View source for Six Flags Great America

{{short description|Theme park in Gurnee, Illinois}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[Six Flags Great Adventure]] in Jackson, New Jersey; [[Six Flags America]] in Bowie, Maryland; or [[California's Great America]] in Santa Clara, California}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2016}}
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Six Flags Great America
| logo = Six Flags Great America 2019 logo.png
| image = Columbia Carousel at Six Flags Great America June 2025.jpg
| caption = The [[Columbia Carousel]] ride, located near the park's entrance (pictured in 2025)
| location = [[Gurnee, Illinois|Gurnee]]
| location2 = [[Illinois]]
| location3 = United States
| coordinates = {{Coord|42|22|03|N|87|56|04|W|type:landmark_region:US-IL|display=inline,title}}
| theme = 
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica}}
| owner = [[Six Flags]]
| opening_date = {{Start date and age|1976|05|29|df=no}}
| previous_names = <br>Marriott's Great America {{nowrap|(1976–1984)}}
| season = April to November
| visitors = {{increase}} 3.045 million in 2024
| area = {{convert|273|acre|km2}}{{Efn|{{Convert|273|acre|ha}} is the combined developed area of both Six Flags Great America and [[Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago|Hurricane Harbor Chicago]]. Including undeveloped land, the total combined area of the two parks are {{convert|303|acre|ha}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags 2024 Annual Report |url=https://s204.q4cdn.com/155295784/files/doc_financials/2024/ar/Annual-Report-on-Form-10-K.pdf |access-date=2025-07-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250712224603/https://s204.q4cdn.com/155295784/files/doc_financials/2024/ar/Annual-Report-on-Form-10-K.pdf |archive-date=2025-07-12 |website=Six Flags |pages=25}}</ref>|group=note}}
| rides = 47 (as of 2025)
| coasters = 16
| water_rides = 3
| status = Operating
| slogan = The Thrill Capital of the Midwest
| general_manager = 
}}

'''Six Flags Great America''' is a {{Convert|273|acre|ha|adj=on}} [[amusement park|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 coaster]]s, and a [[water park]] named [[Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago|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 (culture)|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 [[Six Flags Fright Fest|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 [[United States Bicentennial|bicentennial]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Enstand |first=Robert |date=1975-10-16 |title=Marriott's Great America rising out of Gurney farms |pages=61 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110553915/marriotts-great-america-rising-out-of-g/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> From the beginning, three parks were planned, as Marriott identified three underserved metropolitan areas that could support a major amusement park: [[Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area|Baltimore–Washington]], the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], and [[Chicago]]–[[Milwaukee]].<ref>Novick, Steve. [https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/elk-grove-village/elk-grove-village-herald/1975/03-31 "Great America theme park near tiny Gurnee: $50 million playground ready next spring"], ''Elk Grove Village Herald'', March 31, 1975.</ref><ref name="arcadia">{{Cite book |title=Six Flags Great America (Images of Modern America) |date=2017 |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |isbn=978-1540226020 |language=English}}</ref> Only the plans for the California and Illinois parks proceeded, while the [[Marriott's Great America (Maryland–Virginia)|flagship Marriott theme park slated for the Maryland and Virginia area]] was cancelled due to local opposition.<ref>Zenzen, Joan. [https://books.google.com/books?id=6QINazxyATEC&pg=PA85 "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. [http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/laurel/ph-ll-history-megaprojects-0530-20130531-story.html "Marriott theme park, Redskins stadium once planned in Laurel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618130101/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/laurel/ph-ll-history-megaprojects-0530-20130531-story.html |date=June 18, 2018 }}, ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'', May 31, 2013.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=William H. |date=March 2, 1978 |title=Marriott Drops Its Plans For Va. Amusement Park |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1978/03/02/marriott-drops-its-plans-for-va-amusement-park/c0ecd74c-3a6a-4b30-90c2-7f50085d97b3/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</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 [[California's Great America|its sister park in Santa Clara, California]].<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":40" /> With an overarching [[Americana (culture)|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 distribution paradigm|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">{{Cite news |last=Enstand |first=Robert |date=1975-10-16 |title=Marriott's Great America rising out of Gurney farms |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110553915/marriotts-great-america-rising-out-of-g/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |pages=61}}</ref><ref name=":48">{{Cite news |last=Washburn |first=Gary |date=June 15, 1974 |title=Marriott unveils details of $50 million Gurnee park |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-marriott-unveils-details/177137768/ |access-date= |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=167}}</ref>
{{OSM Location map|coord={{coord|42.36769840446294|-87.93414089675781}}|zoom=16|width=300|height=350|caption=The original themed areas of Six Flags Great America|label1=Carousel Plaza|mark-coord1={{coord|42.36942754360675|-87.93534164393266}}|label-pos1=top|label2=Orleans Place|mark-coord2={{coord|42.37003228367836|-87.9342753220846}}|label-pos2=top|label4=Yankee Harbor|mark-coord4={{coord|42.368135|-87.93326}}|label-pos4=top|label5=Yukon Territory|mark-coord5={{coord|42.36717597776517|-87.93257209832231}}|label-pos6=top|label7=Midwest County Fair|mark-coord7={{coord|42.36633770592295|-87.93354146263589}}|label-pos7=top|label8=Hometown Square|mark-coord8={{coord|42.36855910418388|-87.93475420622141}}|label-pos12=top}}
* 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 [[Canada|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 {{convert|600|acre|ha}} of rural land in [[Gurnee, Illinois]], straddling the [[Interstate 94 in Illinois|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|Chicago, Illinois]], and [[Milwaukee|Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], and its proximity to [[Rockford, Illinois]] and [[Madison, Wisconsin]].<ref name=":44">{{Cite web |last=McCoppin |first=Robert |date=2016-05-28 |title=40 years later, Six Flags Great America still thrilling crowds |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2016/05/28/40-years-later-six-flags-great-america-still-thrilling-crowds/ |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Nagelberg |first=Alvin |date=August 23, 1972 |title=Giant Amusement Park West of Gurnee Planned |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-giant-amusement-park-wes/177139571/ |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=77}}</ref> Marriott officially announced the Gurnee theme park on January 29, 1973.<ref name=":45" /> It would reside on the {{Convert|200|acre|ha|adj=on}} plot of land east of Interstate 94.<ref name=":46" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 12, 1974 |title=Flag Day ceremony will dedicate center |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-flag-day-ceremony-will-dedica/177137510/ |access-date=July 21, 2025 |work=The Herald}}</ref> It was planned to officially open in the spring of 1976 and operate as a seasonal theme park,<ref name=":45">{{Cite news |last=Nagelberg |first=Alvin |date=1973-01-30 |title=Marriott plans big park |pages=37 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110554080/marriott-plans-big-park/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> providing 1,800 jobs.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=December 13, 1973 |title=Small Town Memory: Will Amusement Park Kill Gurnee? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-small-town-memory/177138016/ |access-date= |work=Lansing State Journal |pages=92}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Lauerman |first=Connie |date=September 6, 1973 |title=Gurnee may get 'Disneyland' yet |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-gurnee-may-get-disneyla/177138448/ |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=106}}</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 (United States)|Flag Day]], June 14, 1974, with Marriott officials and Mayor Welton taking part in the ceremony.<ref name=":46">{{Cite news |date=1974-06-15 |title=Illinois getting theme park |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110554152/illinois-getting-theme-parl/ |work=The Daily Leader |pages=2}}</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">{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2019 |title=Six Flags Great America – Part 1: Marriott in the Midwest. |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/04/06/six-flags-great-america-01 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Themerica |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 1976–1984: Operations under the Marriott Corporation ===
[[File:Marriott's Great America, Illinois, August 1976.jpg|thumb|A view of [[Demon (roller coaster)|Turn of the Century]] and [[Sky Whirl]] from the Delta Flyer attraction (pictured in August 1976).]]The park officially opened on May 29, 1976, two months after the [[California's Great America|Marriott's Great America in California]].<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1976 |title=Great America opens May 29 |pages=7 |work=Great Lakes Bulletin via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109257060/great-america-opens-may-29/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> At its opening in 1976, Marriott's Great America featured three [[roller coasters]]: [[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Willard's Whizzer]], [[Demon (roller coaster)|Turn of the Century]], and The [[Gulf Coaster]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulf Coaster at Marriott's Great America parks |url=http://www.greatamericaparks.com/gulfcoaster.html |access-date=May 13, 2013 |publisher=Great America Parks}}</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>{{Cite web |title=Weekly Top 10: Top Theme Park Carousels |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201502/4431/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> and the [[Sky Whirl]], a unique, {{convert|110|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} "triple [[ferris wheel]]" custom-designed for Marriott.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Sky Whirl |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/sky-whirl/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> Transportation rides included Delta Flyer and Eagle's Flight, two one-way [[Gondola lift|gondola]] sky car rides.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-15 |title=Delta Flyer / Eagle's Flight |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/delta-flyer-eagles-flight/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>

