Six Flags Great America
Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox amusement park
Six Flags Great America is a Template:Convert theme park in Gurnee, Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Six Flags, the park is located between Chicago and Milwaukee, near Interstate 94. It features more than 45 attractions, including 16 roller coasters, and a water park named Hurricane Harbor Chicago.
In 1973, the Marriott Corporation, a hospitality company, announced plans to build a regional theme park located in the Chicago metropolitan area. The park would be centered around an Americana theme and named Marriott's Great America. Construction on the park began in 1974 and lasted almost two years. Marriott's Great America opened to the public on May 29, 1976. The park was later sold to the amusement park operator Six Flags in 1984, which renamed it Six Flags Great America.
The park is divided into 12 themed sections, including areas based on Americana and DC Comics, along with children's areas. Operating seasonally from April to November, the park hosts its annual Halloween event Fright Fest in the fall. The park has received recognition from organizations including the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), and Amusement Today. Six Flags Great America frequently ranks in the top 20 most visited amusement parks in North America, with an estimated 3.04 million visitors in 2024.
History
1972–1976: Development and construction
In the early 1970s, the hospitality company Marriott Corporation sought to start a chain of state-of-the-art theme parks, each of which would be named Marriott's Great America and themed around American history, opening in time for the nation's bicentennial.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite news</ref> From the beginning, three parks were planned, as Marriott identified three underserved metropolitan areas that could support a major amusement park: Baltimore–Washington, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Chicago–Milwaukee.<ref>Novick, Steve. "Great America theme park near tiny Gurnee: $50 million playground ready next spring", Elk Grove Village Herald, March 31, 1975.</ref><ref name="arcadia">Template:Cite book</ref> Only the plans for the California and Illinois parks proceeded, while the flagship Marriott theme park slated for the Maryland and Virginia area was cancelled due to local opposition.<ref>Zenzen, Joan. "Great America in Manassas", Battling for Manassas: The Fifty-Year Preservation Struggle at Manassas National Battlefield Park, Penn State Press, 2010.</ref><ref>Leonard, Kevin. "Marriott theme park, Redskins stadium once planned in Laurel" Template:Webarchive, The Baltimore Sun, May 31, 2013.</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Veteran theme park designer Randall Duell was the leader of the design team for the park, who created two nearly identical plans for the Illinois park and its sister park in Santa Clara, California.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":40" /> With an overarching Americana theme in mind, Marriott's designers traveled across the country, observing styles and collecting artifacts to help inform an authentic atmosphere.<ref name="arcadia" />
Instead of utilizing a spoke-hub design found at other theme parks, the park was designed on Duell's theme park layout design named the "Duell loop," a circular path that allowed guests to visit each themed area while employees can work out of sight in the middle of the park. The original six themed areas of the park would be:<ref name=":63">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":48">Template:Cite news</ref> Template:OSM Location map
- Carousel Plaza: the main plaza entrance for the park
- Orleans Place: representing Southern United States in the mid-1800s
- Yankee Harbor: a 19th-century New England port
- Yukon Territory: resembling a town in the Canadian Yukon
- The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition at County Fair (also referred to as Midwest County Fair<ref name=":6" />): themed on a 20th-century rural county fair
- Hometown Square: based on early 20th century small towns of the Midwest
Marriott purchased Template:Convert of rural land in Gurnee, Illinois, straddling the Interstate 94 highway (Tri-State Tollway) on August 22, 1972, for the theme park. The land was chosen for its direct access to Interstate 94, its rough equal distance to Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and its proximity to Rockford, Illinois and Madison, Wisconsin.<ref name=":44">Template:Cite web</ref> At the time, the purchasers of the land were unknown to the public, but the Chicago Tribune speculated a new theme park for the land.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Marriott officially announced the Gurnee theme park on January 29, 1973.<ref name=":45" /> It would reside on the Template:Convert plot of land east of Interstate 94.<ref name=":46" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was planned to officially open in the spring of 1976 and operate as a seasonal theme park,<ref name=":45">Template:Cite news</ref> providing 1,800 jobs.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite news</ref>
At the time, Gurnee was a rural village with a population of around 3,300 residents, and the park caused debate among residents. However, then-mayor of Gurnee Richard Welton supported the project.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":9" /> Marriott received approval from Gurnee's village board in April 1973, but the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority rejected a proposal for an interchange to be built to lead directly into the parking lot in June 1973.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> An advisory referendum in the fall of 1973 concluded that 7 out of 10 residents approved the theme park.<ref name=":9" />
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Flag Day, June 14, 1974, with Marriott officials and Mayor Welton taking part in the ceremony.<ref name=":46">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":48" /> During the construction of the park, 12 houses and the street where they were located on, Pine Street (now Six Flags Drive), were demolished to make way for the park's six-lane toll road, which would serve as the park's main entrance and exit roads.<ref name="arcadia" /> Construction took two years, involved around 700 workers,<ref name=":44" /> and cost $72,750,000 in total to build both the Illinois and California theme parks combined.<ref name=":40">Template:Cite web</ref>
1976–1984: Operations under the Marriott Corporation
The park officially opened on May 29, 1976, two months after the Marriott's Great America in California.<ref name=":18">Template:Cite news</ref> At its opening in 1976, Marriott's Great America featured three roller coasters: Willard's Whizzer, Turn of the Century, and The Gulf Coaster.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The park had also included other flat rides throughout the park. These attractions included the double-decker Columbia Carousel which is the second-tallest carousel in the world,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the Sky Whirl, a unique, Template:Convert "triple ferris wheel" custom-designed for Marriott.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Transportation rides included Delta Flyer and Eagle's Flight, two one-way gondola sky car rides.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
From the beginning, the park made use of the Looney Tunes characters as costumed figures to interact with the park attendees.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Each themed area had its own set of costumes for park employees, and the design of buildings, shops and restaurants were all unique to each theme.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The park's second season in 1977 saw the installation of several new rides. The Template:Convert Sky Trek Tower was built, offering views of the park, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A third gondola sky ride, Southern Cross, was added, which offered a round trip and a higher view than the other two gondola rides. A few new spinning rides were added, such as Big Top, Davy Jones' Dinghies, and Hay Baler.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Gulf Coaster was removed for the 1977 season.<ref name=":53">Template:Cite web</ref>
