Six Flags Announces the Closure of Its State's Lone Amusement Park
Six Flags America Closes After 25 Years, Leaving Maryland Residents Seeking Alternatives
In a surprising announcement, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has decided to close Six Flags America and its Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, effective November 2, 2025. The theme park, which first opened in 1974 as a wildlife experience before transforming into a Six Flags theme park in 1999, has been a popular destination for Maryland residents and visitors for over two and a half decades.
The decision comes as the company's CEO, Richard Zimmerman, stated that the park no longer fits into the company's long-term plans. As a result, approximately 500 full-time staff working at the location will receive severance pay and benefits.
Historic attractions like the Wild One, Roar, The Penguin's Blizzard River, and Superman: Ride of Steel will be temporarily unavailable due to the closure. The company is unsure about their future plans for these rides. Some fans have expressed disappointment due to the lack of maintenance and operation of rides in recent years. Google reviews mention the park appears to be sold at the end of the season, and many parts of Six Flags America are already closed off and several rides are not running according to recent visitor reviews.
For those looking for alternatives, there are several options within driving distance.
Classic Amusement Park Fun in Maryland
Jolly Roger Amusement Park and Splash Mountain Water Park, located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, offer classic amusement park fun with roller coasters, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and more. Trimper Rides, also in Ocean City, one of the oldest amusement parks in Maryland, provides a nostalgic, classic park experience.
Adventure Park USA located in Monrovia, Maryland, about an hour's drive from Bowie, features roller coasters like Wildcat and Tumbleweed, a large go-kart track, mini-golf, ropes courses, laser tag, and a large arcade. The all-day pass pricing is comparable to Six Flags America.
Larger Theme Park Experiences
For those seeking larger theme park experiences, Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, under three hours away, is known for world-class roller coasters, a water park, and chocolate-themed attractions, making it a popular regional destination. Kings Dominion in Virginia, south of Richmond, boasts over 60 rides, a water park, and various family entertainment options, also within a reasonable driving distance.
Within Maryland, smaller water parks such as Chesapeake Beach Water Park (reopening in 2026) and Bohrer Park Water Park in Gaithersburg offer additional options to cool off and enjoy summer fun during warmer months.
The property, which covers about 500 acres, will be slated for redevelopment instead. The closure of Six Flags America marks a significant loss for Maryland residents, but the alternatives provide a range of experiences from classic boardwalk fun to major theme parks nearby.
Travel guides may suggest Adventure Park USA in Monrovia, Maryland, for those seeking an alternative to Six Flags America, offering roller coasters, go-karts, mini-golf, and more. For those desiring a larger theme park experience, entertainment options like Hersheypark in Pennsylvania or Kings Dominion in Virginia provide various rides, water parks, and family entertainment.