From the beginning, the park made use of the ''[[Looney Tunes]]'' characters as costumed figures to interact with the park attendees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toolooney.blogspot.com/2007/02/bugs-bunnys-las-vegas-review.html |title=Misce-Looney-ous: Bugs Bunny's Las Vegas Review |first=Jon |last=Cooke |date=February 25, 2007 |access-date=November 6, 2016}}</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>{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1976 |title=Great America |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109207715/great-america/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] via Newspapers.com |pages=31}}</ref>
[[File:Great America - Chicago - USA.jpg|thumb|Sky Trek Tower was added in 1977.]]
The park's second season in 1977 saw the installation of several new rides. The {{convert|285|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} [[Sky Trek Tower]] was built, offering views of the park, [[Lake Michigan]], and the Chicago skyline.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1977 |title=Up and away! The view is spectacular |pages=92 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390545/sky-trek-tower-construction/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</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>{{Cite news |date=April 3, 1977 |title=Expanded Great America opens May 7 |pages=48 |work=The Rock Island Argus via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390670/expanded-great-america-opens-may-7/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> The Gulf Coaster was removed for the 1977 season.<ref name=":53">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Gulf Coaster |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/gulf-coaster/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Laurie |date=June 29, 1978 |title=Acre of fun the forte of Great America's latest |pages=19 |work=Cardunal Free Press via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390862/acre-of-fun-the-forte-of-great-americas/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> Additionally, Great America's fourth roller coaster, Tidal Wave, a Schwarzkopf [[Shuttle Loop]], opened in Yankee Harbor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 29, 1978 |title=Tidal Wave hits Great America |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-tidal-wave-hits-great-am/67843006/ |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=88}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2011-07-16 |title=Big Movie Zone – Six Flags Great America Pictorium |website=bigmoviezone.com |url=http://www.bigmoviezone.com/txshows/theaters/index.html?uniq=476 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716120211/http://www.bigmoviezone.com/txshows/theaters/index.html?uniq=476 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=usurped |access-date=2021-08-26}}</ref>

[[File:American Eagle 01.JPG|200x200px|thumb|left|The [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]] was added in 1981.]]

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 (roller coaster)|Demon]]. The ride featured an original theme song and new demon-themed elements.<ref name=":44" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-02-05 |title=Demon @ Six Flags Great America {{!}} Coaster Reviews |url=https://coastercritic.com/2010/02/05/demon-six-flags-great-america-coaster-reviews/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Coaster Critic |language=en}}</ref> [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]], a racing wooden roller coaster, opened in 1981, exclusive to the Gurnee park. The tracks share a drop of {{convert|147|ft|m}} and they reach speeds of {{cvt|66|mph}}, totaling {{Convert|9300|ft|m}} of combined track.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 26, 1980 |title=American Eagle to fly in May |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-rock-island-argus-american-eagle-to/177140581/ |work=The Rock Island Argus |pages=56}}</ref> It opened as the tallest, fastest and longest dueling wooden coaster.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1981 |title=Great America opening Saturday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-rock-island-argus-great-america-open/177140792/ |work=Rock Island Argus |pages=55}}</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>{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1982 |title=New picnic grove at Great America |pages=32 |work=Southtown Star via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99718083/1982-04-18-rethink-theme-parksjpg/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=The Edge |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/the-edge/ |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=GREATAMERICAparks.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Roaring Rapids|White Water Rampage]], an Intamin water rapids ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Timeline |url=https://www.csus.edu/indiv/s/shawg/articles/facilities/six_flags_timeline.html |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=www.csus.edu}}</ref> White Water Rampage was added to Orleans Place, which required the removal of small rides such as Traffique Jam.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Traffique Jam |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/traffique-jam/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> The Orleans Orbit was moved from its original Orleans Place location to Hometown Square, and became simply The Orbit,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Orleans Orbit |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/orleans-orbit/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> taking the spot of the Bottoms Up spinning ride.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Bottoms Up |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/bottoms-up/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</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.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} As a result, Marriott decided to focus on its lodging and restaurant division and began searching for buyers for its two amusement parks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1984 |title=Bally to buy Great America |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-sentinel-bally-to-buy-great-am/177141091/ |work=Daily Sentinel |pages=9}}</ref>