Two new attractions were added in 1978. The park's first children's section, named Fort Fun, opened in the section designated the Yukon Territory.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Additionally, Great America's fourth roller coaster, Tidal Wave, a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop, opened in Yankee Harbor.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Pictorium, an IMAX theatre, opened in 1979, and claimed to have the world's largest screen, at 64.5 by 88.25 feet (19.6 × 26.9 m).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Turn of the Century roller coaster closed and was rethemed in 1980. Two vertical loops were added, along with two tunnels and the "new" ride was re-themed and renamed Demon. The ride featured an original theme song and new demon-themed elements.<ref name=":44" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> American Eagle, a racing wooden roller coaster, opened in 1981, exclusive to the Gurnee park. The tracks share a drop of Template:Convert and they reach speeds of Template:Cvt, totaling Template:Convert of combined track.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It opened as the tallest, fastest and longest dueling wooden coaster.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Picnic Grove was added in 1982 as a dining and meeting place for group outings. Two entrances for the pavilion would be located between Yankee Harbor and Yukon Territory.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1983, two rides were added: The Edge, an Intamin first-generation freefall ride, was added to the County Fair section of the park,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and White Water Rampage, an Intamin water rapids ride.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> White Water Rampage was added to Orleans Place, which required the removal of small rides such as Traffique Jam.<ref name=":22">Template:Cite web</ref> The Orleans Orbit was moved from its original Orleans Place location to Hometown Square, and became simply The Orbit,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> taking the spot of the Bottoms Up spinning ride.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
1984–1990: Acquisition and early changes by Six Flags
By the mid-1980s, the Marriott Corporation was disappointed with the financial performance of its theme park division, with lower profits than the company expected, in part because the third and largest of its Great America parks was never realized.Template:Citation needed As a result, Marriott decided to focus on its lodging and restaurant division and began searching for buyers for its two amusement parks.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1984, Marriott sold the sister Great America park in Santa Clara, California to the city of Santa Clara.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Around the same time, Bally ManufacturingTemplate:Em dashthe then-parent company of the Six Flags CorporationTemplate:Em dashoffered to purchase the Gurnee park for $114.5 million on April 26, 1984.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The sale was finalized in May 1984,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and as part of the acquisition, Six Flags also acquired the rights to use the Looney Tunes characters at all of its other parks.Template:Citation needed The park was renamed Six Flags Great America for the 1984 season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>"Bally's adds Great America to network", Southern Illinoisan, April 27, 1984.</ref>
Less than a month after the purchase, in May 1984, a software failure caused a car on the attraction The Edge to be stalled at the top of the lift shaft before moving forward into its drop position. The car was stuck in this position for a short period of time before it dropped in the lift shaft, causing injuries to all three occupants.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The remaining two gondola rides, Eagle's Flight and Delta's Flyer, were removed by the end of the 1984 season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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In 1985, Six Flags added Z-Force to the County Fair area, a one-of-a-kind Intamin space diver roller coaster.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Edge was removed in 1986.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1987, the park received one new ride and a themed area expansion. Power Dive, an Intamin Looping Starship ride was added.<ref name=":49">Template:Cite news</ref> It was a ride swung back and forth before eventually rotating a complete 360 degrees a few times.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Additionally, the Bugs Bunny Land kids area was expanded.<ref name=":49" /> Z-Force was removed from Six Flags Great America after the 1987 season, two years after it first operated.<ref>Template:Cite RCDB</ref> It was relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia.<ref>Template:Cite RCDB</ref>
While operating the Six Flags chain, Bally found that the excess resources demanded and high seasonal fluctuations of the theme park business made it an unnecessary burden on its core interests. In 1987, Bally sold Six Flags to Wesray Capital Corporation and a group of Six Flags managers. Several acquisitions were re-sold or closed, while Wesray moved the company's focus from theming to major attractions. This ushered in an era of major new rides and roller coasters at Six Flags parks like Great America.<ref>Clavé, Salvador Anton. The Global Theme Park Industry, CABI, 2007.</ref>
1988 saw the first of the new coasters, with the addition of the massive roller coaster Shockwave, an Arrow Dynamics mega-looper, opening in Orleans Place section of the park on June 3, 1998. Shockwave was the world's tallest roller coaster at the time it opened.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 1989, the park received an Intamin Bobsled roller coaster named Rolling Thunder. The ride was a relocation of Six Flags Great Adventure's Sarajevo Bobsled, which closed at that park the year prior. Rolling Thunder was added between Demon and Whizzer.<ref>Template:Cite RCDB</ref>
1990s: Significant expansion plans and additions
Template:Multiple image Iron Wolf, a compact steel stand-up coaster, opened on April 28, 1990. It is best known for being the first roller coaster manufactured by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard. It opened on Z-Force's former spot in County Fair.<ref name="Chicago Sun-Times closing">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Iron Wolf RCDB">Template:Cite RCDB</ref><ref name="COASTER-Net">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Telegraph Iron Wolf opening soon">Template:Cite news</ref> In the following year, Condor was added to Orleans Place in 1991, next to Shockwave.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two rides closed for 1991: the spinning ride Yukon Yahoo, which was located in the Yukon Territory section.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The other was the shuttle loop coaster Tidal Wave in Yankee Harbor, where it was relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The park collaborated with Bolliger & Mabillard again to build the first inverted roller coaster in the world, named Batman: The Ride.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The ride, which opened on May 9, 1992,<ref name="SFGAm2">Template:Cite RCDB</ref> was met with positive reception and lines that stretched out of the ride area and across large parts of the park.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref> At the time, it was the largest single investment on an attraction, at a cost of US$7 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="New attraction takes Six Flags into world of virtual reality">Template:Cite journal</ref> The surrounding area of Yankee Harbor was re-themed after the Batman films, with The Lobster being renamed the East River Crawler.<ref name=":21">Template:Cite web</ref>
