An Iconic Amusement Park In Northern California May Soon Be Closing Its Doors For Good

For decades, California's Great America in Santa Clara has been a must-do destination for Bay Area families and visiting thrill-seekers. But that nostalgic fun may soon be coming to an end. Six Flags announced its lease on the 112-acre park is set to expire and if it isn't renewed, the park is expected to close after the 2027 season.

That's because back in 2022, Cedar Fair (Great America's parent company) sold the park's land to logistics giant Prologis for $310 million. While it leased it back for 6 to 11 years, the lease is initially set to expire in June 2028. After its 2024 merger with Cedar Fair, Six Flags is now examining its portfolio — and unfortunately, Great America is one of its underperforming parks. Six Flags CFO Brian Witherow made it clear during a recent investors' meeting: "Unless we decide to extend, and exercise one of our options to extend that lease, that park's last year without that extension would be after the '27 season."

Prologis is already preparing for what's next for the site, although it hasn't confirmed anything yet. Six Flags also released a statement saying the company is "working with city officials and engaging the community" to determine the park's future. So while nothing is finalized, fans may only have until October 2027 — right after the park's Halloween festivities — to enjoy Great America's hair-raising roller coasters, shows, and nostalgic memories one last time.

If California's Great America is on your Bay Area must-do list, now's the time to plan. The park will be keeping its seasonal events like Star-Spangled Nights and holiday celebrations in the schedule until the end of the 2027 season. That gives families and thrill-seekers three more summers to experience the shows and signature coasters like Gold Striker (ranked among the world's best wooden coasters), Flight Deck (one of the best roller coasters in California), and the classic Demon.

Fans flooded in with nostalgia online after hearing the news. "I have so many memories of that park," one commenter said (via People). "Why does it have [to] close? It was my favorite place," said another. One person shared, "Sad, I went to Great America growing up, and I took my 4 sons there also as they were growing up."

If your travel plan includes a Santa Clara stop between summer 2025 and fall 2027, consider making it count by booking your visit early — day passes start at $42, and there are a variety of packages and discount offers on the website. Whether you go for a day of family fun or a final coaster sendoff, the clock is ticking. If you do miss your chance, Six Flags' other Great America park in Illinois plans to stay open, and it's even getting shiny new upgrades to ring in its 50th anniversary. On the other hand, there are several amusement parks within driving distance of San Jose, California, for thrillseekers to check out instead.