Theme park enthusiasts face disappointment as Six Flags Entertainment Corp., a dominant force in the amusement park sector across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, prepares to cease operations at two of its Maryland properties by the close of 2025. Six Flags America in Bowie and its aquatic counterpart, Hurricane Harbor, are scheduled to shut their doors permanently on Sunday, November 2, 2025. This strategic move is not projected to significantly affect the company's financial results for the year.

Richard A. Zimmerman, President and CEO of Six Flags, articulated in a formal statement that the decision stems from a comprehensive evaluation of their park assets, concluding that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor do not align with the company's long-term expansion strategies. He acknowledged the difficult nature of this choice and its repercussions for both employees and patrons of the parks.

This announcement follows a significant merger in 2024 between Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. and Six Flags Theme Parks Inc., resulting in a consolidated entity operating 42 parks under the Six Flags Entertainment Corp. banner. Despite the impending closures, Six Flags reported robust visitor numbers during the 2025 summer season across its remaining attractions, including the acclaimed Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.

The impending closure of these two locations, though regrettable for devoted fans, has not come as a surprise to many. Discussions on online platforms, such as Reddit, indicated a general lack of astonishment among parkgoers regarding the news. Commenters frequently cited the parks' pre-existing challenges, including a perceived decline in maintenance and a less-than-stellar reputation, exacerbated by the economic impact of the pandemic and the recent corporate merger.

Upon the permanent cessation of operations at Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor, Maryland will no longer host a Six Flags facility. Nevertheless, the state continues to offer other notable entertainment venues, such as Trimper Rides in Ocean City, renowned as America's longest continuously family-operated carnival. This situation is not isolated, as California's Great America in the Bay Area is also slated for closure after its 2027 season, with company officials contemplating non-renewal of its lease due to profitability concerns. These developments reflect a broader trend within the amusement park industry, where strategic consolidations and portfolio adjustments are made to optimize long-term viability and growth, ensuring that while some chapters close, others continue to thrive, constantly adapting to market demands and visitor preferences.