Six Flags America

Amusement park in Woodmore, Maryland, US

Not to be confused with Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.

Six Flags AmericaPreviously known as
The Wildlife Preserve (1974–1978)
Wild Country (1978–1981)
Wild World (1982–1992)
Adventure World (1993–1998)

Location| Woodmore, Maryland, U.S.
Coordinates| 38°54′22″N 76°46′21″W﻿ / ﻿38.90620°N 76.77257°W﻿ / 38.90620; -76.77257
Status| Operating
Opened| July 15, 1974; 51 years ago (1974-07-15)[1]
Owner| Six Flags
General manager| Ramar Vaughan
Slogan| Go Big!
Operating season| April through October
Area| 523 acres (212 ha) (131 acres (53 ha) currently used for park operations)
Attractions
Total| 28
Roller coasters| 9
Water rides| 16
Website| Official website

Six Flags America is an amusement park in Woodmore, Maryland, United States,[2][3] near Upper Marlboro,[4] adjacent to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Founded as a wildlife center in 1974 by Ross Perot, ABC television operated the park as a drive-through safari called The Largo Wildlife Preserve, from 1974 until its closure, in 1978.[5] The property was bought by Jim Fowler's Wild Kingdom; thereafter, the site was gradually converted from a wildlife preserve into a theme park named Wild World. In 1992, the park was renamed Adventure World after being acquired by Premier Parks.

The park was rebranded as the tenth Six Flags park, after Premier Parks acquired Six Flags Inc., and adopted its name, in 1999; the name-change to Six Flags America—and all associated IP and theming—was unveiled for the park’s 1999 operating season. The "America" in the park's name was chosen due to the park's close proximity to the U.S. capital; the park’s entry plaza and “promenade” also features colonial-era architecture and related theming of Colonial Maryland. On May 1, 2025, Six Flags announced that the park would close following the conclusion of the 2025 operating season on November 2, 2025.[6][7]

## History

[edit]

### The Wildlife Preserve

[edit]

The Wildlife Preserve logo 1974

In June 1971, Irish brothers Frank and William Stephenson, who were both animal trainers, approached Texas billionaire Ross Perot about financing an animal park they wanted to open “somewhere on the East Coast of the United States”.[8] The Stephensons and Perot formed the company C.T. Industries, Inc. to build and run the park. Ultimately, they narrowed their decision down to the D.C. area, and purchased 280 acres (110 ha) of land in Prince George's County, Maryland. On December 22, 1971, they applied to the Prince George's County planning board for a special zoning exception.[8] The park was announced to the public in February 1972, with a projected opening before the end of that year.

> It's quite a lot of fun to see these two fellows [Frank and Williams Stephenson] put this together... I didn't know them at all until they walked into my office with their idea... I'm convinced they have the ability to do this well. I'm just a guy standing there with a grease gun. I can lubricate their idea with financial encouragement.[8]

— Ross Perot

In 1973, plans for the park were taken-over by ABC’s Scenic & Wildlife Attractions division (ABCSWA).[9] On April 28, 1973, John E. Campbell (ABCSWA President) confirmed they were negotiating the purchase of another 125 acres (51 ha) for the park.[10] In February 1974, William H. Natter, Jr., who had been vice-president of C.T. Industries, was made vice-president of ABC Scenic and Wildlife Attractions, in addition to general manager of the new park.[11]

The Wildlife Preserve, a drive-through wildlife park, opened on Monday, July 15, 1974.[12][1] Initially, estimated attendance was approximately 850,000 visitors a year.[13] However, those reasonably ambitious attendance numbers never materialized. In 1975, the park added narrated tours through four-car, 150-person-capacity shuttle trains. However, the park failed to promote itself, effectively enough, to generate public interest or profits. In an effort to save-face, ABCSWA announced a $30m amusement park expansion to the struggling drive-through safari (around $171.6m in 2023).[14]

Plans for the expansion were scrapped, and, in February 1976, it was announced that the park was closed permanently. ABCSWA released a statement, claiming that the park had experienced “unacceptable attendance and revenues” in 1974 and 1975; The Wildlife Preserve itself was said to be a $4m liability for ABC, for the year 1975 (approximately $22.8m in 2023).[15]

In June 1976, William H. Natter, Jr. director of the park, revealed most of the parks 350 animals had already been sold off to municipal zoos, animal dealers, and other wildlife preserves.[16] "Fortunately, the animals are bringing the current market value. However, lions are hard to sell. There just isn't a market for them. Their price ranges from gratis to $300," he said. "We are phasing the entire operation out and hope to have everything finished here by July 1."

ABC didn't manage to sell the land until 1978, when the park was sold to Jim Fowler, the host of Wild Kingdom. For the 1979 season, the park was planned to reopened with a guided train tour through the safari exhibits, and a smaller park with a children's playground, animal shows, and a petting zoo.[17] The park never opened for the 1979 season, due to financial issues and remained closed in 1980 as well.[18]

### Wild World

[edit]

Original Wild World Logo from 1988

In the summer of 1980, the safari was sold to a group of local businessmen, who invested $11 million into expanding the park.[19] The animal drive-through safari remained, and the park added three flat rides, two kid's rides and a carousel. The park was named Wild World and open by June 26, 1982.[20] In addition to the select amusement rides, four tube waterslides were added, along with two body slides and a children's water play area. This brought modest improvements in revenue.