To add to the hype around Batman from the opening of Batman: The Ride and the mega-hit film Batman Returns,Template:Peacock inline the Batman Stunt Show opened in 1993 in a brand-new amphitheater located past Demon; which would later come to be known as the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Six Flags and majority owner Time Warner had debuted The Batman Stunt Show at Six Flags Great Adventure the year prior, with great success.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Space Shuttle America, a motion simulator ride, was built in 1994 near Sky Trek Tower.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1995, construction began on a new themed area for the park, which would be built in phases. The first phase for the area was the opening of Viper that year, a wooden roller coaster which is a mirror image of the Coney Island Cyclone and themed after a snake oil salesman.<ref name=":27" /> It was built next to Rolling Thunder, which was removed later that same year to make room for the new area, where it was relocated to The Great Escape in New York.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Southwest Territory officially opened as the new Template:Convert themed area in 1996, with a desert theme based on the Old West as part of the second phase, following Viper. Three new rides were added in the themed area: River Rocker, a pirate ship ride; Chubasco, a teacup ride; and Trail Blazer, a Zamperla Joker. The amphitheater that has previously been home to the Batman Stunt Show was renamed the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.<ref name=":27">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":20">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In May 1996, Six Flags Great America made preliminary plans with the village of Gurnee to build a water park on a plot of land located outside of the park's existing plot: across Interstate 94 and west of the theme park.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, these plans were described as "extremely premature" by a spokesperson for the park, stating that plans might not proceed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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Two new thrill rides were added to the park for the 1997 season. Giant Drop, a Template:Convert tall Intamin second-generation drop tower, was added as an expansion to the Southwest Territory area, and was themed to be an ore excavator in the fictional Loco Diablo Mine. The other ride, Dare Devil Dive, was a Skycoaster ride and would be located in the County Fair area. Both attractions opened on April 26, 1997.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Beyers 9">Template:Cite news</ref> By this time, construction on the back side of the Southwest Territory mission building was fully completed.<ref name=":27" />
Additionally, the park had also made plans to build a Template:Convert tall "Wilderness-themed" roller coaster near the Iron Wolf roller coaster, requesting a zoning variation from the village of Gurnee, Illinois. On June 25, 1997, the park informed the zoning board of Gurnee that they would no longer pursue the construction of the Wilderness-themed roller coaster.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The park's preliminary water park plans were expanded into a larger project. In November 1997, the park announced plans to build and open a resort complex called Six Flags Entertainment Village, which would feature a water park, hotel, shopping mall, and a theater. Similar to the preliminary water park plans, it would not be built on the park's existing plot, and instead would be built on the plot of land owned by Six Flags across Interstate 94 and west of the existing theme park.<ref name=":112">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":211">Template:Cite news</ref> While the complex received approval from the village of Gurnee in late-1998,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> more than half of residents voted against it on an advisory referendum in 1999, derailing the project.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":73">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Despite the park's struggles with the Entertainment Village project, the theme park continued to expand. In 1998, the park expanded its kids areas offerings. A new kids area named Camp Cartoon Network opened as an area within Yukon Territory featuring five new rides. Additionally, the park's existing Bugs Bunny Land was renamed Looney Tunes National Park.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite news</ref>
On October 21, 1998, the park announced that they would open Raging Bull for the 1999 season, a hyper-twister roller coaster that was added to Southwest Territory.<ref name="Kenosha 22">Template:Cite news</ref> A US$25 million project, Raging Bull was the park's most expensive roller coaster.<ref name="The Daily Herald">Template:Cite news</ref> Built by Bolliger & Mabillard, the roller coaster was designed to be Template:Convert, Template:Convert, and Template:Convert, and would be built on the former lot used by Rolling Thunder.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="sixflags">Template:Cite web</ref> The roller coaster opened on May 1, 1999,<ref name="Newcity2">Template:Cite news</ref> following 40,000 man-hours of work.<ref name="Newcity2"/>
2000s: New themed areas and water park expansion
The park celebrated its silver (25th) season in 2000, which led to the additions of new shows and parades to celebrate the anniversary.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 2000 was the last year for the Sky Whirl and the Hay Baler ride.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> An accident involving 2 guests occurred on the Cajun Cliffhanger ride in July 2000, which led to its removal the following year.<ref name=":24">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2001, two inverted shuttle coasters were added: an Intamin impulse coaster named Vertical Velocity (stylized as V2), which opened in Yankee Harbor; and Déjà Vu, a Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang ride that replaced Sky Whirl and Hay Baler.<ref name="Announcement">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":39">Template:Cite web</ref> In the summer of 2002, plans were announced to remove Whizzer, set to close on August 11. The plan to remove the coaster was met with outrage from park guests, particularly because the intended replacement was a major thrill ride.<ref name=":44" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The backlash led to Six Flags deciding on August 3 to cancel their plans to replace Whizzer, and instead elected to replace Shockwave.<ref name=":28">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Power Dive was also removed, due to maintenance problems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2003, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed Superman: Ultimate Flight in Orleans Place, on the plot of land where Shockwave stood. It was the Midwest's second flying roller coaster, the first being X-Flight at Geauga Lake.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The layout of the ride is identical to versions of the ride at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia. Shockwave had partially stood in the parking lot, and for Superman, the entire landscaping of the ride area was redone.<ref name="RCDB Shockwave">Template:Cite RCDB</ref> Additionally, the Ameri-Go-Round carousel in County Fair was removed at the end of the 2003 season.<ref name=":72">Template:Cite web</ref>
