When Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair in 2024, industry insiders expected consolidation. What they didn’t expect—at least not this soon—was the closure of one of the company’s long-standing parks just outside the nation’s capital.
Six Flags America, located in Maryland near Washington, D.C., will permanently shut its gates on November 2, 2025. The closure will also include the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park, marking a major shift in the post-merger strategy for the newly formed theme park giant.
Though the announcement arrived abruptly, the reasoning had long been brewing behind the scenes. “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 CEO Richard A. Zimmerman in a statement released this week.
“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.”
History of Six Flags America
Six Flags America didn’t start as a thrill park. It opened in 1974 as The Largo Wildlife Preserve, a drive-through safari experience. After a series of reinventions in the ’80s and ’90s, including stints as Wild World and Adventure World, the park eventually pivoted away from animals toward coasters and water rides.
It wasn’t until 1999 that the property entered its most recognizable era, joining the Six Flags brand and receiving a new identity: Six Flags America. Over the following years, the park introduced headline roller coasters and DC Comics theming, carving out a modest but loyal fan base in the Mid-Atlantic.
Among its biggest points of pride is the Wild One, a classic wooden coaster originally built in 1917 and moved to the park in the ’80s. Despite its relatively small size compared to parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain or Great Adventure, Six Flags America has served as a reliable family destination for generations.
Even as recently as 2024, the company invested in the park’s future with the debut of SteamTown, a steampunk-themed land marking the park’s 25th anniversary under the Six Flags name. The land was positioned as a bold sign of commitment—one that, in retrospect, now feels more like a swan song.
Closures, Consolidation, and a Cloudy Future
For some, the writing was on the wall. Six Flags America has long been rumored as a candidate for closure, and the post-merger leadership has made no secret of its willingness to trim what it calls “underperforming” properties. In its statement, the company cited its “ongoing portfolio optimization program,” language that has become a red flag for fans of smaller or older parks.
Online, the reaction was swift and anxious. “The Six Flags America closure is just the beginning,” wrote one user on X, formerly known as Twitter. “If you think your home park is safe under Cedar Fair/Six Flags Inc., keep dreaming. This is a hostile takeover with a smile.”
Industry observers have speculated that parks with strong recent investments—such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Canada’s Wonderland, and Six Flags Over Texas—are likely safe for now. But even that’s no guarantee. In 2024, Six Flags stunned fans by permanently closing Kingda Ka, the record-breaking coaster once touted as the tallest in the world.
What becomes of the Six Flags America site remains to be seen, though it’s expected the land will be sold for redevelopment. For now, the company appears focused on consolidating its assets around high-performing parks and trimming what it views as dead weight—even if it means shuttering a park that still held signs of life.
As November approaches, longtime fans are preparing for a bittersweet farewell. And for guests across the country, the message is clear: loyalty won’t save your local park. Performance might.
Will you miss Six Flags America?
Rich A Holes closing 2 huge parks that I gaurantee you the community paid tax dollars for years. Its just wrong.
I can’t stand rich people. They suck and ruin communities