Six Flags America | Prince Georges County

Six Flags America is a full-scale amusement and water park located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, about 15 miles from Washington, D.C. It has been one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s main theme parks since its transformation under the Six Flags brand in 1999. Spread over more than 500 acres, the park offers a broad mix of roller coasters, water attractions, family rides, and themed entertainment zones. It is currently scheduled to close permanently on November 2, 2025.

Park Layout and Themed Areas

Six Flags America is divided into multiple themed sections:

Main Street 1776 – The entrance area with a colonial American design, featuring shops, eateries, and entertainment.

Chesapeake – A Maryland-inspired section that houses several major coasters.

Gotham City – Themed around the DC Comics universe with dark, industrial decor and Batman villains.

Mardi Gras – A festive zone with colorful decorations and spinning rides.

Looney Tunes Movie Town – A cartoon-themed area designed for children and families.

SteamTown – A newly re-themed steampunk area introduced in 2024, featuring family rides and interactive attractions.

Major Roller Coasters and Thrill Rides

The Wild One
A historic wooden coaster originally built in 1917 and relocated to Six Flags America in 1986. It features classic out-and-back layout, 98-foot lift hill, and speeds up to 60 miles per hour. It is the park’s oldest and most iconic ride.

Firebird
A floorless steel coaster with a 100-foot drop and two smooth inversions. It originally opened as Apocalypse (a stand-up coaster) before being converted in 2019 to a sit-down design with open-floor seating.

Batwing
One of the few flying coasters on the East Coast, manufactured by Vekoma. Riders are positioned lying down, facing the ground, simulating flight. It includes five inversions and intense g-forces.

The Joker’s Jinx
A launched coaster that uses linear induction motors to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under three seconds. The twisted track layout features four inversions and high-speed turns.

Roar
A wooden coaster known for its curving layout, 95-foot height, and a signature enclosed speed tunnel called the “Speed Shed.” Built in 1998, it offers a wild and rough ride experience.

Ragin’ Cajun
A spinning wild mouse coaster located in the Mardi Gras section. Each car spins independently, creating a different experience each time. It’s a medium-thrill ride suitable for both adults and older kids.

Hurricane Harbor Water Park

Hurricane Harbor is included with general admission during summer months. Attractions include:

RipQurl Blaster, the tallest water coaster in the region with enclosed slides and uphill blasts

Hurricane Bay, a massive wave pool that simulates ocean surf

Splashwater Falls, a multi-level water play structure with tipping buckets and slides

Bahama Blast and Vortex, high-speed body and tube slides

Castaway Creek, a relaxing lazy river loop

Family Attractions and Kid Zones

Looney Tunes Movie Town features mini-rides for young children, cartoon character appearances, and interactive zones

Shipwreck Falls is a splash boat ride with a large drop and soaking finish

Whistlestop Park includes smaller-scale attractions like a train ride and gentle spinning rides

SteamTown, the new area, offers rides like Professor Screamore’s SkyWinder, a family coaster with mild inversions, and ElectroDerby, a high-tech bumper car ride

Seasonal Events

Fright Fest in October transforms the park with haunted houses, scare zones, and horror-themed entertainment

July 4th celebrations include fireworks and patriotic shows

Summer music series and character parades occur throughout peak season

Holiday in the Park has been offered in certain years with festive lights and winter decor

Tickets, Passes, and Guest Services

Single-day tickets are available with dynamic pricing based on date

Season passes come in Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond tiers, offering increasing benefits like free parking, priority ride access, and entry to other Six Flags parks

Flash Passes allow guests to skip regular lines for most major attractions

On-site services include stroller rentals, lockers, dining passes, mobile app support, and full ADA accessibility

Group packages and event hosting (birthdays, corporate outings) are also available

Dining Options

Food offerings include pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, funnel cakes, soft pretzels, BBQ, and ice cream. Dining is thematically matched to areas of the park, such as Cajun specialties in Mardi Gras or comic-themed snacks in Gotham City. Refillable souvenir drink cups and dining passes are available for convenience and savings.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 13710 Central Avenue, Bowie, MD 20721.
The park is easily reached by car via I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Route 214.
While not directly connected to Metro, nearby transit centers and rideshare options provide access.

Permanent Closure Notice

In early 2025, Six Flags announced that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor Maryland will close permanently on November 2, 2025. The decision was reportedly based on property redevelopment interests and corporate realignment. This means 2025 is the final opportunity to ride The Wild One, Batwing, and experience the water park and seasonal events.

Summary

Six Flags America has been a longstanding regional amusement park offering a wide variety of thrill rides, water attractions, family-friendly zones, and themed entertainment. With a combination of historic coasters, steampunk family rides, and a full water park, it appeals to a broad audience. The 2025 season will be the last to experience this destination, marking the end of an era for one of Maryland’s largest amusement venues.