Mardi Gras, a new themed area, which annexed a portion of Orleans Place, was added in 2004. It was built in the area where Power Dive and Cajun Cliffhanger had stood. A spinning wild mouse coaster named Ragin' Cajun was added, along with a HUSS Top-Spin model named King Chaos, a Zamperla Rockin' Tug model named Jester's Wild Ride and a Zamperla Balloon Race model named Big Easy Balloons.<ref name=":72"/> The same year, the removed Ameri-Go-Round from County Fair was replaced by Revolution, a HUSS Frisbee ride from Six Flags Great Adventure.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Batman: The Ride would also be repainted after the 2003 season, changing from an all-black color scheme to yellow track and dark purple supports.<ref name="SFGAm2" />
On September 17, 2004, the park announced a US$42 million<ref name=":64">Template:Cite news</ref> expansion to the theme park with the addition of the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It would become the seventh Hurricane Harbor water park to open, and would be built on the park's preexisting land, on the far west parking lot behind Raging Bull and Viper.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":54">Template:Cite news</ref> Upon its opening, it would feature 25 water slides, a 500,000 gallon wave pool, and an interactive water structure, with water park admission included with a theme park ticket.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Groundbreaking began in November 2004. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor opened to the public on May 28, 2005.<ref name=":52">Template:Cite news</ref>
The tented area in front of the American Eagle was converted into Wiggles World in 2007, a third children's area themed after the Wiggles, featuring five new rides. American Eagle's entrance was relocated to the right of the tent, utilizing part of the entrance building for the adjacent Dare Devil Dive skycoaster to accommodate the Wiggles area.<ref name=":16">Template:Cite web</ref> Additionally, the park focused on entertainment, introducing a new stunt show, Operation SpyGirl, in the Southwest Territory Amphitheater. Operation SpyGirl was an original live-action production created by Joel Surnow, co-creator of the Fox television series 24.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Operation SpyGirl debuted in May, and closed for the season in August. Operation SpyGirl did not return in 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":29">Template:Cite news</ref>
Great America added The Dark Knight Coaster in 2008, an indoor Mack wild mouse roller coaster themed after the film and located in Orleans Place. The ride is located indoors, mostly in the dark, and has a storyline based around Batman and The Joker. The Theater Royale was converted into a queue building for the ride.<ref name="RCDB GAm">Template:Cite RCDB</ref> Additionally, Splashwater Falls closed for the 2007 season early on, and was removed in March 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> For 2009, Six Flags replaced Déjà Vu with Buccaneer Battle, a pirate-themed boat ride in County Fair designed by Mack Rides. The ride consisted of 14 eight-passenger boats navigating a channel Template:Convert long. During the ride, there are numerous interactive water elements that can be controlled by passersby.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2010s: Record-breaking roller coasters
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Six Flags Great America acquired the historic roller coaster Little Dipper in late 2009 for US$33,000. A kids wooden roller coaster, it previously operated at Kiddieland Amusement Park, which operated from 1950 until 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Little Dipper opened at Six Flags Great America in mid-2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Additionally, the Glow in the Park Parade debuted at the park that same year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In May 2010, the park made plans to relocate the Chang roller coaster from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. It was planned to be built on the former Space Shuttle America site, near the park's front entrance. It received preliminary approval from the zoning board of Gurnee to exceed its Template:Convert height restrictions and advanced to the village board for approval.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The park later withdrew these plans in July 2010.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The park announced on September 3 that the Riptide Bay area would open for the 2011 season in Hurricane Harbor. This would replace Space Shuttle America, and it would feature new water slides and an activity pool.<ref name=":111">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In late 2010, Six Flags began removing some licensed properties from concessions and attractions. The Wiggles World area had its branding and theming removed for 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Riptide Bay expansion to Hurricane Harbor opened on June 3, 2011.<ref name=":111" /> On September 1, 2011, the park announced X-Flight, a B&M Wing Coaster, to open for the 2012 season, and was the first announced Wing Coaster to be built in North America.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The ride would replace Splashwater Falls and Great America Raceway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A few days later, the park's B&M stand-up roller coaster, Iron Wolf permanently closed on September 5, and was relocated to Six Flags America soon after.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> X-Flight opened for the media on May 10, 2012,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and opened on May 16, 2012.<ref>Template:Cite RCDB</ref> The nighttime show, IgNight – Grand Finale, was announced on August 12, 2012, to open for the following year in 2013. The show would be held in Hometown Square.<ref name="Proposal for new roller coaster at Great America is on the table">Template:Cite news</ref>
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Goliath, a Rocky Mountain Construction wooden roller coaster, was announced on August 29, 2013, built on the plot of Iron Wolf.<ref name="Official PR announcement">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was announced as the steepest, longest, and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.<ref name="CT announcement2">Template:Cite news</ref> Goliath debuted on June 19, 2014.<ref name="Goliath rises in Great America skyline">Template:Cite news</ref> Later that year, the park announced its plans to celebrate its 40th season of operations for the 2015 season, named the "40 Seasons of Thrills."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As part of the celebrations, the park re-introduced three kids rides in a new section called Hometown Park, which would be located within the Hometown Square area. Additionally, the Columbia Carousel and Hometown Square was refreshed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