The 1983 season saw the addition of four more flat rides, including the High Seas (a swinging pirate ship attraction) and giant swings. The waterslide area was expanded, at the time, to a full water park; with the addition of more water slides and a large wave pool, a more successful 1983 season was underway. Dubbed the 'Wild Wave', $2 million was spent adding the wave pool and it officially opened May 30 for the 1983 season.[21]

Tragically, a 9-year-old boy named Christie Davis died late that summer[21] while in the wave pool, which resulted in operational safety changes.[22] The park's attendance had improved, but the park was still unable to break-even. During the 1983 season, the safari was closed; instead, a guided train tour would pass through a few of the animal areas, stop at Safari Village, and tour the rest of the animal exhibits, before arriving back at the station. The Safari Village featured elephant, camel and pony rides, a petting zoo, various eateries, arts-and-crafts, and games; the crowd favorite, “Guess Your Age Or Weight” (featuring Regina Williams), proved so popular that it was relocated to the main park. The animals were sold and moved after the 1983 season ended. In 1984, most of the adult rides were removed from the park and held in storage, leaving only three, plus a few of the children's rides. The park opted to move in the direction of being solely a water park. A new stadium was built that year, along with several more water slides. The park would perform very well on hot days, but faltered a bit more in cooler weather, due to the shift in predominantly swimming- and water-based attractions.

In 1985, the rides were therefore brought back out of storage. That year, Wild World's management wanted to build a major wooden rollercoaster for the park in the 1986 season, but the costs were too high. There was widespread opposition to the plan from the surrounding community.[23] In addition to adding a roller coaster, the park intended to add a 3000-seat amphitheater, and an overnight campground for guests.[24]

At the time, Knoebels (amusement park in Pennsylvania) had acquired a used rollercoaster, Phoenix, from a defunct park in Texas; Wild World's management team was inspired and began looking for a used coaster for Wild World. With Massachusetts’ Paragon Park closing at the end of 1984, their “Giant Coaster”, which had operated since 1917, was for-sale; in the spring of 1985, Wild World acquired the old PTC coaster, rebranding it “The Wild One” and placing it in an area of the former animal park. The coaster opened in the spring of 1986 to very positive public reviews, and is still running to this day.[25] A kiddie coaster was added to the park at the same time.[citation needed]

For the 1987 season, Wild World added another water play area and a lazy river. In 1988, the park would see a renovation to its buildings and midways, and a few new flat rides. In 1989, a log flume was added, along with a family raft waterslide in the waterpark. In 1990, the park began to have maintenance issues with many of their carnival-style flat rides, with several unable to be repaired. In 1991, only nine flat rides remained and the park was ultimately put up for sale.

### Adventure World

[edit]

Adventure World logo from a ticket stub

In 1992, Wild World was purchased by Tierco Group Inc., later known as Premier Parks, which renamed the park Adventure World in March 1994.[26][27][28] That year several flat rides and a few kiddie rides were added. In 1993, Adventure World added its second adult rollercoaster. Premier Parks had acquired Lightning Loops from Six Flags. This was a dual-track steel single looping shuttle coaster located at Six Flags Great Adventure. One of the tracks was sent to Premier Parks' Frontier City located in Oklahoma City (where it still operates today as the Diamondback), while the other track became known as the Python and would be located at Adventure World.[29] Also, a water ride called Shipwreck Falls, in which a 15-person boat would run up a steel track and down a 45-foot (14 m) drop into a splashwater pool, was added. More flat rides were added in 1994. By this time, the new additions were well-received, shown as Inside Track Magazine named Adventure World as the most improved amusement park in the country for a third consecutive year in 1994.[30][31]

Adventure World in 1996

On May 20, 1995, Vekoma's first Mind Eraser, an inverted looping suspended coaster, opened.[32] This was branded a SLC. In 1996, a free-fall drop-tower ride called the Tower of Doom, now known as Voodoo Drop, made by Intamin was added. In 1997, the park added a second dry water ride called Typhoon Sea Coaster, which was a log flume/junior rollercoaster hybrid. It was later renamed Skull Mountain and eventually closed in July 2011[33] to make room for a new roller coaster.[34] In 1997, the water park was renovated, eliminating some older slides, adding newer slides and extensively remodeling the children's water play area.

### Six Flags ownership

[edit]

Aerial view of Six Flags America in 2016

Premier Parks acquired the Six Flags amusement park chain from Time Warner in April 1998, forming the company Six Flags Incorporated.[35] The same year, a wooden roller coaster called Roar, which was built and designed by Great Coasters International, was added to Adventure World.[36] At the end of 1998 season, Six Flags announced that Adventure World would be branded with the Six Flags theme and renamed Six Flags America for the 1999 season. The park was officially renamed Six Flags America on October 28, 1998, and a large gala was thrown at the park to commemorate the change. Carrot cake was served in honor of Bugs Bunny the new mascot for the park. The name change allowed for the park to utilize the Looney Tunes and DC characters in its marketing.[37]

Other changes included the addition of Gotham City, a new DC comics-themed section in the park named after the fictional city, and three new coasters – Two Face: The Flip Side, The Joker's Jinx (the park's only launched roller coaster), and Great Chase replacing Cannonball in the kiddie area.[38] Python was closed and moved into storage.

