SeaWorld Legacy Finally Comes to an End, Land Sold for New Park

The sale of 48 acres of a former SeaWorld park has officially been completed.

SeaWorld may own some of the most popular theme parks in the U.S., but it isn’t without its controversies.

With three SeaWorld-branded parks across the country – SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld San Antonio – plus water parks, Sesame Street properties, and two Busch Gardens parks, the company has become increasingly controversial over the decades for its reliance on marine mammals for entertainment.

The 2013 documentary Blackfish had a seismic impact on SeaWorld, reshaping public perception of the brand almost overnight. Highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding the captivity and treatment of orcas, the film sparked widespread criticism and fueled global debates about animal welfare.

Attendance at SeaWorld parks declined significantly, and the company faced mounting pressure to reform its practices. In response, SeaWorld ended its orca breeding program in 2016 and shifted its focus toward conservation and education, as well as throwing itself into the thrill ride space.

But this wasn’t the beginning of SeaWorld’s struggles.

A Quick History of SeaWorld Ohio

SeaWorld Ohio, located in Aurora, Ohio, opened in 1970 as the first SeaWorld park outside California. It quickly became a major regional attraction, drawing visitors with its marine life shows, exhibits, and unique educational experiences. The park featured signature attractions like Shamu the killer whale, dolphin performances, and engaging displays of aquatic species.

The park (also known as SeaWorld Cleveland and SeaWorld of Ohio at certain points in its history) was renowned for combining entertainment with conservation messaging, offering visitors an opportunity to connect with marine life in an interactive environment. Its lakeside location added to its charm, making it a beloved destination for families throughout the Midwest.

In 2001, however, SeaWorld Ohio was sold to Six Flags. SeaWorld executives attributed the park’s sale to the short operating season caused by Northeast Ohio’s harsh winters and challenges in obtaining permits for roller coaster construction, unlike their other locations.

This sale merged it with the neighboring Geauga Lake amusement park to create Six Flags Worlds of Adventure. However, this ambitious venture proved short-lived, and the property underwent further changes when Cedar Fair Entertainment Company acquired it in 2004. Following this acquisition, the former SeaWorld Ohio section was permanently closed and dismantled.

Over the years, the land saw limited use and remained largely undeveloped, sparking community interest in its potential future. Its transition from a vibrant marine park to an abandoned site reflected the challenges of adapting large-scale entertainment venues to shifting economic and recreational trends.

Former Park Finally Sold

As previously reported, Aurora City Council officially approved the sale of the land on which SeaWorld Ohio once stood in September.

“I think people will be thrilled to be able to once again access and enjoy Geauga Lake, and it will certainly bring back memories for many who went to Geauga Lake Park, went to SeaWorld, went to Wildwater Kingdom as they were growing up,” said Aurora Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin.

“We’ve had many people contact us about how excited they are that they’re going to be able to go back to this beautiful area, and it really is. The land is beautiful. Instead of having a lot of homes in that area, we’re going to preserve the green space and restore it for people’s future enjoyment.”

While these changes certainly won’t happen overnight, it’s a positive sign to finally see some progress for the long-dormant area. As per Aurora officials, conceptual designs are in the development process, while engineering assessments are also underway, with goals to complete the park’s first phase by 2026.

Did you ever visit SeaWorld Ohio?