An interactive dark ride named Justice League: Battle for Metropolis was announced on September 1, 2015, to open the following season. It would be one of three Six Flags parks to debut the attraction for that season,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and would replace the Southwest Territory Amphitheatre.<ref name=":422">Template:Cite news</ref> Justice League: Battle for Metropolis soft opened on May 26, 2016, and opened on May 28.<ref name=":422"/> The Orbit, an original park attraction, closed on August 6. The Joker, an S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, was announced on September 1, 2016, and would open for the 2017 season in the Yankee Harbor area.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> To accommodate The Joker, two rides would be either relocated or removed. East River Crawler would be relocated to replace The Orbit, restoring its original name The Lobster,<ref name=":21" /> and the Jester's Wild Ride would permanently close.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Virtual reality headsets were added to the park's Giant Drop attraction, and would be renamed temporarily to Drop of Doom. The new experience opened on April 29, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Joker opened to the public on May 27, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> King Chaos closed on August 26, 2017. Shortly after, it was announced on August 31, 2017, an unnamed Larson Fire Ball attraction would open for the 2018 season, replacing King Chaos.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On February 14, 2018, the park announced that Mardi Gras Hangover would be the name for the upcoming Larson Fire Ball attraction.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Holiday in the Park event was announced two months later, on April 11, 2018, extending the park's operating season to December. It would feature holiday lights, shows, and some attractions would operate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The park's Pictorium IMAX theater was demolished in late-April for future expansion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> Mardi Gras Hangover opened to the public on May 22, 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":410">Template:Cite web</ref> The park announced an S&S air-compressed launch roller coaster named Maxx Force on August 30, 2018, and would debut for the 2019 season, replacing the Pictorium.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Maxx Force opened for the media on July 2, 2019,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and officially opened on July 4.<ref name=":0" />
2020s: COVID-19 and major park investments
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park did not open in 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> While Hurricane Harbor reopened in July 2020,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the Lake County Health Department deemed a reopening of the amusement park as "unlikely" because of the ongoing pandemic.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In November, a modified version of its holiday event debuted, named Holiday in the Park Lights. It would run similar to the regular event, but without any rides operating.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":19">Template:Cite web</ref>
In the following year, it was announced the adjacent water park would become a separately gated water park and would be renamed Hurricane Harbor Chicago on March 22, 2021. It was also announced that the amusement park would reopen in late-April 2021, and the water park by the end of May, with restrictions to follow the state's guidelines relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="Announces Reopening">Template:Cite web</ref>
In early 2022, John Krajnak was named the new park president of Six Flags Great America, following the death of president Hank Salemi in January.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two months later, DC Universe, a DC Comics themed area, was announced on March 24, 2022, featuring new building paint, wider paths, and re-themed rides. Three rides would be re-themed: Vertical Velocity became The Flash: Vertical Velocity, with a new red color scheme; Whirligig became DC Super-Villains Swing, featuring DC villain visuals; and Yankee Clipper was re-themed to Aquaman Splashdown, featuring new ride boats.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> While the area was supposed to open on April 15, 2022, the area opened in May 2022 due to supply chain issues.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref> The park also removed Holiday in the Park from its event slate in 2022, shortening its operating season to November.<ref name=":50">Template:Cite web</ref>
Throughout the 2023 season, several developments occurred. In April 2023, the park confirmed that the plots of Dare Devil Dive and Buccaneer Battle would be used for future expansion following removal from the park map.<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref> Sky Striker, a Zamperla Discovery pendulum ride, was announced on August 30, 2023, planned to open for the 2024 season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It would be built on the plot of land that Dare Devil Dive occupied.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Soon after the announcement of Sky Striker, two more ridesTemplate:Em dashRevolution and Mardi Gras HangoverTemplate:Em dashwould be removed from the park. They both closed permanently on October 29, 2023,<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref> where they were relocated to Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World in New York.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In April 2024, the park demolished its old entrance plaza to build a new entrance building.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sky Striker opened to the public in mid-June 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two months later, a B&M Dive Coaster named Wrath of Rakshasa was announced on August 15, 2024. It would be the steepest and feature the most inversions on a Dive Coaster, and would replace the Buccaneer Battle water ride.<ref name=":56">Template:Cite web</ref> In early November 2024, it was announced in a press release that Six Flags Great America would receive a new kids area, alongside 50th anniversary celebrations, and park enhancements, as part of the newly merged Six Flags' $525 million investments for the 2026 season.<ref name=":43">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Wrath of Rakshasa debuted to the public on May 31, 2025, becoming the park's 16th roller coaster.<ref name=":57">Template:Cite web</ref>
Areas and attractions
| Thrill level (out of 5)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
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Carousel Plaza
Carousel Plaza is the front entrance area to the park, which centers on the park's Columbia Carousel. In addition to the rides, there are shops and food kiosks themed to the area.<ref name=":40" />
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Carousel | Template:N/AFile:Columbia Carousel at Six Flags Great America June 2025 (cropped).jpg | 1976 | Chance Rides | A Template:Convert tall double-decker carousel. It is the second-tallest carousel in the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Sky Trek Tower | Template:N/A File:Sky Trek Tower.jpg | 1977 | Intamin | A Template:Convert tall observation tower, providing views of both the park and surrounding areas, including the Chicago skyline. Sky Trek Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in Lake County, Illinois.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Maxx Force | Template:N/AFile:Maxx Force 1.jpg | 2019 | S&S – Sansei Technologies | An air-launched steel roller coaster, featuring five inversions. It is the fastest accelerating roller coaster, going 0 to Template:Convert in 1.8 seconds.<ref name="Maxx Force – CoasterCritic2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite RCDB</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
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Orleans Place
Orleans Place is themed around New Orleans in the late 1800s, specifically the historic French Quarter. The area opened as an original area in 1976, and part of the area was later annexed into Mardi Gras in 2004.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref>
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is one of the park's newest themed areas. It opened in 2004 after being converted from part of Orleans Place. The area's theme comes from the Mardi Gras holiday and specifically the famous celebration of the holiday in New Orleans.<ref name=":7" />
