Opened in 1974, Six Flags America has closed its doors after welcoming three generations of visitors to its 131 acres of rollercoasters, water slides and shows in Maryland.
The iconic park, which operated alongside its adjoining Hurricane Harbor water park, opened for the last time on 2 November. Thousands of people came to say goodbye and enjoy one last ride on its epic attractions, with some queuing for more than two hours.
“Thank you for 50 years of family fun. We will always cherish the memories made together”, read a statement on the park’s official Instagram account, posted just hours after the final guests left.
Six Flags America began its life as Wild World, a drive-through safari supported by Texas businessman Ross Perot, then a rising political figure and future presidential candidate. It evolved into an amusement park in the 1980s before joining the Six Flags family in 1999.
The park, which at its height operated more than a hundred rides, shows, slides and rollercoasters, closed after years of declining attendance and mounting debts. Six Flags Entertainment Corp. announced the permanent closure of its Maryland park and water park as part of a company-wide restructuring effort.
“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 plans”, said CEO Richard A. Zimmerman, in a statement released on 1 May. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment”.
Perhaps as a fitting metaphor for the park’s fate, even Superman couldn’t handle it. The 197-foot-tall Superman: Ride of Steel suffered a mechanical failure on closing day, stalling mid-lift and prompting an evacuation.
NEW: As of this morning, Six Flags Corporate has decided to permanently shutter Batwing at Six Flags America. The ride has been removed from the app.
— RideRover (@riderover_) September 1, 2025
The roller coaster has suffered numerous mechanical issues this season, including a failure where part of a car fell off the… pic.twitter.com/WSvP4HvkRF
“No last rides, that’s it. The parks headlining attraction, going out with a fizzle… Very unfortunate end to an iconic ride,” wrote on X Taylor Bybee, known as Coaster Studios, a prominent theme park YouTuber who first reported the closure. Bybee also noted that Six Flags California’s Great America is expected to close in late 2027.
The fate of other rides has sparked lively debate among fans, who are speculating about which attractions might be relocated. Of particular concern is The Wild One, a wooden rollercoaster which was first opened in Massachusetts in 1917 and later relocated to Maryland. It is a piece of living history. Also in question is Firebird, which was launched as Iron Wolf in 1990. It was the first coaster ever built by the renowned Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, who are known for their pioneering smooth, looping steel designs.
Many were heartbroken to see the park shut its doors. “Six Flags America is now officially closed forever,” one fan lamented on X, adding: “If you need me, I will be crying in bed for the rest of the night.” This sentiment was echoed by many others on social media.
Six Flags America is now officially closed forever. I caught a livestream of it. My baby Wild One had at least a 90 minute wait probably. The streamer said that Roar was not very busy. I am not surprised. If you need me, I will be crying in bed for the rest of the night.
— CoasterBrony (@Coasterbrony) November 2, 2025
In a statement to the Associated Press, county executive Tara H. Jackson said that “for decades, Six Flags has been more than just a theme park – it’s a cherished part of our county’s identity, a source of joy for families, and a hub of economic activity”. She emphasised their commitment “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”.
No redevelopment plans have yet been announced, but fans can still experience the thrills of Six Flags at one of its many parks across the country. Meanwhile, Texas is gearing up to celebrate the brand’s 65th anniversary with a record-breaking new coaster.
