term community benefit.
The park, which has over 40 rides and water slides, was designated as the first Certified Autism Center Park in the DMV in 2022, making it more accessible for those with physical and mental disabilities. The park also served as a vaccination site during the pandemic in 2020, administering more than 339,000 vaccinations before it closed in 2021.
As the final season unfolds, Six Flags America has lined up several events to commemorate its legacy. The amusement park announced its lineup of events for its final season, which began on April 12. Hurricane Harbor will open for its final season on May 24, 2025. The park will hold several events, including a Juneteenth celebration, an Independence Day celebration, and its iconic Fright Fest, before closing in November.
In recent years, the property had been marred by safety concerns, including incidents that caused it to reduce hours, according to reports. Despite these challenges, the park has been a beloved destination for families seeking thrills and entertainment.
The closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor is a significant development for the local community and the amusement park industry. As the company pivots towards new opportunities, the legacy of Six Flags America will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