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Easy Balloons | Template:N/AFile:Big Easy Balloons Great America.jpg | 2004 | Zamperla | A spinning balloon ride.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Roaring Rapids | Template:N/AFile:Roaring Rapids Sign Great America.jpg | 1984 | Intamin | A river rapids ride. It was formerly named White Water Rampage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
DC Universe
Template:See alsoDC Universe is the park's DC Comics themed area that opened in 2022. It replaced Yankee Harbor, an original themed area of the park.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14">Template:Cite web</ref>
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Yukon Territory
Yukon Territory is a themed area based around the famous forests and mountains in northwest Canada, with references to logging, prospecting and gold panning, specifically the Klondike Gold Rush.<ref name=":14" />
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Dipper | Template:N/AFile:Little Dipper May-2010.jpg | 2010 | Philadelphia Toboggan Company | A historic kids roller coaster that originally operated at Kiddieland Amusement Park from 1950 to 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Logger's Run | Template:N/AFile:Logger's Run (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg | 1976 | Arrow Dynamics | A log flume water ride. The ride's track interlink with Aquaman Splashdown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
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Camp Cartoon
Camp Cartoon is a kids area that is located within Yukon Territory. It was known as Camp Cartoon Network when first added in 1998. Despite the former name, the rides were themed to Hanna-Barbera properties and not Cartoon Network ones.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crazy Bus | Template:N/AFile:Crazy Bus at Great America.jpg | 1998 | Zamperla | A bus ride that goes up and down.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It originally operated as Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine from 1998 to 2018. | Template:Fontcolor |
| Sprocket Rockets | Template:N/AFile:Six Flags Great America 027.jpg | 1998 | Vekoma | A steel roller coaster for kids. It originally operated as Spacely's Sprocket Rockets from 1998 to 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Yahoo River | Template:N/AFile:Yahoo River at Great America.jpg | 1976 | Thiel | A rotating boat water ride.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It originally operated as Yogi's Yahoo River from 1998 to 2018. | Template:Fontcolor |
County Fair
County Fair is an original themed area located in back of the park, and is the largest themed area, themed on a rural county fair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> There are many shops, stalls and attractions set in the theme. The area also features a food court,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and a gallery of carnival games.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Formerly, it was named "The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition at County Fair" and alternatively known as just "Midwest County Fair."<ref name=":62">Template:Cite news</ref>
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Kidzopolis
Template:See also Kidzopolis is a children's area located within County Fair, located near the American Eagle entrance.<ref name=":33">Template:Cite web</ref> Originally known as Wiggles World, the area was added for 2007.<ref name=":29" /> The Wiggles theming was removed after the 2010 season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| Ride | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bouncer | 2007 | Zamperla | This ride shoots riders into the air and goes up and down multiple times.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It originally operated as Bouncin' With Wags from 2007 to 2010. | Template:Fontcolor |
| Krazy Kars | 2007 | Zamperla | This is a controlled car ride that concourses through track, themed to a road trip.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It originally operated as Krazy Kars from 2007 to 2010. | Template:Fontcolor |
| Krazy Kups | 2007 | Zamperla | A small kids teacups ride.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It originally operated as Dorothy's Rosy Tea from 2007 to 2010. | Template:Fontcolor |
| Up, Up & Away | 2007 | Zamperla | Riders go up in fruit-themed cars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It originally operated as Yummy Yummy Fruit Salad from 2007 to 2010. | Template:Fontcolor |
| ZoomJets | 2007 | Zamperla | A controlled flying plane attraction.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It originally operated as Big Red Planes from 2007 to 2010. | Template:Fontcolor |
Metropolis Plaza
Metropolis Plaza is the smallest themed area of the park, based on the Metropolis city in DC Comics. It replaced the Southwest Amphitheater in 2016, and has one ride.<ref name=":42">Template:Cite news</ref>
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justice League: Battle for Metropolis | Template:N/AFile:Justice League - Battle for Metropolis Six Flags Great America.jpg | 2016 | Sally Corporation | An interactive 2D dark ride, based on the Justice League.<ref name=":413">Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
Southwest Territory
Southwest Territory is themed around an old Wild West town and opened in 1996.<ref name=":20" /> The area is situated outside of the park's "Duell loop", connecting it to both Hometown Square and County Fair.<ref name=":27" />
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Hometown Square
Hometown Square is one of the park's original areas. It is themed after a small midwestern town around the turn of the century. Guests walk through many shops and stalls and can ride many classic carnival-style rides.<ref name=":2" />
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great America Scenic Railway | Template:N/A | 1976 | Custom Fabricators, Inc. | A 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge railway scenic transportation ride which loops around the park.<ref name=":313">Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Hometown Fun Machine | Template:N/AFile:Hometown Fun Machine.jpg | 1976 | Eli Bridge | A spinning scrambler ride. It was formerly named Saskatchewan Scrambler from 1976 to 1977.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Triple Play | Template:N/A | 1976 | HUSS Rides | A Troika spinning ride, where the ride has three arms.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Whizzer | File:Whizzer.jpg | 1976 | Anton Schwarzkopf | A Template:Convert tall Speedracer steel family roller coaster.<ref name=":282">Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| The Lobster | Template:N/AFile:The Lobster SFGAm.jpg | 1976 | Anton Schwarzkopf | A Monster III model, where cars spin and go up, attached to an arm. It was named East River Crawler from 1992 to 2017.<ref name=":302">Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
Hometown Park
Hometown Park is a kids area located within Hometown Square.<ref name=":33" /> This section previously existed from the park's opening in 1976 until the rides were removed after the 2001 season. In 2015, three of the original rides returned as part of the park's 40th season celebration.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| Ride | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Bugs | 2015 | S.B Ramagosa | A lady bug car that goes around.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Red Baron | 2015 | Chance | A controlled flying plane ride.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
| Tot's Livery | 2015 | Hampton | A carriage ride that goes around.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Fontcolor |