In 1984, Marriott sold [[California's Great America|the sister Great America]] park in [[Santa Clara, California]] to the city of [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1984 |title=Untitled section |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-peninsula-times-tribune/177141225/ |work=Peninsula Times Tribune |pages=67}}</ref> Around the same time, [[Bally Manufacturing]]{{Em dash}}the then-parent company of the [[Six Flags|Six Flags Corporation]]{{Em dash}}offered to purchase the Gurnee park for $114.5 million on April 26, 1984.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1984-04-27 |title=Marriott to Sell Park to Bally |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/27/business/marriott-to-sell-park-to-bally.html |access-date=2022-10-27 |work=[[The New York Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The sale was finalized in May 1984,<ref>{{Cite web  |date=1987-04-22 |title=BALLY TO SELL SIX FLAGS UNIT FOR $600 MILLION |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/04/22/bally-to-sell-six-flags-unit-for-600-million/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</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.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} The park was renamed Six Flags Great America for the 1984 season.<ref>{{cite web |last=K. |first=Jerome |title=Six Flags Great America – History |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/parkinfo/history.html |access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/83638521/ "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>{{Cite news |last=Myers |first=Linnet |date=May 25, 1984 |title=Riding the scream machines |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-coasters/177142315/ |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The remaining two gondola rides, Eagle's Flight and Delta's Flyer, were removed by the end of the 1984 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-15 |title=Delta Flyer / Eagle's Flight |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/delta-flyer-eagles-flight/ |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=GREATAMERICAparks.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Z-Force (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|thumb|[[Flashback (roller coaster)|Z-Force]] operated from 1985 to 1987 in the County Fair area.]]
In 1985, Six Flags added [[Flashback (roller coaster)|Z-Force]] to the County Fair area, a one-of-a-kind Intamin space diver roller coaster.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prescott |first=David |date=April 26, 1985 |title='Z-Force' new twist for roller-coaster lovers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/51202877/ |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=102}}</ref> The Edge was removed in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Enstad |first=Robert |date=March 12, 1986 |title=Six Flags Dismantles The Edge |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-03-12-8601180746-story.html |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</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">{{Cite news |title=April 9, 1987 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-untitled-section/177142152/ |work=The Times |pages=9}}</ref> It was a ride swung back and forth before eventually rotating a complete 360 degrees a few times.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Susan |date=August 5, 1987 |title=Adventure and fun are only Six Flags away |pages=58 |work=The Dispatch via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54447315/six-flags-great-america-power-dive/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</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>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Z-Force|rcdb_number=126 |location=Six Flags Great America |url=https://rcdb.com/126.htm |access-date=July 29, 2025}}</ref> It was relocated to [[Six Flags Over Georgia]].<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Z-Force|rcdb_number=127 |location=Six Flags Over Georgia |url=https://rcdb.com/127.htm |access-date=July 29, 2025}}</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. [https://books.google.com/books?id=rH-wmRzn6AcC&pg=PA107 ''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 (Six Flags Great America)|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>{{cite web |title=Shockwave History |url=http://www.coastergrotto.com/review.jsp?argId=197 |access-date=2022-08-15 |publisher=coastergrotto.com}}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Broad |first=William J. |date=August 2, 1998 |title=Upside Down at 70 M.P.H.: The New Physics of Thrills |pages=Section C, 1 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/02/science/upside-down-at-70-mph-the-new-physics-of-thrills.html |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</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 (roller coaster)|Demon]] and Whizzer.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Rolling Thunder |location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=494 |access-date=2022-08-16 |url=https://rcdb.com/494.htm}}</ref>

=== 1990s: Significant expansion plans and additions ===
{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Iron Wolf (Six Flags Great America) 01.JPG
| image2            = Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America 2.jpg
| caption1          = [[Firebird (roller coaster)|Iron Wolf]] is the first roller coaster manufactured by [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] (B&M), where it operated at the park from 1990 to 2011.
| caption2          = [[Batman: The Ride]] is the first [[inverted roller coaster]] in the world and B&M's second roller coaster.
| align             = left
}}
[[Firebird (roller coaster)|Iron Wolf]], a compact steel [[stand-up roller coaster|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">{{cite news |date=August 5, 2011 |title='Iron Wolf's last stand is Sept. 5' |url=http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/6909029-418/iron-wolfs-last-stand-is-sept.-5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323001051/http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/6909029-418/iron-wolfs-last-stand-is-sept.-5 |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref><ref name="Iron Wolf RCDB">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Iron Wolf |location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=6 |access-date=August 23, 2011}}</ref><ref name="COASTER-Net">{{cite web |author=biZarRo |date=February 12, 2011 |title=The Significance of Bolliger & Mabillard |url=http://www.coaster-net.com/blogs/158-the-significance-of-bolliger-mabillard/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427045703/http://www.coaster-net.com/blogs/158-the-significance-of-bolliger-mabillard/ |archive-date=April 27, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |publisher=COASTER-Net}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph Iron Wolf opening soon">{{cite news |last=Yeager |first=Connie |date=March 25, 1990 |title=New roller coasters promise wilder rides |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=44VKAAAAIBAJ&dq=iron%20wolf%20six%20flags&pg=6880%2C6969393 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |newspaper=The Telegraph |page=59}}</ref> In the following year, [[Condor (ride)|Condor]] was added to Orleans Place in 1991, next to Shockwave.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1991 |title=Condor at Six Flags Great America Reviews & Info |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/guides/six-flags-great-america/condor |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Theme Park Tourist |language=en}}</ref> Two rides closed for 1991: the spinning ride Yukon Yahoo, which was located in the Yukon Territory section.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-25 |title=Yukon Yahoo |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/yukon-yahoo/ |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=GREATAMERICAparks.com |language=en-US}}</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">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-25 |title=Tidal Wave |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/tidal-wave/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tidal Wave - Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois, United States) |url=https://rcdb.com/38.htm |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250504075540/https://rcdb.com/38.htm |archive-date=2025-05-04 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=rcdb.com |language=en}}</ref>

The park collaborated with Bolliger & Mabillard again to build the first [[inverted roller coaster]] in the world, named [[Batman: The Ride]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ravo |first=Nick |date=1993-05-09 |title=THING; Batman the Ride |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/09/style/thing-batman-the-ride.html |access-date=2022-10-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McLaurin |first=Tim |date=1993-03-07 |title=On Batman, A Scream A Second |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/07/t-magazine/on-batman-a-scream-a-second.html |access-date=2022-10-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reference for Business – Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/21/Six-Flags-Theme-Parks-Inc.html |access-date=September 23, 2011}}</ref> The ride, which opened on May 9, 1992,<ref name="SFGAm2">{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Batman The Ride |location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=5 |access-date=January 6, 2013}}</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">{{Cite news |title='Batman the Ride' big draw at Six Flags Park in Gurnee |work=The Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110551355/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> At the time, it was the largest single investment on an attraction, at a cost of US$7 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 10, 1992 |title=A GUIDE TO WHAT'S NEW IN THEME PARKS |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-05-10-9202110640-story.html |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref name="New attraction takes Six Flags into world of virtual reality">{{cite journal |last=Muret |first=Don |date=March 1994 |title=New attraction takes Six Flags into world of virtual reality |journal=Amusement Business |volume=106 |issue=10}}</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">{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Dan |title=Moran: Great America puts the Orbit to rest, brings back the Lobster |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-moran-six-flags-great-america-lobster-st-1001-20160930-column.html |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Lake County News-Sun |date=September 30, 2016 |language=en-US}}</ref>

