Courtesy Paul Post
By Paul Post
Great Escape, one of the area’s oldest tourist attractions and largest seasonal employers, is expected to maintain regular operations following its sale to Kansas City-based EPR Properties.
The $331 Million deal includes six other Six Flags theme parks in the U.S. and Canada.
Founded as Storytown USA by the late Charles R. Wood in 1954, the amusement center was renamed Great Escape in 1983. Thirteen years later, Wood sold it to Premier Parks, which later purchased Six Flags and adopted its name.
“This move allows Six Flags to concentrate on the parks that we believe offer the greatest opportunities for growth and long-term success,” company President and CEO John Reilly said. “Since joining the company, I have been clear that Six Flags’ earnings power has been under-realized. This transaction will simplify our portfolio, strengthen our balance sheet and position us to execute with greater clarity and discipline.”
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter.
Great Escape will maintain the Six Flags brand in 2026 and honor all season passes sold, including multi-park pass privileges at other parks within the Six Flags portfolio.
“From a regional tourism perspective, we are confident that the park will continue to operate successfully and remain a vital attraction for families visiting the Lake George area,” said Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The new ownership group already has a presence in New York’s attractions industry through Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge.”
“We believe this experience positions them well to operate the park with energy and enthusiasm,” she said. “Great Escape has long been a cornerstone of our region, and we expect it will continue to deliver the high-quality guest experiences visitors enjoy.”
When it first opened, Storytown primarily catered to young children with themed attractions such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Mother Goose. Ghost Town and Sheriff “Windy” Bill McKay entertained generations of families.
As it evolved, the center added a large wave pool, water park and six roller coasters including the Bobcat, a wooden coaster introduced two years ago.
Great Escape employs about 1,500 people each summer in addition to year-round staff. The sale includes Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park.
“The current staff includes many long-time employees with deep roots and a strong commitment to the property’s legacy,” Mintzer said. “In this economic climate, many companies acquire businesses specifically for the talent involved. Knowing the market is essential and the team being acquired is just as important as the brand.”
Founded in 1997, EPR Properties is a real estate investment trust that operates amusement parks, movie theaters and ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada.
The other Six Flags parks it purchased are Schlitterbahn Galveston, Six Flags St. Louis, Michigan’s Adventure, Valleyfair in Minnesota, World of Fun in Kansas City and La Ronde in Montreal.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Six Flags will continue to operate another 34 parks in 23 locations throughout North America. It also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia.
The company has made a concerted effort to streamline operations following its 2024 merger with Cedar Fair L.P.
“Six Flags Great Escape significantly contributes to our local economy, employing a large seasonal workforce of both local residents and international students,” Mintzer said. “Each year, the park hires hundreds of employees across operations, food service and entertainment, particularly during the peak summer season and Fright Fest.”
“We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the park’s leadership to ensure it remains a strong contributor to tourism, employment and the overall visitor experience in the Lake George region,” she said.