The closure has shocked fans, employees, and the local community—but the reasons behind it reflect broader shifts in corporate strategy, real estate trends, and regional development.
The Six Flags America Park In Woodmore, Maryland
The Six Flags America Park In Woodmore, Maryland

What's Happening and When?

On May 1, 2025, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation officially announced that Six Flags America and its water park Hurricane Harbor will close permanently after November 2, 2025. The decision is part of a sweeping strategic shift that includes selling off non-core assets and reallocating capital toward more profitable ventures.

The Real Reasons Behind the Shutdown

1. “Not a Strategic Fit”

Six Flags executives stated the Maryland property is “not a strategic fit” within the company’s long-term portfolio. Translated: the park no longer aligns with their growth vision or performance expectations. It simply wasn’t bringing in the kind of return they want to see from such a large, valuable property.

2. Real Estate Redevelopment Potential

The park sits on a prime 500-acre site in Prince George’s County—an area that’s rapidly growing. Redevelopment of the land could fetch a significantly higher return than seasonal amusement park revenue. Six Flags has hired CBRE, a global real estate firm, to explore redevelopment and sale options.

3. Underperformance Compared to Other Parks

Although popular with locals, Six Flags America has often lagged behind in attendance and revenue when compared to flagship parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain (CA) or Six Flags Great Adventure (NJ). Its aging infrastructure and limited regional tourism draw also contributed to the decision.

4. Corporate Restructuring

This closure comes amid a broader restructuring under new leadership following the merger with Cedar Fair. The combined company is looking to cut underperforming parks and refocus on high-yield locations.

What Happens to the Park Now?

The company plans to market the land for mixed-use redevelopment. Given its size and location—just 30 minutes from Washington D.C.—the site could become anything from a logistics hub to a tech campus, residential complex, or entertainment district.

Six Flags is working with local officials to ensure a smooth transition and will explore options that create long-term economic value for the region.

Impact on Employees and Community

The closure affects approximately 70 full-time employees and hundreds of seasonal workers. Six Flags has committed to offering severance packages and potential relocation opportunities within the company.

The local community will also lose a major employer and tourism driver. For many residents, Six Flags was a rite of passage, a summer tradition, and a source of memories across generations.

Looking Back: A Park with History

  • 1974: Opened as The Wildlife Preserve, a safari-style drive-through park.

  • 1982: Became Wild World, evolving into a traditional theme park.

  • 1999: Rebranded as Six Flags America after acquisition by Premier Parks.

  • 2025: Will close after over 50 years of operation.

Over the decades, the park became home to iconic attractions like:

  • Superman: Ride of Steel – one of the tallest coasters on the East Coast

  • The Wild One – a wooden coaster originally built in 1917

  • Firebird – Maryland’s only floorless coaster

What Visitors Need to Know for 2025

  • The park will remain fully operational through November 2, 2025.

  • Season passes and daily tickets will be honored throughout the season.

  • Hurricane Harbor water park reopens May 24, 2025.

  • Final season events and farewell celebrations will be announced soon.