Six flags Darien Lake: Season Launch! 

By Jenna Higbie

Are you ready for a summer filled with splash and laughs? Well Six Flags Darien Lake is opening back up this season with its good food, improved rides, and plenty of fun for family and friends!

The park announced it will reopen on May 16th from 11am-5pm, one of the popular roller coasters ‘’The Mind Eraser’’ that has been temporarily closed will be ready this year with new tracks and updates.

On May 17th ‘’Hurricane Harbor’’ will reopen for the season from 11:30 am- 7 pm featuring water rides and the world famous lazy river!

Darien Lake Amphitheater is also making its epic comeback of the season with lined up artists such as Kesha, Luke Bryan, Big Time Rush, and many more! 

Along with the Amphitheater opening Darien lakes campsites and hotels are welcoming people to a night or many of comfort and fun

Darien Lakes history began in 1954 when the lake ‘’ darien’’ was filled. It was originally a popular swimming pool and picnic area. In 1964, investor Paul Snyder acquired land along the lake and opened a campground which eventually expanded into Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort. 

Darien Lakes Hurricane Harbor opened in 1990 originally known as Barracuda Bay, the waterpark is included with the price of admission to the park, and both are operated by Six Flags. 

When the water park first opened as Barracuda Bay, it encompassed areas formulary included in the park. In 2010, Darien Lake rebranded the waterpark to ‘’ Splashtown’’ which included a separate admission than the park, along with new rides such as The Lazy River and a new slide complex. 

Every year in October Darien Lake hosts ‘’ Frightfest’’, which is an annual event held to celebrate halloween. Events such as haunted houses, and haunting shows for all ages!

One of the park’s beloved rides The Mind Eraser is set to open back up this season. In 2024 the ride was permanently shut down due to modifications having to be made. The looping coaster will feature new tracks, paint job,and two new trains with wider seats and a new restraint system. 

The oldest coaster at the park ‘’The Predator’’ will have new tracks and be open as usual for the season.