After 50 years of operation, Six Flags America has closed its gates for the final time, marking the end of a long and eventful chapter in Maryland’s amusement park history. The East Coast destination, once known as the “Thrill Capital of D.C.,” welcomed its last guests on November 2, 2025, following Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s decision to permanently shutter both Six Flags America and the neighboring Hurricane Harbor water park.
Looking Back on a 50-Year Journey
The park’s story began in 1974, when it opened as The Wildlife Preserve, a drive-through safari attraction. The experiment lasted only two years before it was closed. Four years later, the property reemerged as Wild Country, another short-lived concept that operated until 1980. It wasn’t until 1981 that the park found more solid footing, reopening as Wild World and gradually transforming from an animal park into a full-fledged theme park over the next decade.
In 1992, Premier Parks acquired the property and rebranded it as Adventure World, marking the beginning of a new era of thrilling rides and attractions. Six years later, in 1998, the park officially joined the Six Flags family and became Six Flags America. Over the next quarter century, it grew into a regional favorite — a summertime staple for local families, thrill-seekers, and school groups alike.
A Final Farewell
On its final day, crowds of loyal guests gathered to give the park one last sendoff. Many lined up early to experience favorite rides before they closed forever, while others browsed souvenir shops for heavily discounted memorabilia.
William Craig, who traveled from Martinsburg, West Virginia, to visit with his children, shared with WTOP News that the park had been an important part of his life.
“For me it’s about the personal memory of when I separated from my ex-wife. … It was a way to bond with my kids,” he said. His 14-year-old son, Johnny, added that “his favorite part of coming to Six Flags America was spending time with his dad.”
Six Flags America posted a heartfelt farewell on Instagram:
Thank you, Six Flags America fans, for 50 years of family fun. We will always cherish the memories made together. 💙
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The Future of Six Flags and Cedar Fair Parks
Earlier this year, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation completed its merger with Cedar Fair, forming one of the largest theme park operators in North America. The newly merged company now oversees dozens of parks across the United States, including Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Cedar Point, and Carowinds.
While most of the company’s parks remain open, California’s Great America and South Bay Shores are expected to close once their leases expire at the end of the 2027 season. As part of its restructuring efforts, the company also announced job cuts and operational consolidations in 2025.
Have you ever visited Six Flags America? In the comments, share your memories of the theme park with Disney Dining!
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