Dixie Landin’ Is Permanently Closed: What The Future Holds For Blue Bayou Waterpark (Reopening As Soak’n Fun In 2026)
The iconic Blue Bayou Waterpark and Dixie Landin' Amusement Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have entered a dramatic period of transition, with the amusement park side officially ceasing operations and the waterpark preparing for a major relaunch. As of late 2025, the entire complex remains closed, representing a significant shift for the beloved Louisiana entertainment destination. This article provides the most current and confirmed information available today, December 18, 2025, detailing the permanent closure of Dixie Landin' and the highly anticipated future of the Blue Bayou Waterpark under new ownership and a brand-new identity.
The closure marks the end of an era for the side-by-side parks, which have been a staple of summer fun in the Gulf South for decades. While the amusement park's rides are being removed, the waterpark is set to return in 2026, promising a refreshed experience for a new generation of thrill-seekers. This is the definitive guide to what happened, why it happened, and what guests can expect from the new Baton Rouge attraction.
The End of an Era: Dixie Landin’s Permanent Closure and The 2025 Hiatus
After a tumultuous period of intermittent closures and operational challenges, the owners of the Baton Rouge entertainment complex made a definitive decision regarding the future of the two parks. The complex, originally founded by Samuel B. Haynes, Jr., has been a family-owned operation since its inception.
Dixie Landin' Amusement Park: A Final Bow
The most significant and heartbreaking news for long-time fans is the permanent closure of the Dixie Landin' Amusement Park. Following a brief reopening in 2024, the park closed its gates for good, with owner Sam Haynes Jr. citing a "lack of attendance" as the primary reason for the decision.
- Permanent Closure: Dixie Landin' has permanently ceased operations.
- Cause: Owner Samuel B. Haynes, Jr. attributed the closure to insufficient attendance, particularly after the challenging pandemic years.
- Status of Rides: The amusement park's rides are in the process of being removed from the property.
This closure means that iconic rides that defined the park, such as the massive steel looping roller coaster, The Ragin' Cajun, and the smaller coaster, Gilbeau's Galaxi, will no longer thrill visitors in Baton Rouge. Other classic attractions like the Grand Carousel and the family-friendly Frog Hopper are also gone from the Louisiana landscape.
Blue Bayou Waterpark’s 2025 Closure
In a separate but related development, the Blue Bayou Waterpark portion of the complex also remained closed for the entire 2025 season. This temporary closure was necessary to facilitate the transfer of ownership, the removal of the Dixie Landin' infrastructure, and to prepare the waterpark for its major overhaul and rebrand. The hiatus, while disappointing for summer 2025, sets the stage for a completely revitalized experience.
The Future is Fun: Blue Bayou Reopens as Soak’n Fun in 2026
While Dixie Landin' is a memory, the future of the waterpark is bright and confirmed. The Blue Bayou Waterpark property has been acquired by a new management group, Leisure Sports, and is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2026 under a new name and brand: Soak'n Fun.
New Management, New Brand
The transition to the Soak'n Fun Family of Waterparks brand signifies a fresh start with new investment and management expertise. This rebranding is expected to bring operational improvements and potentially new attractions to the park in the coming years. Leisure Sports has a clear vision to expand the waterpark experience and make it a premier regional destination once again.
What Will Remain Open at Soak’n Fun? (The Iconic Slides)
Crucially, the world-class water slides that made Blue Bayou famous are expected to be the centerpieces of the new Soak'n Fun park. These massive attractions, which helped give Blue Bayou its topical authority as a major waterpark, will continue to operate. The park is renowned for its collection of 'World's Largest' slides, making it a true thrill-seeker's paradise.
Visitors can look forward to riding the following major attractions when the park reopens in 2026:
- Voodoo: Known as the World's Largest Dark Behemothbowl Slide, this enclosed slide delivers a dizzying, twisting experience in complete darkness.
- Azuka: This is the World's Largest Tornado Slide, a massive funnel ride that sends riders swinging high up the walls.
- Racers: Holding the title of the World's Largest Water Racer, this multi-lane slide allows friends to race head-first to the bottom.
- Mambo: The World's Largest Aqualoop, an exhilarating, near-vertical looping slide that is one of the park's most intense attractions.
- CONJA: Touted as the World's largest in-line water slide, this massive ride offers an extended, thrilling journey.
- The Flyin' Pirogue: One of the original and still popular sled rides, now featuring four lanes for competitive fun.
These attractions ensure that the core thrill and unique selling proposition of the waterpark—massive, record-breaking slides—will be preserved under the new Soak'n Fun banner.
Planning Your Visit: Historical Context and Future Expectations
While tickets are not currently available for the 2026 season, it is helpful to look at the historical pricing and operational context of Blue Bayou Dixie Landin' to anticipate the future.
Historical Ticket Prices (Context Only)
Prior to its closure, the park offered various admission tiers. For context, the 2024 season passes for both parks were sold online in the range of $99 to $130. Daily admission for the waterpark was structured as follows:
- Guest 48" and taller: ~$36.99
- Guests under 48" and Senior Citizens: ~$29.99
- Guests under 35": Free
It is reasonable to expect new ticket pricing and season pass structures under the Soak'n Fun brand when the park reopens in 2026. Potential visitors should monitor the official website and local Baton Rouge news outlets for updated 2026 admission details.
The Legacy of Dixie Landin’ and The Road Ahead
The closure of Dixie Landin' is a bittersweet moment for the Baton Rouge community. The amusement park, which featured 26 rides at its peak, provided countless memories for families across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Its reopening in 2024, though short-lived, was a final attempt to revive the park after years of struggle, a common challenge faced by smaller, regional amusement parks in the modern era.
The focus now shifts entirely to the success of Soak'n Fun. The new owners, Leisure Sports, are banking on the strength of the world-class water slides and a fresh, modern management approach to secure the park's long-term viability. The removal of the Dixie Landin' rides is a necessary step to consolidate the property and concentrate resources on making the waterpark the best possible attraction when it officially re-opens in May 2026. This relaunch promises to keep the spirit of summer fun alive and well in Baton Rouge.
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