Popular Maryland Amusement Park To Close, Leaving Officials Stunned

BOWIE, MD — For decades, Marylanders have enjoyed the rides and water features at Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Prince George's County. But the amusement park will close after the current season, news that caught local officials by surprise.

Parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation said Thursday that its final operating day at the Bowie park will be Nov. 2. All 2025 season passes and tickets will be honored for the final operating season at Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor, the company said.

“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 President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment."

Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson said the park has been “a cherished part of our county’s identity, a source of joy for families, and a hub of economic activity. We are committed to working closely with Six Flags and other stakeholders to guide a thoughtful and inclusive redevelopment process that supports jobs, growth and long-term community benefit,” she said in a statement to WTOP.

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County Council member Wala Blegay, whose district includes the land where Six Flags is located, said she was “completely blindsided” by the amusement park’s decision.m“This is a huge loss for our community,” Blegay told WTOP.

The decision to close the park was a difficult, Zimmerman said, "and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests. 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.”

The park, which features nine rollercoasters, employs 70 full-time associates. Comprised of 500 acres, the site will be marketed for redevelopment.

Six Flags opened for the 2025 season on April 12. Hurricane Harbor will open May 24 and close for its final season Sept. 7. The park will close for the season Nov. 2. There still will be special events like Viva La Fiesta May 21-June 19, a Juneteenth Celebration, Star-Spangled Nights July 4-5 and Fright Fest Oct. 13-Nov. 2.