Roar, a wooden roller coaster designed and built by Great Coasters International, opened for the 1998 season. Six Flags America - The Mind Eraser

For the 2000 season, a new hypercoaster called Superman: Ride of Steel from Intamin opened.[39] Its layout is a mirror image of Six Flags Darien Lake's Ride of Steel which opened the previous year.[40] The next year on June 16, the park opened Batwing, a Batman-themed Vekoma flying coaster located in the Gotham City area.[41] A bungee ride called Skycoaster also opened in the area in 2001. Several flat rides were added in 2002 and a river rapids ride called Blizzard River was added in 2003. In 2005, the Paradise Island water park was upgraded and retitled Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. The transition from Paradise Island to Hurricane Harbor saw the addition of a new Tornado water slide as well as renovations to existing attractions and buildings. Tony Hawk's Halfpipe water slide was added in 2008.[42]

In 2010, Six Flags America renovated the Hurricane Bay wave pool deck, adding a new stamped, concrete deck and additional shading. Also the same year, the Thomas Town family area opened featuring eight rides and attractions all themed to Thomas the Tank Engine. The 3.5-acre (14,000 m2) area was billed as North America's largest Thomas Town and marked Six Flags America's largest expansion in more than a decade. Several months later, Six Flags would announce the removal of several licensed agreements as a result of restructuring following the company's emergence from bankruptcy. Thomas the Tank Engine, Tony Hawk, The Wiggles and Evel Knievel themes would be removed from all Six Flags parks beginning in 2011. At Six Flags America, Thomas Town was renamed Whistlestop Park and Tony Hawk's Halfpipe slide was renamed Halfpipe.[43][44]

For 2012, the park added Apocalypse, a stand-up roller coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, which featured two inversions and a ten-story drop. The roller coaster had previously operated as Iron Wolf at Six Flags Great America.[45]

In 2013, the park added the six-slide complex Bonzai Pipelines to Hurricane Harbor.[46][47]

In 2014, Six Flags re-themed a section of the park to feature Mardi Gras. The area would feature a new roller coaster named Ragin' Cajun and a set of Flying Scooters named French Quarter Flyers.[48] Like Apocalypse, Ragin' Cajun was relocated from Six Flags Great America and it was placed in the former location of Two Face: The Flip Side which was removed from the park in 2007. The Mardi Gras section replaced Southwest Territory and the area's existing rides were rethemed to match the new Mardi Gras theme. Tower of Doom, for example, was renamed Voodoo Drop.[49]

In 2015, a flat ride called Bourbon Street Fireball was added.[50] This ride is commonly known as a Super Loop. Similar rides were also added to three other Six Flags parks.

In 2016, Six Flags America added a new family water play structure to Hurricane Harbor named Splashwater Falls, which replaced the former Crocodile Cal's Beach House.[51]

Six Flags America announced on September 1, 2016, that they would be adding a Funtime Starflyer model, similar to the many SkyScreamer rides at other locations in the chain. At 24 stories (~250-foot (76 m)), Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth is the tallest ride in the park.[52]

Announced in August 2018, Apocalypse was converted into a floorless coaster and renamed Firebird for the 2019 season.[53]

In 2023, the park announced that the park's Hurricane Harbor water park (now named Hurricane Harbor Maryland) would receive RipQurl Blaster, the DMV's tallest water coaster.[54]

#### Closing

[edit]

In July 2024, parent company Six Flags and amusement park owner and operator Cedar Fair merged.[55] After the merger, the newly formed Six Flags Entertainment Corporation outlined plans in their first quarterly earnings meeting for a portfolio optimization in the company, which may include closing or selling off some of its locations.[56] A spokesperson from the company after the announcement a day later, stated that the company has no plans to close parks.[57][58] Roughly six months later on May 1, 2025, Six Flags announced in a press release that it would be closing Six Flags America as part of its ongoing portfolio optimization program.[6][7] The park scheduled its final operating day as November 2, 2025.[59] No announcements in the press release were made on the status of the attractions in the park after closing.[60]

## Location

[edit]

The park is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and is situated about 15 miles (24 km) east of Washington, D.C. and 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Baltimore. The park covers 523 acres (212 ha), with 300 available for expansion. It resides on the property of a former tobacco farm, Partnership Mansion.

## Themed sections

[edit]

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|

Six Flags America is divided into seven themed areas inspired by the different extremes of the United States, as well as fictional settings like the City of Gotham, and Looney Tunes: Movie Town.

### Main Street 1776

[edit]

Main Street 1776, also known as Liberty Street, or just Main Street, is inspired by Colonial North America set during the American Revolution. The buildings feature colonial design and host stores and restaurants.[61] A replica of the Liberty Bell is featured at the entrance of the street.

### Chesapeake

[edit]

In Chesapeake guests can experience the motifs that surround life on the Chesapeake Bay. It embodies life on the water, featuring Life Savers and fishing nets caught on drift-wood. It is home to Firebird, and Roar. This area was split into two different sections, Skull Island and Olde Boston until Olde Boston was brought back in 2022. Skull Island focused heavily on the inclusion of pirates.

### Olde Boston

[edit]

A colonial themed area.

### Looney Tunes Movie Town

[edit]

Looney Tunes Movie Town is inspired by the Looney Tunes cartoons of the 1930s and 1940s and the aesthetic of the era. It allows guests the chance to visit the homes of the cartoons' stars, such as Bugs Bunny and Granny. The "town" features the Great Chase, a children's coaster that takes guests through the set of the next Looney Tunes cartoon being filmed, starring Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner.

### Mardi Gras

[edit]

Formerly South West Territory, Mardi Gras is supposed to be an all year New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration. Added to the park in 2014, the new themed land features the Ragin' Cajun, a wild mouse coaster where guests are trying to escape the attack of alligators in the Bayou. This land also features The Wild One, a wooden coaster that turned 100 years old in 2017.

### Gotham City

[edit]

Main article: Gotham City (themed area)

Added in the year 2000, Gotham City is a land that allows guests to experience the dark and dirty industrial district of DC Comics' most notorious city. Guests can be held hostage by The Joker and forced to ride his Jinxed carnival coaster. They can soar above the clouds with Superman, on the Superman - Ride of Steel, or hope to stay dry while rushing down the Penguin's Blizzard River.