To add to the hype around Batman from the opening of Batman: The Ride and the mega-hit film ''[[Batman Returns]]'',{{peacock inline|date=August 2025}} 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>{{Cite news |last=Plummer |first=Robert |date=May 20, 1993 |title=Great America adds stunt show |pages=21 |work=The Times – via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104857383/great-america-adds-stunt-show/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Whitehouse |first=Beth |date=June 19, 1992 |title=Batman flies to rescue 5 times a day all summer |pages=38 |work=[[Asbury Park Press]] – via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12817753/1992-ga-batman-stunt-show/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Space Shuttle America]], a [[motion simulator]] ride, was built in 1994 near Sky Trek Tower.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Space Shuttle America |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/oldrides/spaceshuttle/spaceshuttle.html |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</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 (Six Flags Great America)|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 [[Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor|The Great Escape]] in [[New York (state)|New York]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 1, 1995 |title=Great America features new coaster |pages=11 |work=The Times-Press via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109393014/great-america-features-new-coaster/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Six Flags Great America (Timeline) |url=http://www.rcdb.com/4530.htm?t=308 |publisher=Roller Coaster Database (rcdb) |access-date=September 13, 2010 |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511014002/http://rcdb.com/4530.htm?t=308 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Southwest Territory Mission Building.jpg|thumb|The mission building is the centerpiece of Southwest Territory. It features the Chubasco ride.]]
[[Southwest Territory (Six Flags Great America)|Southwest Territory]] officially opened as the new {{Convert|11|acre|ha|adj=on}} themed area in 1996, with a desert theme based on the [[American frontier|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)|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">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America – Part 3: The Great Southwest (in the Midwest). |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/05/04/six-flags-great-america-03 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Themerica |date=May 4, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite news |last=Westhoff |first=Jeffery |date=June 28, 1996 |title=Great America goes Western with new attraction |pages=87 |work=Northwest Herald via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109391422/great-america-goes-western-with-new-attr/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharos |first=David |date=May 31, 1999 |title=Just for fun |pages=53 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109391575/just-for-fun/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Tannenbaum |first=Fred |date=May 21, 1996 |title=Talks under way on water park bid |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-talks-under-way-on-water/177195220/ |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> However, these plans were described as "extremely premature" by a spokesperson for the park, stating that plans might not proceed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warmbir |first=Steve |date=May 18, 1996 |title=Six Flags, Gurnee discuss water park |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A69162987/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=ae4bdce6 |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=Daily Herald |page=8 |via=Gale OneFile}}</ref>
[[File:Giant Drop (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|left|thumb|At {{Convert|227|ft|m}}, Giant Drop is one of the tallest rides at the park.]]
Two new thrill rides were added to the park for the 1997 season. [[Giant Drop (Six Flags Great America)|Giant Drop]], a {{Convert|227|ft|m}} 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">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Daredevil Dive |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/flatrides/daredevildive/daredevildive.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Behrens |first=Bill |date=1997-04-18 |title=Merry-Go-Roundup |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-04-18-9704180430-story.html |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref name="Beyers 9">{{Cite news |last=Beyers |first=Jennifer |date=1997-04-17 |title=Great America ride not for the faint of heart |pages=9 |work=The Times-Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110604415/great-america-ride-not-for-the-faint-of/ |access-date=2022-10-02}}</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 {{Convert|225|ft|m|adj=on}} tall "[[Wilderness]]-themed" roller coaster near the [[Iron Wolf (roller coaster)|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>{{Cite news |last=Saylor |first=Ted |date=June 26, 1997 |title=Six Flags pulls proposal to build 225-foot Wilderness roller coaster |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/06/26/six-flags-pulls-proposal-to-build-225-foot-wilderness-roller-coaster/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821220131/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/06/26/six-flags-pulls-proposal-to-build-225-foot-wilderness-roller-coaster/ |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=September 6, 2025 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</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">{{Cite news |last=Flink |first=John |date=1997-10-29 |title=Residents view plans for huge resort 'village' near Six Flags |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111364148/ |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref name=":211">{{Cite news |last=Silverstei |first=Scott |date=1997-10-29 |title=A lot of entertainment |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111364226/a-lot-of-entertainment/ |work=Daily Herald}}</ref> While the complex received approval from the village of Gurnee in late-1998,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silvestri |first=Scott |date=December 9, 1998 |title=Gurnee moves on to next entertainment phase Village approves plans for Six Flags project |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A68879224/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=751a9317 |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=Daily Herald |via=Gale OneFile}}</ref> more than half of residents voted against it on an advisory referendum in 1999, derailing the project.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Silvestri |first=Scott |date=March 22, 1999 |title=Gurnee group, officials debate what vote on Six Flags village will mean |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A68798993/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=c815c170 |access-date=December 9, 2022 |work=Daily Herald |pages=1 |via=Gale OneFile}}</ref><ref name=":73">{{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Mark |date=1999-10-04 |title=Lake County tourism tidbits |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111373144/ |work=Daily Herald |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bukro |first1=Casey |last2=Beeler |first2=Amanda |date=1999-04-14 |title=Forest preserve request wins; school vote mixed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111373037/ |work=Chicago Tribune |via=Newspapers.com}}</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">{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1998 |title=What's new at Six Flags Great America |pages=89 |work=Southtown Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109393136/whats-new-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Raging Bull in the Southwest Territory.jpg|thumb|The lift and drop of Raging Bull.]]
On October 21, 1998, the park announced that they would open [[Raging Bull (roller coaster)|Raging Bull]] for the 1999 season, a [[Hypercoaster|hyper]]-[[Twister roller coaster|twister]] roller coaster that was added to Southwest Territory.<ref name="Kenosha 22">{{cite news |last1=Backmann |first1=Dave |date=October 22, 1998 |title=Six Flags' new ride will offer 'hyper-twister' thrills |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-six-flags-new-ride-will-of/54534006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123224513/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-six-flags-new-ride-will-of/54534006/ |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |work=Kenosha News |pages=19 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> A US$25 million project, Raging Bull was the park's most expensive roller coaster.<ref name="The Daily Herald">{{cite news |last1=Carr |first1=Amy |date=October 11, 1999 |title=Great America, never coasting, rolled to the top |url=https://newspapers.com/image/18095379/?match=1&terms=%22Raging%20Bull%22%20%22great%20america%22&pqsid=3DEoZfg_tTtIXEolTVNwKw%3A71524%3A589062245 |access-date=December 29, 2024 |work=The Daily Herald |language=en |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Built by [[Bolliger & Mabillard]], the roller coaster was designed to be {{convert|202|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}}, {{convert|73|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|5057|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}}, and would be built on the former lot used by Rolling Thunder.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1999-04-30 |title=No bull, this roller coaster is fast |pages=19 |work=Kenosha News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66310953/no-bull-this-roller-coaster-is-fast/ |access-date=2022-08-16}}</ref><ref name="sixflags">{{cite web |title=Raging Bull |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/raging-bull |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418074017/https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/raging-bull |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |access-date=April 13, 2024 |website=Six Flags |publisher=Six Flags Great America}}</ref> The roller coaster opened on May 1, 1999,<ref name="Newcity2">{{cite news |last1=Hieggelke |first1=Brian |date=May 20, 1999 |title=Hyper-Twisted: Taking a ride on the Raging Bull {{!}} Newcity |url=https://www.newcity.com/1999/05/20/hyper-twisted-taking-a-ride-on-the-raging-bull/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129235422/https://www.newcity.com/1999/05/20/hyper-twisted-taking-a-ride-on-the-raging-bull/ |archive-date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=December 30, 2024}}</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>{{Cite news |date=May 11, 2000 |title=Great America features new show, event lineup |pages=87 |work=Southtown Star |via=Newspaper.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109206940/great-amercia-features-new-show-event-l/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> 2000 was the last year for the Sky Whirl and the Hay Baler ride.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Craig |date=October 18, 2000 |title=Six Flags gets OK for new roller coaster |pages=148 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59082872/six-flags-gets-ok-for-new-roller-coaster/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</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">{{Cite web |title=2 Girls Injured on Great America Ride |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-07-20-0007200374-story.html |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=Chicago Tribune |date=July 20, 2000}}</ref> [[File:Vertical velocity.jpg|left|thumb|The twisted spike of Vertical Velocity.|267x267px]]
In 2001, two inverted shuttle coasters were added: an Intamin [[Launched roller coaster|impulse coaster]] named [[The Flash: Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great America)|Vertical Velocity]] (stylized as V<sup>2</sup>), which opened in Yankee Harbor; and [[Giant Inverted Boomerang|Déjà Vu]], a [[Vekoma]] Giant Inverted Boomerang ride that replaced Sky Whirl and Hay Baler.<ref name="Announcement">{{cite web |title=Six Flags Great America To Elevate Thrills This Season |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/march01/stories/031201_01.shtml |publisher=Ultimate Rollercoaster}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Super-Villains Swing™ {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/whirligig |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Whirligig |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/whirligig/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |title=Whizzer |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/whizzer |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</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">{{Cite web |date=2012-08-10 |title=Whizzer at Six Flags Great America named landmark coaster by American Coaster Enthusiasts |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120810/news/708109691/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2019-02-12 |title=Top 5 Coasters at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2019/02/12/top-five-coasters-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref> Power Dive was also removed, due to maintenance problems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Power Dive – Coasterpedia – The Roller Coaster and Flat Ride Wiki |url=https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Power_Dive |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=coasterpedia.net}}</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 [[Firehawk (roller coaster)|X-Flight]] at [[Geauga Lake]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wieczorkiewicz |first=Craig |date=May 23, 2003 |title=Superman the newest ride at Great America |pages=37 |work=The Times via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109392474/superman-the-newest-ride-at-great-americ/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</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">{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Shockwave |location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=4 |access-date=January 27, 2013}}</ref> Additionally, the [[Ameri-Go-Round]] carousel in County Fair was removed at the end of the 2003 season.<ref name=":72">{{Cite web |last=Sykora |first=Angela D. |date=2004-01-22 |title=New rides have Mardi Gras flavor |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-110D626E962B0C80.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125150942/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-110D626E962B0C80.html |archive-date=2013-01-25 |access-date=2022-08-15 }}</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 (roller coaster)|Ragin' Cajun]] was added, along with a [[HUSS Maschinenfabrik|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>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-13 |title=Ameri-Go-Round |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/ameri-go-round/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</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" />
[[File:Hurricane Harbor Great America.jpg|thumb|Hurricane Harbor opened in 2005 as a US$42 million expansion to Six Flags Great America.]]
On September 17, 2004, the park announced a US$42 million<ref name=":64">{{Cite news |last=Filas |first=Lee |date=January 15, 2006 |title=Tornado to swirl into Gurnee |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A140968997/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=4e4bee58 |access-date=December 12, 2022 |work=Daily Herald |pages= |via=Gale OneFile}}</ref> expansion to the theme park with the addition of the [[Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago|Six Flags Hurricane Harbor]] water park.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 17, 2004 |title=Six Flags plans large water park |pages=7 |work=The Pantagraph via Newspapers.com |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102537488/six-flags-plans-large-water-park/}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Masse |first=Ryan |date=2005-04-28 |title=Dells owners express little concern with Six Flags park |url=https://badgerherald.com/news/2005/04/28/dells-owners-express/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=The Badger Herald}}</ref><ref name=":54">{{Cite news |date=June 2, 2005 |title=Great America opens Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109641225/great-america-opens-six-flags-hurricane/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |work=Southtown Star via Newspapers.com |pages=78}}</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>{{Cite news |date=April 23, 2005 |title=Great America joins waterpark wars |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A131845658/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=7d5c4400 |access-date=December 9, 2022 |work=Capital Times |pages=1D |via=Gale OneFile}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 17, 2022 |title=Making a splash |url=https://archive.org/details/AntiochNews09172004/page/n29/mode/2up |access-date=December 9, 2022 |work=Antioch News |pages=C6 |via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 19, 2005 |title=New Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park Will Be Free With Six Flags Great America Theme Park Admission! It's two great parks for one great price! |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A127286348/AONE?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=32172b13 |journal=PR Newswire |type=Press release |access-date=December 9, 2022 |via=Gale OneFile}}</ref> Groundbreaking began in November 2004. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor opened to the public on May 28, 2005.<ref name=":52">{{Cite news |date=June 2, 2005 |title=Great America opens Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park |pages=78 |work=Southtown Star via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109641225/great-america-opens-six-flags-hurricane/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</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">{{cite web |date=2007-05-04 |title=Wiggles World at Six Flags Great America to Open Saturday |url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20070504_01.shtml |access-date=2022-08-15 |publisher=Ultimate Rollercoaster}}</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 (TV series)|24]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Filas |first=Lee |date=November 10, 2006 |title=Viper, Demon, Bauer? |pages=110 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110609725/viper-demon-bauer/}}</ref> ''Operation SpyGirl'' debuted in May, and closed for the season in August. ''Operation SpyGirl'' did not return in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lake County men find glory, careers in Medieval Times castle |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-medieval-county-knight-st-0208-20160207-story.html |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Chicago Tribune |date=February 7, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Wischnowsky |first=Dave |date=January 17, 2007 |title=Six Flags gives kids plenty of Wiggle room |pages=2 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110609523/six-flags-gives-kids-plenty-of-wiggle-ro/}}</ref>

