**Six Flags Sells Six Theme Parks to EPR Properties Amid Financial Restructuring**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/six-flags-cedar-point-takeover_0723-4eff6866710640c68b7f66ea8113db76.jpg)
In a significant move as part of its financial restructuring, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has officially sold six of its U.S. theme parks to EPR Properties, a real estate investment trust based in Kansas City. The transaction, which is set to conclude an era of ownership, was announced on April 6 and signifies a continued shift within the company as it grapples with financial challenges.
The six parks involved in the sale include Minnesota’s Valleyfair, Michigan’s Adventure, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Texas, Six Flags St. Louis, and Six Flags Great Escape in New York. These parks will still operate under the Six Flags branding until the end of 2026, allowing visitors a familiar experience during the transition. Six Flags assured patrons that there would be “no significant impact” on guests as ownership changes hands.
This sale, valued at approximately $331 million, was first made public on March 5. In the announcement, Six Flags president and CEO John Reilly described the decision as a “disciplined approach to portfolio optimisation.” He stated that the move would enable the company to concentrate on parks that demonstrate the greatest potential for long-term growth, signalling a strategic refocus for the business.
Collectively, these properties attracted about 4.5 million visitors in 2025, generating an estimated $260 million in net revenue. While the parks have performed adequately in the past, the ongoing decline in revenue prompted Six Flags to consider selling off “underperforming” assets.
EPR Properties plans to collaborate with Enchanted Parks to manage the newly acquired parks. Enchanted Parks is no stranger to the amusement industry, operating attractions such as the Water Safari Resort in Old Forge, New York, and Diggerland USA in West Berlin, New Jersey. James Harhi, CEO of Enchanted Parks, expressed his commitment to maintaining the parks’ community significance, emphasising the importance of providing families with the enjoyable experiences they have come to expect.
Following a trend observed in the industry, Six Flags previously closed its Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, in November 2023 after 50 years of operation. The closure, which marked the end of an era for the popular park, included over 100 rides, shows, and roller coasters. This prelude to the sale indicated that the company was ready to streamline its operations, analysing its park performance as it sought to enhance its longevity in the competitive amusement market.
Despite the challenges of financial shortfalls, Six Flags appears committed to its existing parks. On March 10, the company announced plans for substantial changes at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. This forthcoming development will introduce four new attractions, demonstrating the company’s intent to rejuvenate its offerings and appeal to new and returning customers alike.
In a historical context, Six Flags has recently been at the forefront of major industry shifts. In July 2024, the company merged with Cedar Fair, L.P., in an $8 billion deal to form the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, solidifying its position as the largest regional theme park operator globally. This strategic merger followed the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, which includes the world’s fastest and tallest roller coaster, pushing the boundaries of amusement park experiences beyond North America.
As the transition unfolds, EPR Properties and its partner, Enchanted Parks, are poised to uphold the Six Flags name, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy the attractions they love. The focus will shift towards enhancing guest experiences and refining park operations in a bid to attract more families while addressing the financial realities that led to this sale.
It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the brand’s overall legacy, but it is clear that Six Flags is taking steps to adapt to an evolving market, realising the necessity of strategic management in order to thrive amid financial pressures and shifting consumer expectations. The future will reveal whether these actions will lead to a revitalisation of the Six Flags experience for its loyal patrons.