### SteamTown

[edit]

Recreating the pioneer days of the American frontier, the land drops guests in the frontier town of Coyote Creek. From its opening in 1994,[62] it has offered entertainment and attractions include Renegade Rapids, a white water rafting ride down the dangerous rivers of the west inspired by the Colorado River. Coyote Creek was home to the Crazy Horse Saloon, a nod to the western saloons where cowboys used to drink and relax.

Six Flags America announced in 2023 that Coyote Creek would be shut down and completely replaced into an appropriately named SteamTown.[63] The portion of the park features a steampunk-esque theming with complete retheming to rides and shopping, as well as a new stunt show. It opened in June 2024 for SFA's 25th anniversary celebration, as announced via Six Flags Americas' email newsletter directly to passholders.[64]

## Current rides

[edit]

### Roller coasters

[edit]

Ride Name  | Picture  | Opened  | Manufacturer  | Ride Type  | Status  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Batwing |  | 2001  | Vekoma | Flying Dutchman | Operating  | Gotham City  | Similar to Nighthawk at Carowinds and Firehawk at Kings Island.
Firebird |  | 2012  | Bolliger & Mabillard | Floorless Coaster | Operating  | Chesapeake  | Relocated from Six Flags Great America, where it was known as Iron Wolf and opened in 1990. Formerly known as Apocalypse: The Last Stand from 2012 to 2018, when the ride was converted from a stand-up coaster to a floorless coaster.
Great Chase  |  | 1999  | Zamperla | Family Gravity Coaster  | Operating  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  | A family coaster themed to Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner.
The Joker's Jinx |  | 1999  | Premier Rides | LIM Spaghetti Bowl Coaster  | Operating  | Gotham City  | Similar layout to Flight of Fear coasters at Kings Island and Kings Dominion, and Poltergeist at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Professor Screamore's SkyWinder  |  | 1995  | Vekoma | Suspended Looping Coaster | Operating  | Steamtown  | The first "Mind Eraser"; Vekoma built 27 Suspended Looping Coaster with the same Layout.[65] Formerly known as Mind Eraser
Ragin' Cajun |  | 2014  | Reverchon | Spinning Coaster / Original | Operating  | Mardi Gras  | Relocated Ragin' Cajun coaster from Six Flags Great America on the site of Two-Face and Python.
Roar |  | 1998  | Great Coasters International | Wooden sit down  | Operating  | Chesapeake  | The first "Roar" and the only one still standing; had one duplicate at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Superman:
Ride of Steel |  | 2000  | Intamin | Megacoaster | Operating  | Gotham City  | Mirror image of Ride of Steel coaster at Six Flags Darien Lake.
The Wild One |  | 1986  | Dinn Corporation | Wooden | Operating  | Mardi Gras
| Relocated from Paragon Park in Hull, Massachusetts as Giant Coaster. Originally built in 1917.

### Family rides

[edit]

Name  | Opened  | Manufacturer/Ride Type  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|

Pirate's Flight  | 1982  | Intamin/Flying Dutchman  | Chesapeake  | Moved to the former site of the Curving Dervish in 1996.
Capital Railways  | 1983  | General Electric/Train ride  | Olde Boston  | The 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge[66] train ride originally was opened during the Wild World years and was called Wild World Railroad. Under Premier ownership, it was mostly used for catered picnic customers only, it was opened to everyone in 2009.
Carousel  | 1983  | International Amusement/Carousel | Olde Boston  | The former stripe colors on the Carousel canopy were Yellow & Blue 1988–1998. Now 1999–present Red & White canopy was switched when Six Flags America opened.
High Seas  | 1984  | Intamin/Swinging ship  | Chesapeake  | This ride was purchased from the defunct Little England Theme park in Florida
Electro Derby  | 1990  | Preston Amusements/Bumper cars  | Steamtown  | Formerly named Los Coches and Coyote Creek Crazy Cars
Cyclone  | 1993  | Eli Bridge/Scrambler | Chesapeake  | Moved to the former site of Pirate's Flight in 1996. Formerly known as Scrambler (1993-1996), the ride was renamed to Cyclone when it was moved to the area that where French Quarter Flyers currently resides in Mardi Gras. The ride was moved again to Chesapeake in 2011 in the location where The Octopus formerly resided.
Minutemen Motors  | 1993  | Gould Manufacturing Antique cars  | Olde Boston  | Originally named The Great Race, based on the 1965 film of the same name. The attraction was renamed in 2023.[67]
Tea Cups  | 1995  | Zamperla/Tea cups  | Olde Boston  | A cover was added for the Tea Cups when park became Six Flags America.
Flying Carousel  | 1995  | Zamperla/Flying carousel  | Main Street 1776  |
French Quarter Flyers  | 2014  | Larson International/Flying Scooters | Mardi Gras  | Located where the rock-wall formerly resided.
SteamWhirler  | 2024  | Zamperla Nebulaz  | Steamtown  |

### Thrill rides

[edit]

Name  | Opened  | Manufacturer/Ride Type  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|

Riddle Me This  | 1983  | Frank Hrubetz & Company/Round up  | Gotham City  | Originally Named World Wind, location moved to Gotham City section in 1999
Voodoo Drop  | 1996  | Intamin/140 ft (43 m).tall Giant Drop  | Mardi Gras  | Formerly known as Tower of Doom (1996–2013), the ride was renamed Voodoo Drop due to Southwest Territory being rethemed to Mardi Gras in 2014.
Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth | 2017  | Funtime / Starflyer | Gotham City  | A 24-story (242-foot (74 m)) swing ride, similar to other parks. It is the tallest ride in the park.
Harley Quinn Spinsanity  | 2021  | Zamperla / Giant Discovery  | Gotham City  |

### Water rides

[edit]

Name  | Opened  | Manufacturer/Ride Type  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|

Shipwreck Falls  | 1993  | Hopkins Rides/Shoot the chute water ride  | Chesapeake
QuantumCanyon Rapids  | 1995  | Hopkins Rides/Rapids water ride  | Steamtown  | Formerly Called Renegade Rapids
Penguin's Blizzard River | 2003  | WhiteWater West/Spinning rapids water ride  | Gotham City  |

### Upcharge rides

[edit]

Name  | Opened  | Manufacturer/Ride Type  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|

Big Easy Speedway  | 1996  | J&J Amusements/Go-karts  | Mardi Gras  | Extra-charge attraction. Formerly known as Sahara Speedway (1996–2003) and Sonora Speedway (2004–2013), the ride was renamed Big Easy Speedway due to Southwest Territory being rethemed to Mardi Gras in 2014.

