After more than two decades of roller coasters, summer crowds, and family memories, Six Flags America and its adjoining Hurricane Harbor water park officially close their doors today, Sunday, November 2, 2025. Located at 13710 Central Avenue in Bowie, the 500-acre property marks the end of an era as Maryland’s only Six Flags park concludes its final season.
The park originally opened in 1974 as Wild World, a wildlife preserve and safari park. It later added traditional amusement rides and water attractions as it evolved into more of a theme park during the 1980s and remained Wild World until 1992. After being purchased by Premier Parks in the early 1990s, the park was rebranded as Adventure World in 1993. During this period, the focus shifted toward thrill rides and roller coasters, setting the stage for its future as a major amusement destination. Premier Parks acquired Six Flags in 1998 and rebranded several of its parks under the Six Flags name the following year. including Adventure World, which became Six Flags America in 1999.
The closure follows Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s announcement earlier this year that it would permanently shut down the Maryland park and market the site for redevelopment. The company has partnered with CBRE to oversee the sale of the property, which could eventually be transformed into new commercial or mixed-use development, though the future of the space remains uncertain.
“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 plan,” said Six Flags President & CEO Richard A. Zimmerman. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment.”
Zimmerman acknowledged the park’s legacy and those who helped make it a summer staple for generations. “This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests. We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories, and this final season will be an opportunity to celebrate the decades of fun guests have enjoyed at the property.”
Six Flags America had modified its fall schedule leading into its final weeks, canceling its popular Fright Fest event and instead offering Kids Boo Fest, a family-friendly daytime celebration. The park operated weekends only throughout the fall, with today serving as the last chance for visitors to experience rides like Superman: Ride of Steel, Batwing, and Joker’s Jinx before they close for good.
The Bowie park’s closure comes amid industry changes following the July 2024 merger of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and Cedar Fair, the parent company of Kings Dominion and other amusement parks across North America. The combined company has since been streamlining its operations and re-evaluating underperforming properties.
As the final guests exit through the gates tonight, the future of the site remains unknown, but for many Marylanders, the memories of summers spent at Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor will remain a lasting part of the state’s entertainment history.
