Six Flags Officially Closes After 50 Years

BOWIE, MD — The rides are at a standstill and the amusement park has fallen eerily silent now that Six Flags America in Bowie has officially closed.

The site originally opened in 1974 as a drive-thru safari known as The Wildlife Preserve. The site evolved over the years before opening as Six Flags in 1999.

Sunday was its last day of operation.

“Thank you, Six Flags America fans, for 50 years of family fun. We will always cherish the memories made together,” the park posted on social media.

Six Flags America, along with the Hurricane Harbor water park, offered more than 100 rides, shows, slides and roller coasters. The parent company shuttered the park to restructure and address ongoing debt, leaders stated.

“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,” Six Flags President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in May. “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,” Patch reported previously.

Prince George's County leaders have said that the park generates about $3 million in tax revenue a year.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation told People, “We have not yet determined what will happen to each ride or attraction after the park is closed but relocation to other Six Flags parks or selling to other amusement park operators are options that may be considered.”

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

Six Flags reported a loss of $319.4 million for the first half of 2025. The company reported that attendance fell 9% in the three months ending on June 29, due partly to bad weather and a “challenged consumer” in most of the markets it operates in.