The amusement park landscape in the U.S. is set for a significant change as Six Flags prepares to close two of its notable locations, Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland, and California’s Great America in Santa Clara. Hurricane Harbor is a waterpark within Six Flags America. The closures mark the loss of regional icons that have entertained millions over decades.
The Maryland property, the state’s only Six Flags park, will operate through the end of the 2025 season before shutting down for good. Company leadership acknowledged that while the decision was not easy, the park no longer aligned with their broader, long-term business strategy. The site, which has provided seasonal jobs, summer entertainment, and a steady tourism boost to Prince George’s County, will likely be sold for redevelopment.
California’s Great America has been facing an eventual closure since 2022, when a Bay Area real estate developer purchased the land for $310 million. The agreement gave the park a maximum of 11 years before operations would cease. While no exact date has been confirmed for its final season, the shutdown looms, with the property’s prime location in Silicon Valley making it a high value real estate asset.
Six Flags America’s origins stretch back to the 1970s, evolving over time from a wildlife preserve into a full-scale amusement park. Over the years, it became known for attractions such as Wild One, one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation, as well as high-speed steel coasters like Superman: Ride of Steel. The adjoining Hurricane Harbor water park added to its appeal, drawing in families across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia.
Despite its popularity among locals, changing entertainment trends, competition from other destinations, and the strategic shift in the company’s focus contributed to its placement on the closure list. The company has said that while the park will continue to operate for the rest of the season, certain events will be scaled back, and 2025 will be its last year in operation.
California’s Great America, paired with its water park South Bay Shores, has been a fixture in Santa Clara for decades. It has weathered changes in ownership and branding over the years, remaining a goto spot for thrill seekers in the Bay Area. But the high cost of land in Silicon Valley ultimately spelled its fate. The sale to a developer in 2022 paved the way for the property’s eventual transformation into non amusement use.
Even with Santa Clara’s closure on the horizon, Six Flags will still maintain a significant presence in California. The company operates Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor in Valencia, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Hurricane Harbor Concord, and Knott’s Berry Farm along with its Soak City water park in Buena Park. These properties remain key attractions in their respective regions.
Both closures are part of a larger trend in the theme park industry, where companies are reassessing their assets and focusing on parks that align better with growth goals. While fans are saddened to lose beloved local destinations, Six Flags appears committed to concentrating its investments where they believe long term returns are strongest. For the communities losing these parks, the coming months will be a bittersweet countdown to a final season of memories.
Even with Santa Clara’s closure on the horizon, Six Flags will still operate the following several popular California attractions:
• Six Flags Magic Mountain – Valencia, Calif.
• Hurricane Harbor – Valencia, Calif.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Vallejo,
Calif.
• Hurricane Harbor Concord – Concord,
Calif.
• Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park, Calif.
• Knott’s Berry Farm Soak City – Buena Park,
Calif.
