In sad news for local thrill-seekers, California’s Great America is preparing to close its doors for good. Unless Six Flags decides to extend the park’s lease, the 112-acre park may close permanently in October 2027 after its popular Halloween season. The news comes on the eve of Great America’s 50th anniversary year in 2026.
Why is California’s Great America (possibly) closing?
Six Flags Great America’s lease is scheduled to end on June 20, 2028. The CFO of Six Flags recently announced during an investor meeting that, unless they decide to extend the lease, the park will close at the end of the 2027 season. If the lease is not extended, this means the park will shut its doors after the Halloween events in 2027.
What’s the history of California’s Great America?
The massive theme park was initially opened in 1976 and has since become a beloved destination for Californians. The park was themed to celebrate the American Bicentennial, with rides referencing historical events and areas representing different regions of the U.S. Located in Santa Clara, California, the 112-acre park is only a short drive from San Francisco and other Bay Area cities. The Marriott Corporation opened the theme park in March 1976, two months before the company opened a Great America in Illinois, just north of Chicago. The land for the park was recently sold to its current owner, Prologis, in 2022.
What will happen to the land if Great America closes?
As of now, Six Flags has not announced concrete plans for what would happen to the park if it does close in 2027. While it’s unclear what the future of the park holds, it will still be operational until well into 2027 if you want to plan a visit. You can learn more about the park, rides, and tickets on their website.