Hurricane Harbor Chicago
Template:MainSix Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago is a Template:Convert water park that opened in 2005, featuring 25 water slides.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The water park, which is part of the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park chain, was originally included with Six Flags Great America admission. It has been separately gated from the theme park since 2021.<ref name="Announces Reopening"/>
Fast Lane
Fast Lane is a secondary queuing system that offers shorter waiting times on the park's most popular rides. Visitors purchase Fast Lane wristbands to access a separate and shorter queue line that bypasses the standard line.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It will be introduced at the park in 2026, replacing The Flash Pass virtual reservation system.<ref name=":210">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:As of, Fast Lane will be offered on 20 rides upon its 2026 introduction at Six Flags Great America.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Annual events
Fright Fest
Fright Fest is an annual Halloween-themed event that debuted in 1991.<ref name=":51" /> It is held on weekends in September and October, with select dates extending into November.<ref name=":55">Template:Cite web</ref> The park is decorated into several different themed "Scare Zones," featuring haunted houses (for an additional fee), scare actors, live shows, and rethemed rides.<ref name=":51">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":15">Template:Cite web</ref> Kids Boo Fest, a family-friendly Halloween event that debuted in 2022, is held on the same days as Fright Fest. It runs from the park's opening until dusk, after which Fright Fest begins.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Many of the park's rides receive special theming and operate differently than usual. A notable ride re-theme that occurs during the event is the teacup ride Chubasco, which is transformed into Terror Twister 2: A Turn for the Worse, in which the ride building is enclosed and a custom lighting design matched with a custom club style music mix is played.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Fright Fest also features live shows throughout the park. One of the park's longest-running productions is Love at First Fright, which follows the story of a couple who spends a night in a cemetery when classic Halloween characters show up.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Running since 1991, the show changes each year to include various pop culture references.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Uprising is performed at dusk, where guests witness the rise of undead monsters, signifying the transition from Kids Boo Fest to Fright Fest.<ref name=":55" />
Attendance
Analysts position Six Flags Great America as a well performing property within the Six Flags company.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2013, the park reached 100 million overall guests.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> Under park policy, Six Flags Great America does not release attendance figures. However, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) estimates attendance numbers for the amusement park.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| Year | Attendance (in millions) | North America Rank | Template:Tooltip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2.62 | 19th | <ref name="2006 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2007 | 2.63 | 20th | <ref name="2007 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2008 | 2.67 | 20th | <ref name="2008 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2009 | 2.50 | 20th | <ref name="2009 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2010 | 2.70 | 20th | <ref name="2010 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2016 | 2.95 | 20th | <ref name="2016 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2017 | 3.04 | 20th | <ref name="2017 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2018 | 3.11 | 20th | <ref name="2018 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2019 | 3.17 | 20th | <ref name="2019 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2020 | 0 | 20th | Template:Efn |
| 2021 | 2.68 | 20th | <ref name="2021 attendance">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2022 | 2.54 | 20th | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2023 | 2.90 | 19th | Template:Efn |
| 2024 | 3.04 | 19th | <ref name="2024 attendance"/> |
Records and awards
Records
Upon the park's opening in 1976, its Columbia Carousel ride became the second-tallest carousel in the world standing at Template:Convert tall. Its counterpart at California's Great America in Santa Clara, California, conversely named Carousel Columbia, is the tallest carousel in the world, in which the California carousel stands Template:Convert tall.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
One of the first record breaking roller coasters for the park was American Eagle, opening in 1981 as the tallest, fastest and longest wooden racing roller coaster in the world. The ride is Template:Convert tall, reaches speeds of Template:Convert, and Template:Convert each side. American Eagle still retains all of these records Template:As of.<ref name=":35">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":36">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":37">Template:Cite web</ref>
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The now-defunct roller coaster Shockwave, which opened in 1988, broke multiple records upon its opening. At that time, it was the tallest, fastest and most inverted steel roller coaster in the world.<ref name="Times Herald">Template:Cite news</ref> It was Template:Convert tall and Template:Convert and had seven inversions.<ref name="Evansville Courier">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The records for tallest and fastest roller coaster were later surpassed by Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Great Adventure less than one year later.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Batman: The Ride opened in 1992 as the first inverted roller coasterTemplate:Em dasha roller coaster where trains are positioned below the trackTemplate:Em dashin the world, which was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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Goliath claimed three Guinness World Records at its opening in 2014 as the steepest wooden roller coaster, longest drop on a wooden roller coaster, and fastestTemplate:Efn wooden roller coaster in the world; as of 2025, the ride currently retains the latter two.<ref name=":38">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The now-defunct Mardi Gras Hangover opened to the public on May 25, 2018, as the tallest fire ball attraction in the world.<ref name=":17">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2019, Maxx Force opened with three record breakers with having the fastest acceleration in North America from 0 to Template:Convert in 1.8 seconds, fastest inversion (heartline roll) in the world at Template:Convert and tallest double inversion in the world at Template:Convert.<ref name="Maxx Force – CoasterCritic">Template:Cite web</ref>
Wrath of Rakshasa, a B&M Dive Coaster, opened in 2025 as the steepest dive coaster model at 96 degrees, and also has the most inversions on a dive coaster model with five inversions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Upon the opening of Wrath of Rakshasa on May 31, 2025,<ref name=":57" /> the park has 16 total roller coasters, making it the second-highest number of roller coasters in a singular park located in the Midwestern United States, behind its sister park Cedar Point.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