### Kids Rides

[edit]

Six Flags America's Kid Section is Looney Tunes Movie Town.[44] Former Kid's Areas was Thomas Town that only operated during the 2010 season and Whistlestop Park

Name  | Opened  | Manufacturer/Ride Type  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|

Elmer's Around the World in 80 Seconds  | 1993  | Zamperla/Kiddie balloon flight  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  | Named Balloon Flight until 1999
Foghorn Leghorn's Tinsel Town Train  | 1993  | Zamperla/Kiddie train ride  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  | Named Circus Train until 1999
Looney Tunes Prop Warehouse  | 1999  | Kiddie soft play area  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  |
Pepe Le Pew's Tea Party  | 1999  | Zamperla/Kiddie tea cups  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  |
Sylvester's Pounce and Bounce  | 1999  | Kiddie drop ride  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  |
Taz's Film Works  | 1999  | Kiddie swings ride  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  |
Yosemite Sam's Hollywood Flight School  | 1999  | Kiddie airplane ride  | Looney Tunes Movie Town  | Originally called Movie Town Airport (1999–2004).

### Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Maryland

[edit]

Hurricane Harbor Maryland[54] is a water park located within Six Flags America and has additional charge for entry. It was previously known as Paradise Island until 2005 when it was rebranded Hurricane Harbor.

Name  | Opened  | Manufacturer/Ride Type  | Notes

|
|
|

Calypso Cannonballs  | 1987  | 2 small tube drop slides  | Named Caribbean Cannonball Flume until 2004
Riptide  |  | Small body slides  | Named Luau Loop until 2004
Vortex  |  | Small body slides  | Named Luau Loop until 2004
Bamboo Chutes  |  | Small body slides  | Named Kid's Flumes until 2004
Hurricane Bay  | 1982  | WaveTek[68]/Wave pool  | Opening as Wild Wave in 1983,[21] and later renamed Monsoon Lagoon until 2004; One of the largest wave pools in the world
Paradise Plunge  | 1994  | Proslide Technology Inc./Pipeline  | Named Tahiti Twister until 2004
Reef Runner  | 1994  | Proslide Technology Inc./Pipeline  | Named Tahiti Twister until 2004
Hammerhead  | 1997  | Proslide Technology Inc./Giant twister  | Named Black Hole until 2004
Mako  | 1997  | Proslide Technology Inc./Drop slide  | Named Bonzai Pipeline until 2004
Bahama Blast  | 2005  | Proslide Technology Inc./Mammoth  |
Buccaneer Beach  | 2005  | Kiddie/family activity area  |
Tornado  | 2005  | Proslide Technology Inc./Tornado 60  |
The Halfpipe  | 2008  | Water Fun Products/Sidewinder  | Waterslide half-pipe for one or two riders. It was known as Tony Hawk's Halfpipe from 2008 to 2010 and rethemed in 2011.
Bonzai Pipelines  | 2013  | SplashTacular DownUnder  | Six slides on one complex structure.[46][47]
Splashwater Falls  | 2016  | Family water play structure  | Containing 7 Slides, a Tipping Bucket, and Interactive Elements
Wahoo River  | 2018  | Wave river  | Contains tipping cones, and rolling waves
RipQurl Blaster  | 2023  | WhiteWater West water coaster | The DMV's tallest water coaster.[54]

## Former attractions

[edit]

### Roller coasters

[edit]

Name  | Opened  | Closed In  | Manufacturer/Ride Type  | Former Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|

Python | 1993  | 1998  | Arrow Dynamics Launched Loop  | Southwest Territory  | Ride was moved from Six Flags Great Adventure (one half of Lightning Loops).
The Great Alonzo's Cannonball Coaster  | 1993  | 1998  | Molina & Son's kiddie coaster  | A Day At The Circus  |
Two Face: The Flip Side | 1999  | 2007  | Vekoma Invertigo roller coaster  | Southwest Territory  | See Incidents at Six Flags parks for more information. This roller coaster was sent to Italy and opened in 2015.

### Rides

[edit]

