Six Flags is closing one of its locations at the end of the season — here's why

It's "the end of an era," as the Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor location in Maryland is closing down after 26 years, the amusement park's parent company announced.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced in a news release on May 1 that it will be closing its location in Bowie at the end of the 2025 operating season, with plans to sell the 500-acre property for redevelopment.

“We have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Six Flags President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in the news release. “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment."

Six Flags has been in existence at the location about 18 miles outside of Washington, D.C., since 1999 and was previously a wildlife preserve, according to The Washington Post.

The park kicked off its 2025 season on April 12, and the final day will be Nov. 2, 2025, according to the news release.

“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,” Zimmerman said, adding, “Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor have been an important part of the local community, and this final season will be an opportunity to celebrate the decades of fun that guests have enjoyed at the property.”

The park employs about 70 full-time associates, who will receive severance pay, according to the company.

Prince George’s County Council member Wala Blegay, who represents the area of the park, called the decision "deeply disappointing" in a statement on Facebook.

"The closure represents a significant loss, especially for our District 6 families who have built generational ties to the park," Blegay said in the statement.

Blegay's fellow Prince George's County Council member Krystal Oriadha called it "the end of an era" in a statement on Facebook.

"For decades, this park has been a staple of family fun and youth engagement, as well as a key driver of seasonal employment and tourism," Oriadha said in the statement. "Its loss is a significant blow — not just emotionally, but economically, impacting workers, local businesses, and countless families who have made memories there."

Both council members added that they will be working with planners on the future redevelopment of the land.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation owns 42 parks operating in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, according to its website.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com