Six Flags America, the long-standing amusement park in Bowie, Maryland, has officially closed its gates for good. The final day of operation was Sunday evening, marking the end of an era for a park that has entertained visitors for decades. Its future remains uncertain as the vast property is now up for sale.
Key Takeaways
- Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, closed permanently on Sunday.
- The 523-acre property is for sale, with no buyer publicly identified yet.
- The park struggled with low revenue and attendance compared to other Six Flags properties.
- Its closure is part of a larger company strategy following a merger with Cedar Fair.
- Many rides, including the historic Wild One coaster, face an uncertain future.
A Final Farewell to a Regional Landmark
The iconic Looney Tunes-themed sign, famous for its “That’s all folks!” message, greeted guests for the last time as they exited Six Flags America on Sunday. For many, this sign represented the end of a fun-filled day, but this time, it signaled a permanent closure. The park, which has operated as a Six Flags property since 1998, began its life in the 1970s.
The decision to close was announced in May. Six Flags confirmed it would sell the land but has not yet named a buyer. Kristin Fitzgerald, a spokesperson for Six Flags, stated that interest from potential buyers and developers has been significant. The company anticipates finding a buyer whose plans will positively impact Prince George’s County.
Park History at a Glance
- 1970s: Opened as a drive-through safari.
- Later: Transformed into a water park.
- Current: Operated as an amusement park with both water rides and roller coasters.
- 1998: Became Six Flags America.
The Path to Closure: Financial Challenges and Mergers
Six Flags America's closure comes as part of a strategic portfolio review following the merger of Six Flags with rival Cedar Fair last year. Industry observers were not surprised by the decision. Mergers often lead to consolidation and the divestment of underperforming assets.
The Bowie park consistently ranked among the lowest performers within the Six Flags company in terms of both revenue and attendance. Despite adding four roller coasters between 1999 and 2001, which generated initial excitement, the park struggled with maintaining the guest experience and saw relatively little investment in new attractions over the years.
"Interest from buyers and developers has been high and we anticipate eventually bringing forward a buyer whose plan will provide a positive impact on Prince George’s County," said Kristin Fitzgerald, a Six Flags spokesperson.
Unused Land and Failed Development Attempts
The amusement park itself occupies only a fraction of the sprawling 523-acre parcel it sits on. Six Flags previously attempted to generate revenue from the unused land, including leasing a portion to a paintball company, which has since closed. Other concepts, such as a campground or a solar panel farm, never materialized.
In 2021, a developer proposed building 300 apartments and a mixed-use retail zone with a grocery store. However, strong neighborhood pushback ultimately stalled these efforts. The large land parcel, coupled with the park's low revenue, made it a prime candidate for sale.
Company Restructuring
The parent company, Six Flags, has faced broader challenges. It has reported suffering attendance, a stepping down of its CEO, and a significant drop in its stock value, which halved since the start of the year. The sale of the Bowie property, along with some land at King's Dominion, is expected to generate at least $200 million for the company.
The Future of Rides and Roller Coasters
With the park's closure, the fate of its rides hangs in the balance. Six Flags has indicated it might relocate or sell some rides to other parks. However, this could prove challenging for many of the aging attractions.
The park's oldest coaster, Wild One, holds a significant place in amusement park history. Originally built in Massachusetts in 1917, it is one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the world. When it was moved to Maryland in 1986, an official remarked, "We saved this coaster from destruction. It would have been toothpicks by now." Now, it faces a similar, uncertain future.
While some parts, like ride cars, might be repurposed, many of the coasters will likely be scrapped. This weekend, coaster enthusiasts gathered for a final reunion, with many anticipating an emotional farewell on the park's last day.
- The Wild One roller coaster was built in 1917.
- It spans over a mile from start to finish.
- It is one of the world's oldest roller coasters.
Community Impact and Nostalgia
For local residents like Brichette Reid of Washington, Six Flags America was more than just an amusement park; it felt like home. Despite visiting numerous parks across the country, the Bowie location held a special place in her heart. Many visitors shared similar sentiments, reflecting on years of memories created within its gates.
The closure leaves a void in the region's leisure landscape and raises questions about the economic impact on Prince George's County. As the land awaits a new owner and a new purpose, the memories of thrilling rides and family fun will linger for those who experienced Six Flags America.