Including Former Hurricane Harbor Water slides

Name  | Opened  | Removed in  | Manufacturer/Ride type  | Notes

|
|
|
|

Curving Dervish  | 1982  | 1995  | Bayern Curve  | Exact history not known.
Aerial Elephants  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie ride  |
Clown Around  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie ride  |
Clown Town  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie attraction  |
Flying Trapeze  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie attraction  |
Kiddie Bumper Boats  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie ride  |
Lippazanion Stallions  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie attraction  |
Roller Racers  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie ride  |
The Juggler  | 1993  | 1998  | Kiddie ride  |
SkyEscaper  | 1983  | 2004  | Fahtz / IAD Enterprise 16  | The ride was closed in 2002.
Iron Eagle  | 1995  | 2005  | Zamperla Rotoshake  |
Kids' Cove  | 1982  | 2005  | Kids area  | Located in Hurricane Harbor
Krypton Comet  | 2000  | 2005  | Chance-Morgan Chaos  |
Lily Pad Walk  | 1982  | 2005  |  | Located in Hurricane Harbor
The Tilt  | 1989  | 2006  | Tilt-a-Whirl  |
The Animation Department  | 1999  | 2007  | Kiddie Carousel  |
Circus of the Stars  | 1982  | 2007  | Kiddie bumper cars  |
Avalanche  | 1999  | 2010  | Chance-Morgan Alpine Bobs  | Located in Gotham City. Named Penguins Bobsleds (1999–2003), Alpine Bobs (2003–2006) moved to former Krypton Comet location and renamed in 2006.
The Octopus | 2000  | 2010  | Sartori Polyp, monster style ride  | Located in Nantucket. On August 3, 2007, a 6-year-old girl was injured on this ride. See Incidents at Six Flags parks for more information.
Skull Mountain  | 1997  | 2011  | Intamin Reversing Boat Ride 8 water ride  | Named Typhoon Sea Coaster, ride was modified and name changed in 2007. The ride took its last voyage on July 10, 2011, and was replaced by Apocalypse: The Last Stand[69]
Crocodile Cal's Caribbean Beach House  | 1997  | 2014  | Kids' activity area  | Named Crocodile Cal's Outback Beach House until 2005 – the "Cal's" portion of the name came from Baltimore Orioles' player Cal Ripken. Located in Hurricane Harbor. Replaced by Splashwater Falls.
Sky Coaster  | 2001  | 2018  | Skycoaster, Inc./Sky coaster  | Located in Gotham City. Extra-charge attraction. Removed for Harley Quinn Spinsanity.
ZoomAzon Falls  | 1982  | 2020  | Four Water slides | Located in Hurricane Harbor. Named Rainbow Falls until 2004, and Hurricane Mountain from 2005 to 2008. Formerly tube slides. Closed 2008–2010. Rethemed to an Amazon rainforest and reopened June 2011. Retired following the 2020 season.
Zydeco Zinger  | 1993  | 2023  | Chance Rides/Falling Star  | Was located in Mardi Gras. Formerly known as Falling Star, the ride was renamed to Zydeco Zinger due to Southwest Territory being rethemed to Mardi Gras in 2014.
Bourbon Street Fireball  | 2015  | 2023  | Larson International/Giant Loop  | Was located in Mardi Gras.
Rodeo  | 1999  | 2022  | Huss/Breakdance  | Was located in Coyote Creek(Steamtown). A Huss Breakdance style 4/rodeo with cow themed cars.
Sky Jumper  | 2010  | 2022  | Zamperla Family drop ride  | Was located at Whistlestop Park. It was known as Cranky the Crane Tower in 2010 in Thomas Town and rethemed in 2011. The ride was relocated to Six Flags Over Texas in 2024.
Up, Up & Away  | 1993  | 2022  | Zamperla/Family size ferris wheel  | Whistlestop Park, Used to be located in Olde Boston as Around the World in 80 Days from 1993 - 2009. Moved in Thomas Town in 2010 as Sodor Carnival Ferris Wheel and rethemed in 2011.
Happy Junction  | 2010  | 2022  | Kiddie convoy ride  | Whistlestop Park, It was known as Diesel Derby in 2010 in Thomas Town and rethemed in 2011.
Splash Zone  | 2010  | 2022  | Pop jet fountain  | Whistlestop Park, It was known as Thomas Town Pop Jet Fountain in 2010 in Thomas Town and rethemed in 2011.
Whistlestop Bus Line  | 2010  | 2022  | Zamperla/Kiddie crazy bus  | Whistlestop Park, It was known as Bertie the Bus in 2010 in Thomas Town and rethemed in 2011.
Whistlestop Park Playground  | 2010  | 2022  | Playground  | Whistlestop Park, It was known as Thomas Town Play Structure in 2010 in Thomas Town and rethemed in 2011.
Whistlestop Train  | 2010  | 2022  | Family train ride  | Whistlestop Park, It was known as Thomas the Tank Engine in 2010 in Thomas Town and rethemed in 2011.
Whistlestop Whirlybirds  | 2010  | 2022  | I.E. Park/Mini flight  | Whistlestop Park, It was known as Harold the Helicopter in 2010 in Thomas Town and rethemed in 2011.

### Rehabs

[edit]

These rides were renamed following an improvement to the ride

Name  | Opened  | Removed in  | Manufacturer/Ride type  | Notes

|
|
|
|

Castaway Creek  | 1982  | 2017  | Lazy River  | Became Wahoo River.
Apocalypse  | 2012  | 2018  | Bolliger and Mabillard Stand-up coaster  | Gained floorless trains and renamed Firebird.

