BOWIE, Md. — A Maryland mainstay of thrills and summer memories is preparing to close its gates for good. Six Flags America in Bowie will permanently shut down operations after the 2025 season, marking the end of an era for one of the region’s most iconic amusement parks.
In a statement released Thursday, Six Flags Entertainment confirmed the park — and its adjacent water park, Hurricane Harbor — will close on Nov. 2, 2025, and the 500-acre property will be placed on the market.
The announcement caught many off guard, including local leaders and residents. Six Flags President and CEO Richard Zimmerman said the property “is not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan” and will be sold with the help of real estate firm CBRE.
“We believe this land can be better utilized to reach its highest value,” Zimmerman said, emphasizing a “thoughtful redevelopment” process.
But the news landed hard in Prince George’s County.
“This was the most shocking one,” said District Council Member Wala Blegay, who represents the park’s location. “We did not expect this. There was no advance notice.” Blegay expressed both disappointment and determination, stating the county would work closely with the designated developer to ensure whatever comes next reflects community needs.
County Council Chair Edward Burroughs echoed that sentiment, calling the closure a “disappointment” but also a “chance to reimagine.”
“We don’t want Six Flags to sit there as an eyesore,” Burroughs said. “We want something that uplifts Prince George’s.”
The announcement follows another economic shake-up: The Washington Commanders revealed plans this week to build a new stadium at the former RFK Stadium site in D.C., signaling an end to their time in Prince George’s County.
Together, the twin departures pose a potential blow — but also a pivotal opportunity.
“We’re going through a difficult time,” Blegay said. “But we have to move forward. If [Six Flags is] not going to be here, we need to be prepared. It starts today.”
Six Flags America has operated in its current form since 1999, evolving from its earlier iterations as Wild World and Adventure World. For decades, the park was more than just a destination — it was a summer rite of passage, a source of seasonal employment, and a cultural touchstone.
“It’s the end of an era,” said Council Member Krystal Oriadha. “Its loss is a significant blow — not just emotionally, but economically.”
The park employs around 70 full-time workers and many more seasonal staff — many of them local teens and young adults. Leaders now face the task of replacing those jobs and maintaining opportunities for area youth.
“We want to make sure kids are active,” said Blegay. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
Burroughs added that the council is actively looking into expanding youth employment programs and creating safe recreational spaces beyond the summer months.
The closure also comes after the park debuted a new steampunk-themed area, “SteamTown,” during the 2024 season — perhaps its final major addition. Season passes and tickets for the 2025 season will still be honored, officials confirmed.
Six Flags’ parent company merged with Cedar Fair Entertainment in 2024, forming a North Carolina-based entertainment powerhouse responsible for 27 amusement parks, including Virginia’s Kings Dominion. The company says the Six Flags America closure will not affect its financial outlook for FY2025.
Acting County Executive Tara Jackson acknowledged the emotional weight of the news but promised a proactive approach:
“We are committed to a redevelopment process that supports jobs, growth, and long-term community benefit.”
As the park begins its final season — with Hurricane Harbor reopening May 24 — community leaders will begin holding public meetings to help guide the future of the site.
“We are going to question them, sure,” Blegay said. “But the reality is, we must be prepared. If they’re going, we have to be ready to fill that space with something meaningful.”
Until that day, Six Flags America remains open — for now. The roller coasters still roar, the water slides still splash, and for one more season, memories will be made on that hallowed ground in Bowie.
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Sky high prices will do that, thanks joe
It should have closed the first year after Six Flags bought them out! It’s been nothing but trouble ever since it opened under the Six Flags name. And it’s not just the one in PG County. It’s the same story all across the US.