Is Six Flags New Orleans still abandoned?

The Industrial Development Board (IDB) of New Orleans owns the property and oversees redevelopment plans. Following several failed proposals to redevelop the site, it remains abandoned and in poor condition. Videos and photos of the site have emerged over the years from thrill-seekers and YouTubers.



Yes, as of March 2026, Six Flags New Orleans remains abandoned, though its fate is finally shifting. The park has been closed since August 2005, when it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters, which sat 4 to 7 feet deep for weeks, corroding the rides beyond repair. For nearly two decades, the site became a symbol of urban decay and a popular (though illegal) destination for "urban explorers" and film crews (used for Jurassic World and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes). However, in 2023, the City of New Orleans officially moved forward with a redevelopment plan led by Bayou Phoenix. The current 2026 status involves active site preparation and demolition of the unsalvageable structures to transform the 227-acre lot into a multi-use complex featuring a world-class film studio, a youth sports complex, a water park, and retail spaces. While the "spooky" abandoned roller coasters like the Mega Zeph are mostly gone or being dismantled, the site is finally transitioning from a wasteland into an economic hub.

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Plans are moving forward to convert the abandoned Six Flags property in New Orleans East into a bustling $500 million complex with sports fields, waterparks, hotels, restaurants and shops.

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After Hurricane Katrina Due to the extensive water and wind damage sustained, the park was closed indefinitely without plans to reopen.

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Total revenue for the full year decreased by $139m compared to 2021. Again, this was due to lower attendance, driven by higher prices, the removal of free tickets, and fewer discounts. Six Flags had a net income of $109m in 2022, compared to $130m in the prior year.

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Six Flags reported a stunning 26% drop in attendance last year when compared to 2021, which is amazing when you remember that several of its parks, including Six Flags Magic Mountain, were closed for part of that year. Lower attendance drove continuing declines in revenue, income and earnings for Six Flags last year.

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But, these numbers are all positive, so why is Six Flags losing money? It's because attendance is dropping faster than revenue is rising. In 2021, Six Flags' total attendance was 27.7 million, but that fell by 26% to 20.4 million. Sure, guests are starting to spend more, but it's not enough to make up for the decline.

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Inside the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans park But besides being used for a few movies like 'Jurassic World,' the gates have been shuttered since August 21, 2005 – eight days before Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana.

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Inside the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans park But besides being used for a few movies like 'Jurassic World,' the gates have been shuttered since August 21, 2005 – eight days before Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana.

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The amusement park was acquired by Six Flags in 2002 but did not reopen after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It has remained closed and decaying since. This important project, for New Orleans East and the entire region, is long past overdue,” said District E Council member Oliver M. Thomas, Jr.

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Great Galveston Hurricane This hurricane is known as the deadliest weather disaster in United States history, killing at least 8,000 people, with some estimates as high as 12,000 people.

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The shareholder case alleges that Six Flags misled investors in 2018 and 2019 about the company's progress on an ambitious plan to expand its international footprint with the construction of as many as 20 new theme parks in China. By early 2020, the plan was in tatters.

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Inside the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans park But besides being used for a few movies like 'Jurassic World,' the gates have been shuttered since August 21, 2005 – eight days before Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana.

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Throngs flocked to Six Flags Over Texas when the park opened in 1961. Six themed sections, modeled after the culture of the six countries whose flags flew over Texas during the state's colorful history, created a spectacular and magical setting for guests — and provided the park's name.

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“We always choose to focus on celebrating the things that unite us versus those that divide us. As such, we have changed the flag displays in our park to feature American flags.”

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