* Maryland portal

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "Wild Animals Will Roam Farm: Safari Opens Monday". The Capital. July 13, 1974.
2. ^ "2010 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP (INDEX): Woodmore CDP, MD." United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on January 13, 2017 Detail map p6.
3. ^ "Directions to the Park". Six Flags America. Retrieved June 2, 2015. "13710 Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20721."
4. ^ Heideger, Carly (June 20, 2014). "Six Flags America launching new roller coaster this weekend". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
5. ^ "Wildlife Preserve In Maryland". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. June 2, 1974. ProQuest 1901552367.
6. ^ a b "Six Flags Announces Plan to Close Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor After 2025 Season". investors.sixflags.com.
7. ^ a b Sopher, Ittai (May 1, 2025). "Six Flags in Bowie to close later this year". WUSA (TV). Retrieved May 1, 2025.
8. ^ a b c Goldman, Ivan G. (February 20, 1972). "A Beast-Filled Park Eyed Near Bowie". The Washington Post. p. D4. ProQuest 148314517.
9. ^ "Pr. George's Wild Animal Area Planned". The Washington Post. April 27, 1973. p. D1. ProQuest 148463903.
10. ^ Huth, Tom (April 28, 1973). "More Land Sought for Wildlife Park". The Washington Post. p. D1. ProQuest 148426690.
11. ^ "Preserve Gets New Chief". The Capital. Annapolis, Maryland. February 8, 1974.
12. ^ "The Wildlife Preserve - Opening Tomorrow". The Washington Post. July 13, 1974. p. L12. ProQuest 146165580.
13. ^ Plattner, Andy (July 13, 1974). "Safari opens Monday". The Capital. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
14. ^ DeYoung, Karen (November 26, 1975). "Amusement Park Set for Largo: Council Votes Rezoning Change for Wildlife Preserve". The Washington Post. p. B1. ProQuest 146330210.
15. ^ Egan, Jack; Jones, William H. (February 21, 1975). "ABC Apparently Abandons Largo Amusement Park Plan". The Washington Post. p. A11. ProQuest 146493919.
16. ^ "Selling Wildlife Preserve Becomes Lion-Sized Chore". The Evening Sun. Baltimore, Maryland. June 7, 1976.
17. ^ Diehl, Jackson (November 16, 1978). "Zoo to Bring Animals Within Visitors' Reach". Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
18. ^ Abell, Kevin (September 3, 1979). "Financing Stalls Resurrection of Wildlife Preserve". The Evening Sun. Baltimore, Maryland.
19. ^ Williams, Christian (June 29, 1982). "Father, Daughter and the Beat of a 1980s Kind of Amusement Park". The Washington Post. ProQuest 147452889. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
20. ^ "WILD WORLD". washingtonpost.com. June 29, 1982. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
21. ^ a b c Swenarski, Lisa (July 15, 1983). "Death of Boy, 9, at Md. Wave Pool Is Ruled Drowning: Medical Examiner Finds Boy's Death At Wave Pool Was Result of Drowning". The Washington Post. ProQuest 147589272. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
22. ^ Somerville, Frank P. L. (July 20, 1983). "Wild World Adopts Pool Precautions After Drowning". The Baltimore Sun. ProQuest 537868589. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
23. ^ Ifill, Gwen (April 30, 1985). "Amusement Park Plans Draw Fire". The Washington Post. ProQuest 138706490. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
24. ^ Ifill, Gwen (May 5, 1985). "Neighbors Ask P.G. Council to Reject Wild World Plans". The Washington Post. ProQuest 138691350. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
25. ^ "Largo Amusement Park Unleashes 'Wild One'". washingtonpost.com. May 4, 1986. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
26. ^ Hancock, Jay (May 28, 1994). "A Bold New Adventure". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, Maryland.
27. ^ "ADVENTURE WORLD'S WILD RIDE TO THE TOP". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
28. ^ "Tierco Inc. Purchases Maryland Theme Park". The Journal Record. March 4, 1992. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
29. ^ "Python - Six Flags America". rcdb.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
30. ^ "* Adventure World, formerly Wild World, located..." The Baltimore Sun. November 14, 1994. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
31. ^ "What's New In The Parks". The Washington Post. May 27, 1994. ProQuest 751020463. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
32. ^ "Mind Eraser - Six Flags America". rcdb.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
33. ^ "Sx Flags America Prepares Final Voyage For Skull Mountain". Six Flags America. June 9, 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
34. ^ "Six Flags America Announces Apocalypse". Six Flags America. September 1, 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
35. ^ "The New Monster Of The Midway; Premier Parks Thrives by Not Being Disney". The New York Times. June 21, 1998. Archived from the original on July 20, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
36. ^ "Roar - Six Flags America". rcdb.com. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
37. ^ Spinner, Jackie (October 29, 1998). "Gala Kicks Off Adventure World Transformation". The Washington Post. p. B7. ProQuest 1620292444.
38. ^ "24 people rescued from stalled Joker's Jinx roller coaster at Six Flags America". fox5dc.com. April 13, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
39. ^ "Roller coaster gets stuck at Six Flags America; riders safely removed from ride". fox5dc.com. June 18, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
40. ^ "Superman: Ride of Steel SFA - COASTER-net.com". coaster-net.com. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
41. ^ "Batwing - Six Flags America". rcdb.com. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
42. ^ "Tony Hawk Water Slide Announced For Six Flags America Waterpark". ultimatewaterpark.com. April 7, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
43. ^ MacDonald, Brady (25 November 2010). "Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers". LA Times. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
44. ^ a b "Kids' Rides: Six Flags America". Sixflags.com. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
45. ^ Hendrix, Steve (June 6, 2012). "Apocalypse, new Six Flags roller coaster, gets a test ride from a thrill fanatic". Washington Post. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
46. ^ a b "The Power of Six Hits the East Coast". SplashTacular. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
47. ^ a b "Six Flags America Introducing World's First Six-Story Six-Tube Body Slide in 2013". SixFlags.com. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
48. ^ "New for 2014". August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
49. ^ Cooper, Rebecca (August 29, 2013). "Six Flags America to add new roller coaster, Mardi Gras theme". Washington Business Journal. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
50. ^ "wo minutes of terror on the Bourbon Street Fireball". Capital Gazette. June 12, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
51. ^ "Six Flags unveils new attractions for every park in 2016". Los Angeles Times. September 3, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
52. ^ "Wonder Woman Star Flyer Coming to Six Flags America". coaster101.com. September 1, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
53. ^ "Six Flags adds a 'floorless' roller coaster". 30 August 2018.
54. ^ a b c Harpster, Lexi (2023-03-23). "Six Flags unveils plans for regions tallest water coaster at Hurricane Harbor Maryland". WJLA. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
55. ^ Chen, Eve (July 1, 2024). "Six Flags and Cedar Fair merge into one big company: What to know". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
56. ^ Bedigan, Mike (November 6, 2024). "Six Flags considering closing parks across the US after merger with Cedar Point company". The Independent. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
57. ^ Barnes, Emily; Kelly, Josh (November 8, 2024). "Is Six Flags considering closing or selling amusement parks? What we know". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
58. ^ "Six Flags addresses rumors of potential park closures". WMAQ-TV. November 8, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
59. ^ Smith, Jillian; Rosenthal, Josh (May 1, 2025). "Six Flags America in Bowie to shut down after 2025 season". WTTG. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
60. ^ Marzano, Peter (May 1, 2025). "Six Flags America, Hurricane Harbor to close after 2025 season, company announces". WMAQ-TV. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
61. ^ @SixFlagsDC (March 23, 2023). "Main Street 1776 Concept Art" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 6, 2023 - via Twitter. "Before there was Main Street 1776, there were drawings of Main Street 1776!"
62. ^ Curcio, Barbara Ann (May 8, 1994). "Rides of Summer". The Washington Post. p. E3. ProQuest 750898989.
63. ^ "Six Flags America unveils plans for a transformed realm called SteamTown". Six Flags. August 30, 2023. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
64. ^ "SteamTown area now open at Six Flags America with new SteamWhirler ride". ParkFans.net (via themeparkblogger). June 22, 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
65. ^ "689m Standard". rcdb.com.
66. ^ "Surviving Steam Locomotives in Maryland".
67. ^ @RamarSFA (April 19, 2023). "Transformation of Olde Boston" (Tweet) - via Twitter. "Our transformation of Olde Boston continues as we have renamed Great Race to Minutemen Motors, check out the new sign!"
68. ^ "State to Probe Wave Pool's Role in Boy's Death". The Baltimore Sun. July 16, 1983. ProQuest 537838314. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
69. ^ "Six Flags America Prepares Final Voyage For Skull Mountain". 9 June 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011.