Great America added [[The Dark Knight (Six Flags Great America)|The Dark Knight Coaster]] in 2008, an indoor [[Mack Rides|Mack]] wild mouse roller coaster themed after [[The Dark Knight|the film]] and located in Orleans Place. The ride is [[List of enclosed roller coasters|located indoors]], mostly in the dark, and has a storyline based around [[Batman]] and [[Joker (character)|The Joker]]. The Theater Royale was converted into a queue building for the ride.<ref name="RCDB GAm">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Dark Knight |location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=4046 |access-date=2022-08-15}}</ref> Additionally, Splashwater Falls closed for the 2007 season early on, and was removed in March 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Worker killed in fall off Great America ride |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-03-12-0803110834-story.html |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Chicago Tribune |date=March 12, 2008}}</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 {{convert|450|ft|m}} long. During the ride, there are numerous interactive water elements that can be controlled by passersby.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-08 |title=Rumor – Popular Water Ride To Be Removed At Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20220808/32820/rumor-popular-water-ride-be-removed-six-flags-great-america |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Theme Park Tourist |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2010s: Record-breaking roller coasters ===
[[File:Little Dipper (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|left|thumb|Little Dipper was relocated in 2010 from the defunct [[Kiddieland Amusement Park]].]]
Six Flags Great America acquired the historic roller coaster [[Little Dipper (Six Flags Great America)|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>{{Cite news |last=DeVore |first=Sheryl |date=April 8, 2010 |title=Little Dipper right on track: Vintage coaster to open soon |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-little-dipper-right-on-t/177517171/ |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=0–1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 6, 2009 |title=Kiddieland ride going to Six Flags |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pantagraph-kiddieland-ride-going-to/177517440/ |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Little Dipper opened at Six Flags Great America in mid-2010.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lindell |first=Crystal |date=June 24, 2010 |title=Little Dipper makes big splash |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/northwest-herald-little-dipper-makes-big/177517721/ |work=Northwest Herald |pages=3}}</ref> Additionally, the [[Glow in the Park Parade]] debuted at the park that same year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alderman |first=Amy |date=February 25, 2010 |title=Riverside Drive commingles with nature, commerce |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/177517959/ |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=0–9}}</ref>

