The Shocking List: Which Six Flags Parks Are Closing And Why The Company Is Selling $6 Billion In Real Estate

The landscape of American theme parks is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is at the epicenter of this seismic shift. As of December 2025, the company has confirmed the permanent closure and sale of multiple parks, marking a sharp pivot in its long-term business strategy. This aggressive move, driven by a desire to divest "non-core assets," aims to consolidate resources, boost profitability, and focus on high-performing flagship locations, leaving many fans wondering about the future of their favorite regional thrill destinations.

The decision to shutter long-standing parks is not a sign of financial distress but rather a calculated strategy to monetize valuable real estate and reinvest in the remaining portfolio. The closures are part of a broader corporate plan to streamline operations, reduce debt, and allocate a massive $1 billion investment toward improving the guest experience at core parks. For enthusiasts, this means saying goodbye to some beloved locations, but for the company, it represents a strategic reset designed to elevate the brand's quality and profitability.

The Confirmed Closures: A Strategic Divestiture List

The corporate strategy of divesting non-core assets has led to the confirmed permanent closure of several parks, with the land being sold for redevelopment. This list represents the most recent and significant closures announced by the company, reflecting a focus on monetizing underperforming properties.

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• Six Flags America (Bowie, Maryland)
• Hurricane Harbor Maryland (Bowie, Maryland)
• California's Great America (Santa Clara, California)

Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor Maryland

The most immediate and impactful closure announcement involves the Washington, D.C. area park. Six Flags America, along with its adjacent water park, Hurricane Harbor Maryland, is officially scheduled to permanently close its gates after the conclusion of the 2025 season.

The final day of operation for the theme park is set for November 2, 2025, with the water park closing slightly earlier on September 6, 2025. This closure marks the end of 25 years of operation for the Maryland location. The entire 500-acre property is slated to be sold for redevelopment, a key component of the company's new real estate monetization strategy.

The California's Great America Nuance

While Six Flags America is a direct Six Flags property being closed, another major park closure is also on the horizon that is relevant to the company's strategic discussions: California's Great America. Although historically owned by Cedar Fair, the park is set to shutter by 2028. This closure is significant because the two parent companies, Six Flags and Cedar Fair, are in the process of merging. The combined entity will have a massive portfolio, and the closure of a park like California's Great America is seen as part of the broader industry trend of consolidating assets and monetizing valuable land in prime locations like Santa Clara, California.

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This divestiture strategy is not just about closing parks; it's about shifting resources. For example, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey also saw the closure of its record-breaking roller coaster, Kingda Ka, in November 2024, signaling a continuous evaluation of all assets, even within their flagship locations.

The Strategic Rationale: Why Six Flags is Selling Its Land

The decision to close parks and sell off the underlying real estate is the centerpiece of Six Flags' new corporate direction. This strategy, often referred to as a "divestiture of non-core assets," is driven by a two-pronged goal: maximizing shareholder value and improving the quality of the remaining parks.

Monetizing Real Estate for Billions

The most compelling reason for the closures is the immense value of the land. The closure of Six Flags America, for instance, is explicitly linked to selling the 500-acre property for redevelopment. More broadly, the company has faced pressure from activist investors, such as Land & Buildings, to aggressively monetize its vast land holdings.

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Some analysts and investors believe the total value of Six Flags' real estate could be worth as much as $6 billion. The proposed methods for unlocking this value include an outright sale of properties or converting the company's land assets into a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). By selling parks that offer low financial returns, Six Flags can inject significant capital into the company's balance sheet, which can then be used to pay down debt or fund major improvements.

Focusing on High-Return Assets and Guest Experience

The current strategy is to focus capital and management attention on the parks that generate the highest returns and possess the strongest long-term growth potential. The company has publicly stated that its priority is to close or sell parks that do not meet its new strategic or financial goals. This allows for a more concentrated effort on improving the overall guest experience at its flagship locations.

To back this commitment, Six Flags announced a massive $1 billion investment to be spent on park improvements and new attractions across its remaining portfolio. This capital spending is set to continue, with plans to invest between $475 million and $500 million annually in both 2025 and 2026. The goal is to move away from a volume-focused business model to a value-focused one, attracting fewer, but higher-spending, guests who are willing to pay more for a premium experience.

The Future of Six Flags: Investment and Consolidation

While the news of park closures is disappointing for local communities, the company's long-term vision is one of consolidation and strategic growth. The divestiture strategy is not a retreat but a restructuring designed to make the combined Six Flags-Cedar Fair entity a more efficient and profitable operation in the competitive amusement park industry.

The focus on cost reduction is also a major component, with the company targeting year-over-year cost reductions of $90 million for the second half of 2025. These operational efficiencies, combined with the substantial real estate monetization, are intended to create a healthier, more financially stable company capable of sustaining large-scale capital projects.

For theme park fans, the closures are a clear sign that the era of every regional park surviving is over. However, the $1 billion investment promises a revitalized experience at the remaining parks, including Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Great Adventure, and others. As the company moves toward the completion of its merger and the execution of its divestiture plan, the amusement park world will continue to watch closely to see which parks are next on the list for a sale or closure, and how the massive capital infusion transforms the guest experience at the parks that remain.