After more than 50 years of operation, Six Flags America, along with its adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, officially...
After more than 50 years of operation, Six Flags America, along with its adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, officially closed its gates for the final time on Sunday, November 2. The closure is part of a strategic corporate restructuring effort by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to address ongoing debt and long-term growth plans.
The park originally opened in 1974 as a drive-thru safari park known as The Wildlife Preserve before being converted into a Six Flags park in 1999. Over its half-century history, the property hosted more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions.
Reasons for Closure and Future Plans
The decision to close the park was announced in May, with current president and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman stating that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor were "not a strategic fit with the company's long-term growth plans."
Zimmerman further explained that the company determined that "marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment." This signals that the land will be sold and repurposed rather than remaining an amusement park. The company employed about 70 full-time associates at the park, who were offered severance and other benefits.
The company has not yet confirmed the fate of the more than 100 rides and attractions, but stated that relocation to other Six Flags parks or selling them to other amusement park operators are options being considered.
The closure follows a period of corporate upheaval for Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, including a major merger with Cedar Fair in July 2024. The restructured company now operates over 20 parks across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
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