In May 2010, the park made plans to relocate the [[Green Lantern (Six Flags Great Adventure)|Chang]] roller coaster from [[Kentucky Kingdom|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 {{Convert|125|ft|m|adj=on}} height restrictions and advanced to the village board for approval.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Anthony |date=June 13, 2010 |title=Six Flags Great America gets the OK to install a new roller coaster |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201006/1971/ |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> The park later withdrew these plans in July 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=John |date=July 10, 2010 |title=No Chang for Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2010/07/10/no-chang-for-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Coaster101}}</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">{{Cite web |date=2011-06-03 |title=Waterparks: Riptide Bay Debuts at Six Flags Great America |url=https://blooloop.com/uncategorised/news/waterparks-riptide-bay-debuts-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=Blooloop |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 3, 2010 |title=Six Flags to expand water park |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A236349913/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=ebsco&xid=e1906181 |access-date=December 10, 2022 |work=Daily Herald |pages=1 |via=Gale OneFile}}</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>{{cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Brady |title=Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 25, 2010 |url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-six-flags-retheme-20101122,0,3267615.story |access-date=November 27, 2010}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=John |date=September 1, 2011 |title=Six Flags Great America announces X-Flight |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2011/09/01/six-flags-great-america-announces-x-flight |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Coaster101}}</ref> The ride would replace Splashwater Falls and Great America Raceway.<ref>{{Cite web |title=X Flight |url=http://www.coaster-net.com/ride-gallery/462-x-flight/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=COASTER-net}}</ref> A few days later, the park's B&M stand-up roller coaster, [[Apocalypse (Six Flags America)|Iron Wolf]] permanently closed on September 5, and was relocated to [[Six Flags America]] soon after.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barron |first=Christina |date=2021-05-18 |title=Six Flags America previews its new coaster, Apocalypse |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/six-flags-america-previews-its-new-coaster-apocalypse/2012/05/17/gIQA1NDZYU_story.html |access-date=2022-09-28}}</ref> X-Flight opened for the media on May 10, 2012,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Piet |date=May 16, 2012 |title=X-citing excursion |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/05/16/x-citing-excursion-2/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> and opened on May 16, 2012.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=X-Flight|rcdb_number=10137 |access-date=July 26, 2025 |location=Six Flags Great America |url=https://rcdb.com/10137.htm}}</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">{{cite news |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=August 18, 2013 |title=Proposal for new roller coaster at Great America is on the table |url=http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/22009267-418/proposal-for-new-roller-coaster-at-great-america-is-on-the-table.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130829091257/http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/22009267-418/proposal-for-new-roller-coaster-at-great-america-is-on-the-table.html |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 20, 2013 |newspaper=[[Lake County News-Sun]]}}</ref>[[File:Goliath at Six Flags Great America (14883548835).jpg|thumb|Main climb of Goliath|267x267px]]

[[Goliath (Six Flags Great America)|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">{{cite web |date=August 29, 2013 |title=Goliath {{!}} New for 2014 at Six Flags Great America |url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/greatamerica/goliath/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901060658/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/greatamerica/goliath/ |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2013 |title=Roller coaster cars for Six Flags' "Goliath" unveiled |url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/roller-coaster-cars-for-six-flags-goliath-unveiled |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=FOX 6 Now}}</ref> It was announced as the steepest, longest, and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.<ref name="CT announcement2">{{cite news |last=McCoppin |first=Robert |date=August 29, 2013 |title=Six Flags boasts latest ride will be world's fastest wooden rollercoaster |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/grayslake_gurnee_round_lake/chi-six-flags-great-america-roller-coaster-20130829,0,898248.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830061737/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/grayslake_gurnee_round_lake/chi-six-flags-great-america-roller-coaster-20130829,0,898248.story |archive-date=August 30, 2013 |access-date=August 30, 2013 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> Goliath debuted on June 19, 2014.<ref name="Goliath rises in Great America skyline">{{cite news |last=McCoppin |first=Robert |date=May 6, 2014 |title=Goliath rises in Great America skyline |url=http://news.msn.com/us/goliath-rises-in-great-america-skyline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510043623/http://news.msn.com/us/goliath-rises-in-great-america-skyline |archive-date=May 10, 2014 |access-date=May 11, 2014 |newspaper=MSN 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>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2014 |title=Remember when: Six Flags Great America gears up to celebrate 40 seasons of thrills |url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/remember-when-six-flags-great-america-gears-up-to-celebrate-40-seasons-of-thrills |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Fox 6 News}}</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>{{Cite web |date=May 29, 2015 |title=Join Six Flags Great America as they celebrate 40 seasons of thrills this summer |url=https://www.fox6now.com/fox6-wakeup-news/join-six-flags-great-america-as-they-celebrate-40-seasons-of-thrills-this-summer |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Fox 6 Now}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Stilwell |first=Andrew |date=September 1, 2015 |title=Three Six Flags Parks adding "Battle for Metropolis" in 2017 |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2016/09/01/three-six-flags-parks-adding-battle-metropolis-2017/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Coaster101}}</ref> and would replace the Southwest Territory Amphitheatre.<ref name=":422">{{Cite news |last=DeVore |first=Sheryl |date=2016-06-02 |title=Great America breaks out Justice League |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110653238/great-america-breaks-out-justice-league/ |work=Sun-Times}}</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 (S&S Worldwide)|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>{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2016 |title=Six Flags Great America announces new 'free-fly' roller coaster: The Joker |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2016/09/01/six-flags-great-america-announces-new-free-fly-roller-coaster-the-joker/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</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>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2016-10-26 |title=Six Flags Great America Fright Fest 2016 |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2016/10/26/six-flags-great-america-fright-fest-2016/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</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>{{cite news |url=http://abc7chicago.com/society/new-virtual-reality-ride-cooming-to-at-six-flags-great-america/1812891/ |title=New virtual reality ride coming to at Six Flags Great America |date=March 22, 2017 |access-date=December 20, 2017}}</ref> The Joker opened to the public on May 27, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=John |date=May 29, 2017 |title=Review: Joker at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2017/05/29/review-joker-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Coaster101}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=John |date=August 31, 2017 |title=Six Flags Great America 2018: "World's Largest Loop Coaster" |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2017/08/31/six-flags-great-america-2018-loop-coaster/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Coaster101}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/08/31/worlds-largest-loop-coaster-six-flags-great-america/ |title='Worlds Largest Loop Coaster' To Debut At Six Flags Great America In 2018 |date=August 31, 2017 |publisher=WBBM-TV |access-date=September 11, 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Maxx Force 1.jpg|left|thumb|An overview of Maxx Force]]
On February 14, 2018, the park announced that [[Mardi Gras Hangover]] would be the name for the upcoming Larson Fire Ball attraction.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 14, 2018 |title=New Six Flags Loop Roller Coaster Now Has A Name, Festival |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/six-flags-great-america-loop-roller-coaster-mardi-gras-hangover-festival/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=CBS Chicago}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=John |date=April 11, 2018 |title=Six Flags Great America Announces Holiday in the Park Event |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2018/04/11/six-flags-great-america-announces-holiday-in-the-park/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Coaster101}}</ref> The park's Pictorium IMAX theater was demolished in late-April for future expansion.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 12, 2018 |title=The Pictorium, Great America's IMAX pioneer, bids a sudden & quiet departure |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-six-flags-great-america-pictorium-st-0613-story.html |access-date=December 20, 2018 |publisher=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=SFGreat_America |number=990006232487481348 |date=April 27, 2018 |title=Saying bye to an old friend, to make room for new thrills. ❤️👋 |access-date=2018-05-02}}</ref> Mardi Gras Hangover opened to the public on May 22, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=May 22, 2018 |title=Moran: Great America's new Mardi Gras Hangover coaster 'a blood rush' for first-day riders |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-moran-six-flags-great-america-hangover-st-0523-story.html |access-date=November 5, 2022 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref name=":410">{{Cite web |last=Deffenbaugh |first=Carl |date=May 22, 2022 |title='It's a rush:' Six Flags Great America's Mardi Gras Hangover is the largest loop coaster of its kind |url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/its-a-rush-six-flags-great-americas-mardi-gras-hangover-is-the-largest-loop-coaster-of-its-kind |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=FOX 6 Now Milwaukee |language=en-US}}</ref> The park announced an [[S&S – Sansei Technologies|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">{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=John |date=2019-08-19 |title=Maxx Force Review: A Force to be Reckoned With |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2019/08/19/maxx-force-review-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with/ |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref> Maxx Force opened for the media on July 2, 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bustos |first=Joseph |date=July 5, 2019 |title=Experience the new record breaking Maxx Force roller coaster at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.bradenton.com/entertainment/article232333687.html |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=Bradenton Herald}}</ref> and officially opened on July 4.<ref name=":0" />

