On July 1st, 2024, Valley Fair, Minnesota’s sole amusement park located in Shakopee, will have new owners as Cedar Fair, its previous owner, has merged with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The amusement park, which opened in 1976 and offers more than 75 rides, including eight roller coasters and a water park called Soak City, has been a popular destination for Minnesotans for nearly five decades.
Despite rumors after the merger announcement, the release confirmed that each park in the combined company’s portfolio, including Valley Fair, will retain their legacy branding with no changes to park names currently being planned or contemplated. The familiar Valley Fair logo will continue to be a part of the Bold North for many more years to come.
Valley Fair has faced challenges in recent years, such as an attempt by Sea World to buy it out, which was nixed by Cedar Fair. However, the merger with Six Flags is now officially closed, making Cedar Fair a part of the new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which operates 42 parks across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, making it the largest and most diverse amusement park operator in North America.
Valley Fair also announced that its entrance policy, which has been somewhat controversial, will continue in 2024. The park has recently been impacted by rising flood waters along the Minnesota River, forcing it to close several rides and part of its parking area.
