Six Flags America, the beloved amusement park that thrilled generations in Bowie, Maryland, has officially closed its gates after more than five decades of operation. The final day for rollercoaster rides, funnel cakes, and summer memories was Sunday, November 2, 2025, marking the end of an era for the D.C. region’s thrill-seekers.
A Sudden Goodbye to a Regional Icon
The closure, announced earlier this year, comes as part of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s broader “portfolio optimization program.” According to company President & CEO Richard A. Zimmerman, the decision was driven by a strategic review that found Six Flags America and its adjacent water park, Hurricane Harbor, no longer fit the company’s long-term growth plans. The 500-acre property will now be marketed for redevelopment, with the company expecting this move to generate the highest value and return on investment.
“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,” Zimmerman said in a statement.
A Storied, Sometimes Tumultuous History
Six Flags America’s journey has been anything but ordinary. The site originally opened in 1974 as
The Wildlife Preserve, a drive-thru safari backed by ABC’s attractions division and early investor Ross Perot. After a rocky start and several closures, the park cycled through names like
Wild Country and
Wild World before finally becoming
Adventure World in the early 1990s. In 1998, after Premier Parks acquired the Six Flags brand, the park was rebranded as Six Flags America, cementing its place as the “thrill capital of D.C.”.
The park weathered financial storms, including a high-profile bankruptcy in 2010 and leadership shakeups, notably during Dan Snyder’s controversial tenure as board chairman in the mid-2000s.
Fans and Employees Reflect on the End
For many, the closure is deeply personal. Generations of families, teens, and adrenaline junkies flocked to the park for its signature rides like
Superman: Ride of Steel—a coaster famous for its 205-foot drop and 73 mph top speed—and the
Joker’s Jinx, which launched riders from 0 to 60 mph in just over three seconds.
On the final day, visitors shared bittersweet memories. Kim Varzi, a D.C. resident, recalled conquering her fear of heights on Superman: “I had to just tell myself that it was only 30 seconds. The first couple of times, I just closed my eyes.” Others, like Jennifer Rolls from Virginia, made the trek for a first—and last—visit, calling the closure “sad” but wanting to experience the park before it was gone.
The park’s 70 full-time employees will receive severance and other benefits as part of the closure process.
What’s Next for D.C.-Area Thrill-Seekers?
The closure leaves a void for local amusement park fans, but options remain. The 2024 merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair means D.C.-area residents can still visit Kings Dominion in Virginia, now under the same corporate umbrella. Hershey Park in Pennsylvania is another popular destination, though both require a longer drive.
As for the sprawling Bowie property, Six Flags expects “strong interest” from developers, but the future of the site remains uncertain.
The End of an Era—And the Start of Something New?
For now, the rollercoasters are silent, and the midway games are packed away. But the memories—of summer days, first dates, and family outings—will linger long after the gates have closed. As one fan wrote on Instagram, it’s truly “the end of an era” for Six Flags America.
Sources
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3. Beloved Six Flags amusement park closes after 50 years of ...
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5. 'That's all, folks': Thrill-seekers say goodbye to Six Flags ...
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