=== 2020s: COVID-19 and major park investments ===
[[File:Columbia Carousel Holiday in the Park.jpg|thumb|Holiday in the Park Lights debuted in 2020 as a modified version of [[Holiday in the Park|the original event]] before it was removed altogether after the 2021 season.]]
Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the park did not open in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-27 |title=Six Flags Great America visitors can expect capacity control, extensive cleaning when amusement park reopens |url=https://abc7chicago.com/six-flags-chicago-great-america-gurnee-illinois/6215425/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Unveils Reopening Plan; Management Says It Could Open Safely Today |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/six-flags-great-america-stay-at-home-order-reopen/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=CBS News |date=May 26, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> While Hurricane Harbor reopened in July 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-09 |title=Hurricane Harbor Chicago Announces Reopening Date, Changes |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/hurricane-harbor-chicago-announces-reopening-date-changes/2302425/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> the Lake County Health Department deemed a reopening of the amusement park as "unlikely" because of the ongoing pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-13 |title=Six Flags Great America return in 2020 'unlikely,' health officials say |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/entlife/20201013/six-flags-great-america-return-in-2020-unlikely-health-officials-say |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Veness |first=Susan and Simon |date=2020-10-16 |title=Six Flags Great America's 'Holiday in the Park Lights' returns as 'Holiday Light Experience' |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/six-flags-great-america-holiday-light-experience/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Attractions Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags opens a winter wonderland |url=https://digitaledition.chicagotribune.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=218cdae5-2cf1-4066-8b79-e6fd4e1d6b84 |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=Chicago Tribune / Sun-Times}}</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">{{Cite web |date=2021-03-22 |title=Six Flags Announces Reopening of Six Flags Great America Parks |website=Businesswire |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210322005240/en/Six-Flags-Announces-Reopening-of-Six-Flags-Great-America-Parks |access-date=2021-03-22}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Kirby |first=Hannah |title=Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is set to open for the season this week. Here's what's new. |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/2022/04/13/illinois-gurnee-six-flags-great-america-open-2022-season-week/7303099001/ |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=Journal Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Niles |first=Robert |date=January 17, 2022 |title=Six Flags Mourns Loss of Chicago Park President |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202201/8724/ |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> Two months later, [[DC Universe (themed area)|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 (Six Flags Great America)|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">{{Cite web |last=Espana |first=Melissa |date=2022-03-24 |title=DC Universe coming to Six Flags Great America |url=https://wgntv.com/news/dc-universe-coming-to-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=John |date=2022-06-07 |title=REVIEW: Six Flags Great America insults guests with 'new' DC Universe - Theme Park Tribune, theme park news |url=https://www.themeparktribune.com/review-six-flags-great-america-insults-guests-with-new-dc-universe/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=Theme Park Tribune |language=en-US}}</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">{{Cite web |last=Erdenekhuyag |first=Enji |title=Six Flags Great America to Open This Weekend, But Debut of DC Universe Rides Delayed |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-to-debut-dc-universe-rides-this-weekend/2805286/ |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=[[NBC Chicago]] |date=April 12, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2022 |title=ACE – Western Great Lakes |url=https://www.facebook.com/102055614853837/posts/508672530858808/?d=n |access-date=April 13, 2022 |website=via Facebook}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2022 |title=Six Flags Great America embraces the DC Universe; 'Superheroes are what get people excited right now' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-six-flags-new-ride-st-0528-20220526-5z3tm45ourdfvfj6s65bggi7eu-story.html |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The park also removed Holiday in the Park from its event slate in 2022, shortening its operating season to November.<ref name=":50">{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=John |date=2023-01-24 |title=Six Flags Great America sets April 22 opening date for 2023 season |url=https://www.themeparktribune.com/six-flags-great-america-sets-april-22-opening-date-for-2023-season/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Theme Park Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

{{Multiple image
| direction         = horizontal
| image1            = Dare Devil Dive Six Flags.jpg
| image2            = Buccaneer Battle 1.jpg
| caption1          = 
| caption2          = 
| align             = left
| perrow            = 2/2
| image3            = Mardi Gras Hangover.jpg
| image4            = Revolution (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg
| caption4          = 
| footer            = Clockwise from top: Dare Devil Dive, Buccaneer Battle, Revolution, and [[Mardi Gras Hangover]] all closed and were removed in the 2023 season.
| total_width       = 250
}}

