What if a theme park could become a time capsule. That’s Six Flags New Orleans. It sits silent near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 510. Once it was a place of thrills. Now it is a haunting reminder of Hurricane Katrina’s power.
Six Flags New Orleans first opened as Jazzland on May 20, 2000. Tom and Dian Winingder spent years arranging the partnership to make Jazzland a reality. The park aimed to fill a void. Pontchartrain Beach amusement park closed in 1983 leaving New Orleans without family entertainment. Jazzland sought to celebrate the city’s culture. It hoped to provide a safe and entertaining environment.
Jazzland had themed areas. They included Mardi Gras and Cajun Country. Pontchartrain Beach and Jazz Plaza delighted guests. Kids’ Carnival and The Goodtime Gardens offered fun for everyone. The Mega Zeph was a wooden roller coaster built on a steel frame. It was designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Other rides included Rex’s Rail Runner and Zydeco Scream. Cypress Plunge offered a cool log flume ride. Spillway Splashout provided splashy fun.
But Jazzland struggled financially. Alfa SmartParks filed for bankruptcy in 2002. Six Flags purchased the lease in March 2002 for $22 million.
Six Flags invested $20 million to upgrade the park. It reopened in April 2003 as Six Flags New Orleans. New rides and shaded areas were added. Batman The Ride came from Japan. The Jester was relocated from Six Flags Fiesta Texas. A water park was planned but never built.
The last day Six Flags New Orleans operated was August 21 2005. Hurricane Katrina struck eight days later. The storm devastated New Orleans. The park was located in low-lying swampland. Drainage pipes were installed to protect it from flooding. But the storm overwhelmed the system. Water flooded the park to a depth of 6 feet.
After the storm Six Flags declared the property a total loss. The company sought to end its lease with the city. Several rides were salvaged. Batman The Ride went to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Bayou Blaster and Sonic Slam went to Great Escape in New York. The Road Runner Express went to Six Flags Magic Mountain.
The abandoned Six Flags New Orleans became a popular film shoot location. Killer Joe and Stolen were filmed there. Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters used the park as Circeland. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Jurassic World also filmed scenes there. NF filmed his music video for Leave Me Alone there. The park was also featured in the Bright Sun Films documentary Closed for Storm.
Various redevelopment proposals emerged over the years. Southern Star Amusement wanted to revive the park. A Nickelodeon Universe theme park was considered. Plans for a Jazzland Outlet Mall fell through. Dreamlanding Festival Park also failed to materialize.
In 2023 plans were approved for Bayou Phoenix to redevelop the land. Demolition began in November 2024. It was briefly halted due to contractor issues. Demolition resumed in December 2024. Today the remains of Six Flags New Orleans stand as a silent monument. It is a reminder of both joy and devastation. The park’s story continues to evolve. New developments may bring new life to this abandoned space.