When Six Flags and Cedar Fair announced their merger in 2024, many in the industry anticipated closures, but few expected them to begin so soon.
This week, Six Flags confirmed that Six Flags America, located just outside Washington, D.C., will permanently shut down on November 2, 2025, along with its adjacent water park, Hurricane Harbor. The decision marks the first major park closure since the merger and signals the start of a wider strategic shift for the newly combined company.
“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.
“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,” he continued. “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 is a Regional Favorite with a Complex Past
Six Flags America opened in 1974 as The Largo Wildlife Preserve, originally conceived as a drive-through safari experience. Over the following decades, it underwent several transformations—first into Wild World and then Adventure World—before finally joining the Six Flags family in 1999. That rebranding brought with it a collection of new roller coasters, DC Comics theming, and a stronger regional profile.
Though it never reached the size or visibility of flagship parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain or Great Adventure, the Maryland location remained a steady presence in the Mid-Atlantic. It became known for family-friendly events, seasonal attractions, and a mix of classic and modern rides. Its most notable piece of history: Wild One, a wooden coaster originally built in 1917, making it the third-oldest coaster still in operation worldwide.
In 2024, the company introduced SteamTown, a steampunk-themed land created to mark the park’s 25th anniversary under the Six Flags banner. The addition was marketed as a significant investment—one that now, less than a year later, feels like a final chapter rather than a new beginning.
Closures Signal a Broader Realignment
Six Flags has made clear that it is in portfolio-trimming mode. In the official statement, the company referenced its “ongoing portfolio optimization program”—corporate language that typically precedes additional cuts. While no other closures have been confirmed, the announcement has fueled speculation across fan communities about which parks may be next.
“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.”
Recent investment patterns suggest which parks are likely to survive—Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Canada’s Wonderland, Six Flags Over Texas, and Carowinds among them. However, even that’s not a guarantee. In 2024, Six Flags abruptly shuttered Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster, at Great Adventure.
Six Flags America will reportedly be sold for redevelopment, though no specific buyer or plan has been announced. For the thousands of fans who grew up visiting the Maryland park, the 2025 season will serve as a farewell—and perhaps a warning.
As the company continues to restructure, it’s clear that sentiment and legacy are no longer enough. Even parks with recent expansions are now on uncertain ground.
Will you miss Six Flags America?