### Sources

[edit]

* Quinlan, Sterling (1979). Inside ABC: American Broadcasting Company's Rise to Power. Hastings House. p. 210\. ISBN 0803867654.
* Porto, Susan Marie (April 1975). A Case Study of The Wildlife Preserve In Largo, Maryland (MSc thesis). Catholic University of America.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Six Flags America.

* Six Flags America official website
* Six Flags America at the Roller Coaster DataBase

* v
* t
* e

Six Flags

Amusement parks|

* California's Great America
* Canada's Wonderland
* Carowinds
* Cedar Point
* Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
* Frontier City
* Kings Dominion
* Kings Island
* Knott's Berry Farm
* La Ronde
* Michigan's Adventure
* Six Flags America
* Six Flags Darien Lake
* Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
* Six Flags Fiesta Texas
* Six Flags Great Adventure
* Six Flags Wild Safari Adventure
* Six Flags Great America
* Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor
* Six Flags Magic Mountain
* Six Flags México
* Six Flags New England
* Six Flags Over Georgia
* Six Flags Over Texas
* Six Flags St. Louis
* Valleyfair
* Worlds of Fun

| Themed areas|

* Camp Snoopy
* DC Universe
* Gotham City
* Kidzopolis
* Planet Snoopy
* Whistlestop Park

|

Water parks|

* Carolina Harbor
* Castaway Bay
* Cedar Point Shores
* Knott's Soak City
* Oceans of Fun
* Schlitterbahn
* Six Flags Great Escape Lodge
* Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
* Chicago
* Concord
* Darien Lake
* Oklahoma City
* Phoenix
* Rockford
* San Antonio
* Splashtown
* Six Flags White Water
* Soak City
* Kings Dominion
* Kings Island
* Valleyfair
* South Bay Shores
* Splash Works
* WildWater Adventure

Former locations|

* Bellewaerde
* Japanese Village and Deer Park
* Movieland Wax Museum
* Six Flags Atlantis
* Six Flags AstroWorld
* Six Flags AutoWorld
* Six Flags Belgium
* Six Flags Elitch Gardens
* Six Flags Holland
* Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
* Six Flags New Orleans
* Six Flags Worlds of Adventure
* Stars Hall of Fame
* Walibi Lorraine
* Walibi Rhône-Alpes
* Warner Bros. Movie World Germany
* Warner Bros. Movie World Madrid
* Wild Waves and Enchanted Village
* Wyandot Lake

Cancelled locations|

* Old Indiana Fun Park
* Entertainment Village

Events|

* Fright Fest
* Glow in the Park Parade
* HalloWeekends
* Halloween Haunt (Canada's Wonderland)
* Holiday in the Park
* Knott's Scary Farm

Other|

* Angus G. Wynne
* Cedar Fair
* Fast Lane
* Great Southwest Corporation
* Incidents
* Mr. Six
* Six Flags (1961–2024)

* v
* t
* e

Six Flags America

Roller coasters|

* Batwing
* Firebird
* Great Chase
* The Joker's Jinx
* Professor Screamore's SkyWinder
* Ragin' Cajun
* Roar
* Superman – Ride of Steel
* The Wild One

Other rides|

* Gotham City
* Penguin's Blizzard River
* Hurricane Harbor
* Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth

Events|

* Fright Fest (The Haunting of Hall Manor)

Former rides|

* Holiday in the Park
* Python
* The Great Alonzo's Cannonball Coaster
* Two Face: The Flip Side
* Whistlestop Park

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