From 2014 to 2017, Six Flags Great America also had the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park at Template:Convert, receiving a Guinness World Record on January 14, 2015. The record counts the track length of the roller coasters American Eagle (both sides), Goliath, Little Dipper, and Viper.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They were surpassed upon the opening of Mystic Timbers at Kings Island, with Kings Island having approximately 18,000 feet of combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Awards
Several of Six Flags Great America's roller coasters have appeared on Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards multiple times. The following lists the peak ranking for each roller coaster at Six Flags Great America on the Golden Ticket Awards and the year they achieved their peak ranking:
- Raging Bull: 9th (2005)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Goliath: 13th (2016)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Viper: 19th (1999)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Batman: The Ride: 23rd (1998)<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Superman: Ultimate Flight: 35th (2004)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Whizzer: 40th (2013)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- X-Flight: 45th (2013)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
For American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) awards, three roller coasters at Six Flags Great America have been designated as Coaster Landmark status, an award reserved for rides of significance to amusement parks. It is one of two parks to have three ACE Landmark roller coasters, alongside Kennywood.<ref name=":47">Template:Cite web</ref> Batman: The Ride received Landmark status on June 20, 2005, for its significance as the first inverted roller coaster.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Whizzer received Landmark status on August 10, 2012, for the park's preservation of the attraction.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> American Eagle received Landmark status on June 16, 2025, for being Intamin's first wooden roller coaster and for being the tallest and fastest racing coaster in the world.<ref name=":47" /> Little Dipper also has the ACE Coaster Classic award, an award given to historic roller coasters that utilize traditional operating practices and ride experiences characteristic of the early 20th century.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has awarded the park's entertainment and dining options multiple times. In 2005, 2007 and 2008, the Fright Fest show Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less." In 2010, 2013 and 2014, Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in the category "Best Overall Production: $50,001–100,000."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Show Stoppin' won the IAAPA Big E! Award in 2008 in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,001–50,000."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The park's tanghulu was a finalist for the IAAPA Honors Award for "Best New Menu Item" in 2023–2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Windy City Sports Bar and Grill, a restaurant in Southwest Territory,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was a finalist for "Best New Food and Beverage Renovation or New Facility Build" in the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in 2024–2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards, Goliath ranked number 4 in the category "Best Roller Coasters in the Country" in 2018. Maxx Force ranked number 8 in the category "Best New Amusement Park Attraction" in 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notable incidents
The following only lists major incidents that have occurred at the park, and does not include minor incidents or incidents that were caused by an underlying health issue.
- In 1976, two separate instancesTemplate:Em dashone in July 1976, one in August 1976Template:Em dashoccurred on Whizzer, which resulted in a total of 31 guests being injured. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) filed a formal complaint against the Marriott Corporation in 1980 for failing to report the incidents to the CPSC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On May 22, 1984, an incident on The Edge ride occurred when three riders were injured after the car fell backwards while it was going up. The incident directly caused the park to remove the ride in 1986.<ref name=":44" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On April 19, 1998, a train on Demon stopped in the middle of a vertical loop, resulting in riders being stuck upside down for two hours. An aerial fire apparatus was required to release stranded riders.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was later revealed that the incident was a result of a safety feature preventing the train from derailing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On July 19, 2000, two guests were injured on the Cajun Cliffhanger ride when the ride's floor raised incorrectly, sustaining injuries to their feet. The incident resulted in its removal the following year.<ref name=":24" />
- On May 29, 2004, an employee died after being hit by a train on the Ragin' Cajun roller coaster while attempting to cross the track.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On March 11, 2008, a crew member that was part of an external company demolishing the Splashwater Falls attraction died after falling Template:Convert to the ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On August 14, 2022, a drive-by shooting occurred in the park's parking lot, injuring three people. It prompted an immediate evacuation of the entire park, and was later determined to be a targeted incident.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In popular culture
In the late 1970s, two television specials were produced to feature the Marriott theme park in Gurnee, Illinois, both produced by TV station WLS-TV. To celebrate the opening of Marriott's Great America, a special named Celebration At Great America first aired on July 2, 1976,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and again on August 21.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The special starred Steve Edwards and Sandi Freeman of WLS-TV. Celebrity guests included Mel Blanc as Bugs Bunny, other Looney Tunes characters, Jo Anne Worley, Forrest Tucker, Jerry Stiller and Roger Perry. The second television special from WLS-TV, titled You're Never Too Old, first aired on September 8, 1979,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and again on April 26, 1980;<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> hosted by actress Lisa Hartman.
In 1977, the park's circus show, Circus Fantastic, had one of its performances broadcast on the television series Captain Kangaroo with Captain Kangaroo (Bob Keeshan) himself as the ringmaster and special guest star Bob Denver of Gilligan's Island.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1994, the park's now-defunct Iron Wolf roller coaster was featured in the movie Richie Rich and was showcased as a backyard coaster.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 26, 2009, the park was featured on Dinner: Impossible where host Robert Irvine creates a meal for coaster enthusiasts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Raging Bull.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a 2013 episode of Insane Coaster Wars, the park's B&M wing coaster X-Flight was featured as a contestant against other roller coasters around the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In July 2015, the K-pop boy band BTS filmed an episode of their variety show Run BTS where the members rode various rides during their time at the park.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
References
- Notes
- References
External links
Template:Six Flags Template:Six Flags Great America rides Template:Authority control