Six Flags Entertainment has announced a significant shift in its business strategy, agreeing to sell seven of its amusement and water parks across North America. The deal, valued at approximately $331 million, involves the sale of the properties to real estate investment trust EPR Properties.
The transaction includes well-known regional parks such as Michigan's Adventure, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, and the company's only Canadian property, La Ronde in Montreal. This move is part of a broader effort by Six Flags to streamline its portfolio and concentrate resources on its most profitable locations.
Key Takeaways
- Six Flags Entertainment is selling seven parks for approximately $331 million to EPR Properties.
- The sale is a strategic decision to focus on higher-performing assets and pay down debt.
- The parks will continue normal operations, and all 2026 season passes will be honored.
- New operators, Enchanted Parks and La Ronde Operations, will manage the parks.
A Strategic Shift in Operations
Six Flags Entertainment is adjusting its focus by divesting several key properties. The company stated the sale allows it to better allocate capital and leadership toward parks that offer the strongest financial returns and potential for long-term growth.
In a statement, Six Flags CEO John Reilly described the move as a strategic divestiture. "This divestiture enables us to concentrate our capital, leadership and operational focus on the properties that we believe generate the strongest returns and offer the greatest long-term upside," Reilly said. The cash proceeds from the sale, after taxes and other expenses, are designated for paying down corporate debt.
The Full List of Parks Included in the Sale
The agreement covers a diverse group of properties in both the United States and Canada:
- Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Galveston, Texas
- Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York
- Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri
- Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri
After the sale is finalized, Six Flags will operate a portfolio of 34 parks across 23 locations in North America. The deal is expected to close late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2026.
New Management and a Seamless Transition
The buyer, EPR Properties, is a real estate investment trust specializing in experiential properties. This acquisition significantly expands its portfolio in the attractions sector. EPR Properties has confirmed it will not be operating the parks directly.
Instead, EPR will partner with two new management companies. Enchanted Parks will take over operations for the six U.S.-based locations, while La Ronde Operations will manage the Montreal park. This structure allows EPR to focus on its role as a property owner while experienced park managers handle daily operations.
"This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets."
For visitors, the transition is expected to be smooth. Six Flags has assured customers that all parks will maintain their regular operating schedules. Importantly, any season passes already sold for the 2026 season will be fully recognized by the new management, ensuring no disruption for loyal guests.
Financial and Market Impact
The seven parks involved in the sale are significant regional attractions. Combined, they hosted approximately 4.5 million guests in the last year, generating around $260 million in net revenue for Six Flags. The sale price of $331 million reflects the value of these established entertainment assets.
By the Numbers: The Six Flags Deal
- Sale Price: ~$331 Million
- Number of Parks Sold: 7
- Combined 2025 Attendance: 4.5 Million Guests
- Combined 2025 Revenue: ~$260 Million
- Remaining Six Flags Parks: 34
By selling these properties, Six Flags not only receives a significant cash infusion to improve its balance sheet but also narrows its operational scope. This allows the company to invest more heavily in upgrades, new attractions, and marketing for its remaining 34 parks, which it identifies as its core, higher-performing assets.
The move is part of a larger trend in the amusement park industry, where major corporations are re-evaluating their portfolios to maximize profitability in a competitive entertainment landscape. Focusing on flagship parks and high-growth markets has become a common strategy for long-term stability and success.
What This Means for Park Visitors
The primary concern for many is what changes, if any, will come to their local parks. For the immediate future, visitors should expect business as usual. The commitment to honor 2026 season passes is a key indicator that the new operators intend to maintain continuity.
Over the long term, the new management under Enchanted Parks and La Ronde Operations may introduce new branding, events, or capital improvements. Being part of EPR Properties' portfolio could also lead to new investment in rides, infrastructure, and guest experiences as the new owners look to maximize the value of their acquisition.
For now, families can continue to plan their visits to these seven popular destinations with confidence. The parks will open for the 2026 season as scheduled, ready to welcome guests under new leadership but with the same commitment to entertainment.
