Six Flags selling Great Escape and six other parks; Official says no change to guest experience
Six Flags is selling the Great Escape and six other theme parks to EPR Properties, another theme park operator, but an official says there will be no change to the guest experience.
Six Flags CEO said in a statement, “We know how much these parks mean to our guests and to the incredible teams who bring them to life every day. Decisions like this are never taken lightly. We’re confident the parks will be in good hands with EPR and its partners…”
Company spokesman Gary Rhodes said the transition to the new ownership is “not expected to affect the guest experience in any significant way.”
The parks will maintain their regular operating schedules and all season passes sold will continue to be honored through the 2026 season — including multi-park pass privileges at other Six Flags locations.
In addition, Rhodes said admission will continue to be honored for the full 2026 season based on date of pass purchase.
“Our goal is to ensure a smooth, seamless experience so guests can continue making great memories at the parks they love,” he said.
EPR will retain the rights to the Six Flags brand through the end of 2026, so there will be no change to the park names, Rhodes said.
Six Flags Great Escape Resort began with Charley Wood’s vision, a Lake George area entrepreneur who created a storybook-themed park for families. It has grown into a full resort destination that includes Six Flags Great Escape, Hurricane Harbor and the year-round Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark.
The 1950s: Storytown USA Opens
Storytown USA officially opened on June 27, 1954, as a 5-acre Mother Goose themed amusement park. From the start, it invited families into a world of nursery rhymes and fairy tales, led by two original attractions: Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage and the Swan Boats.
In 1957, Ghost Town was added to broaden the park’s appeal beyond very small children, bringing Old West energy, interactive fun and live entertainment into the growing park.
The Storytown houses reflect the park’s roots as Storytown USA, with storybook buildings that let kids explore classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Favorites include scenes inspired by the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and the Three Little Pigs, many of which still remain in the Storytown section today.
In 1964, the Sky Ride was added, giving guests a scenic way to travel above the park. In 1965, Alice in Wonderland opened as a walk-through area. Guests entered through the door in the tree and followed the story through themed scenes featuring characters like Alice, the Queen of Hearts, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and the Cheshire Cat, all depicted in classic Storytown style.
The 1970s: A First Coaster and a Classic Flume
In 1971, the park introduced its first roller coaster, The Italian Roller Coaster, which operated until 1988. In 1977, International Village opened. It is the area guests first walk through when they enter the theme park, with shops designed to resemble a small European village.
In 1979, Desperado Plunge opened as the park’s first water ride, sending riders through a winding flume above Ghost Town before a final drop and splashdown.
The 1980s: The Great Escape Name Takes Hold
In 1982, the name Storytown USA was changed to The Great Escape. In 1984, Steamin’ Demon opened and became a marquee attraction that signaled the park’s continued growth into bigger thrills.
In 1986, the Raging River opened as the park’s second water ride, and Cinderella’s Castle was added, reinforcing the storybook charm that still defines the park’s personality.
The 1990s: Landmark Additions and a Growing Waterpark
The decade included a major ownership shift. In 1989, Charles Wood sold The Great Escape to International Broadcasting Corporation for $36 million. In 1993, Wood bought the park back for less than he sold it for, setting up the next phase of expansion.
In 1991, Condor opened, lifting riders 105 feet for a bird’s eye view of the park. In 1994, The Comet opened as a major milestone in the park’s history, a 4,200-foot wooden coaster with roots dating back to 1927.
In 1995, Splashwater Kingdom opened, adding a major waterpark experience. In 1996, Premier Parks, later Six Flags, bought The Great Escape. In 1999, the park launched a Halloween themed fall event called Hallow Scream, which is now known as Fright Fest.
The 2000s: Ghost Town Thrills, a New Kids Area, and the Lodge Opens
In 2003, Canyon Blaster opened in Ghost Town, adding a family coaster with a runaway mine train theme. In 2005, the park added a new area with family-friendly rides and attractions designed for younger guests. That area has continued evolving and is known today as Timbertown.
In 2006, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark opened on Feb. 7 as a year-round resort with 200 Adirondack-themed suites, White Water Bay Indoor Waterpark kept at 82°, and on-site options like Kids Klub and the Starlight Arcade.
The 2010s: Big Thrills, Hurricane Harbor, and Family Favorites
In 2013, Screamin’ Eagles opened near Alice in Wonderland with rider-controlled motion, followed by Extreme Supernova in 2014. In 2019, Splashwater Kingdom became Hurricane Harbor, adding Bucket Blasters and the Shipwreck Cove splash area.
The 2020s: A Pause, New Adventures, and The Bobcat
In 2020, the park did not open due to COVID-19, and the Lodge reopened in June with guidelines.
In 2021, Adirondack Outlaw was added. It is the first ride in the park’s history to combine height, speed and dual motion.
In 2024, the resort celebrated its 70th anniversary and opened The Bobcat, the first new coaster added to the park in over 20 years and the first-of-its-kind in Six Flags history. That same year, Hurricane Grill & Wings opened at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge.