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">{{Cite web |last=LeShock |first=Marcus |date=2023-04-21 |title=Six Flags Great America opening for 2023 season with park improvements and new events |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/six-flags-great-america-opening-for-2023-season-with-park-improvements-and-new-events/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> Sky Striker, a [[Zamperla]] Discovery [[pendulum ride]], was announced on August 30, 2023, planned to open for the 2024 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hardy |first=Rebecca |date=2024-06-27 |title=Zamperla celebrates opening of Discovery Giga 40 at Six Flags Great America |url=https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/zamperla-celebrates-opening-of-sky-striker/ |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=Blooloop |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Swidler |first=Francie |date=2023-08-30 |title=The 'tallest pendulum thrill ride' in the Midwest is coming to Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-sky-striker-roller-coaster-opening-date/3217990/ |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> It would be built on the plot of land that Dare Devil Dive occupied.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-20 |title=The 'tallest pendulum ride' in the Midwest opens at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/new-sky-striker-roller-coaster-ride-six-flags-great-america-gurnee/3468518/ |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> Soon after the announcement of Sky Striker, two more rides{{Em dash}}Revolution and [[Mardi Gras Hangover]]{{Em dash}}would be removed from the park. They both closed permanently on October 29, 2023,<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-24 |title=Six Flags Great America closing two attractions, preparing for 'future expansion' |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/six-flags-great-america-closing-two-attractions-preparing-for-future-expansion/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> where they were relocated to [[Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World]] in New York.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-08 |title=Fans of Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World 🎢 |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/2821620261436728/posts/3480369378895143/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=[[Facebook]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In April 2024, the park demolished its old entrance plaza to build a new entrance building.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=John |date=2024-04-25 |title=Six Flags Great America opens 2024 season with unfinished projects - Theme Park Tribune, theme park news |url=https://www.themeparktribune.com/six-flags-great-america-opens-2024-season-with-unfinished-projects/ |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=Theme Park Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> Sky Striker opened to the public in mid-June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2024 |title=The 'tallest pendulum ride' in the Midwest opens at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/new-sky-striker-roller-coaster-ride-six-flags-great-america-gurnee/3468518/ |access-date=July 26, 2025 |website=NBC Chicago}}</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">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=Six Flags Great America to build new roller coaster Wrath of Rakshasa with beyond vertical drop |url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/flags-great-america-gurnee-unveils-plans-new-roller-coaster-wrath-rakshasa-171-foot-beyond-vertical-drop/15188661/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en-US}}</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">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags to Invest More Than $1 Billion Over the Next Two Years to Enhance Guest Experience |url=https://investors.sixflags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Six-Flags-to-Invest-More-Than-1-Billion-Over-the-Next-Two-Years-to-Enhance-Guest-Experience/default.aspx |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=investors.sixflags.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Six Flags Great America is getting a huge investment. Here's how the park will use it |website=NBC Chicago |date=November 14, 2024 |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-is-getting-a-huge-investment-heres-how-the-park-will-use-it/3601380/ |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Michael |title=Six Flags Great America receiving enhancements for 50th anniversary season in 2026, parent company announces |website=WGN-TV |date=November 14, 2024 |url=https://wgntv.com/business/six-flags-great-america-receiving-enhancements-for-50th-anniversary-season-in-2026-parent-company-announces/ |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> Wrath of Rakshasa debuted to the public on May 31, 2025, becoming the park's 16th roller coaster.<ref name=":57">{{Cite web |last=NBC Chicago Staff |date=May 22, 2025 |title=Here's when you can ride the new 'Wrath of Rakshasa' at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-reveals-opening-date-for-new-record-breaking-roller-coaster-wrath-of-rakshasa/3751611/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Areas and attractions==
{{See also|List of former Six Flags Great America attractions}}
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
!Thrill level <small>''(out of 5)''</small><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rides |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref>
|-
|{{legend inline|#1CADEA|1 <small>(low)</small>|outline=silver}} {{legend inline|#99DA50|2 <small>(mild)</small>|outline=silver}} {{legend inline|#FED530|3 <small>(moderate)</small>|outline=silver}} {{legend inline|#F7B754|4 <small>(high) </small>|outline=silver}} {{legend inline|#ED5B33|5 <small>(aggressive)</small>|outline=silver}}
|-
|}

===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" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|[[Columbia Carousel]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Columbia Carousel at Six Flags Great America June 2025 (cropped).jpg|110px]]
|1976
|[[Chance Rides]] 
|A {{Convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} tall double-decker carousel. It is the second-tallest carousel in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Columbia Carousel |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/flatrides/columbia/columbia.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#1CADEA" | '''{{fontcolor|white|1}}'''
|-
|[[Sky Trek Tower]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:Sky Trek Tower.jpg|110px]]
|1977
|[[Intamin]] 
|A {{Convert|330|ft|m|adj=on}} 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>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1977 |title=Up and away! The view is spectacular |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390545/sky-trek-tower-construction/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |work=Chicago Tribune |pages=92}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|[[Maxx Force]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Maxx Force 1.jpg|110px]]
|2019
|[[S&S – Sansei Technologies]]
|An [[Launched roller coaster#Pneumatic (compressed air)|air-launched]] steel roller coaster, featuring five [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]]. It is the fastest accelerating roller coaster, going 0 to {{Convert|78|mph|km/h}} in 1.8 seconds.<ref name="Maxx Force – CoasterCritic2">{{cite web |date=August 30, 2018 |title='Maxx Force' coming to Six Flags Great America in 2019 |url=http://www.coastercritic.com/2018/08/maxx-force-coming-six-flags-great-america-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217173457/https://coastercritic.com/2018/08/maxx-force-coming-six-flags-great-america-2019/ |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |access-date=August 31, 2018 |publisher=Coaster Critic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Maxx Force|rcdb_number=16586|location=Six Flags Great America|url=https://rcdb.com/16586.htm|access-date=2022-10-07}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|}

===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">{{Cite web |last=Sykora |first=Angela D. |date=2004-01-22 |title=New rides have Mardi Gras flavor |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-110D626E962B0C80.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125150942/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-110D626E962B0C80.html |archive-date=2013-01-25 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|Condor 
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Condor at Great America 2005.jpg|120px]]
|1991
|[[HUSS Rides]]
|A spinning aerial [[Condor (ride)|Condor]] model ride, rotating riders and alternating rotation speeds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Condor At Six Flags Great Adventure |url=https://www.greatadventurehistory.com/Condor.htm |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.greatadventurehistory.com}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#FED530" | '''{{fontcolor|white|3}}'''
|-
|Rue Le Dodge
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Rue Le Dodge - Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px| ]]
|1976
|Soli
|A [[bumper cars]] attraction. The ride has the largest bumper car floor in the world.<ref name=":232">{{Cite web |title=Rue Le Dodge |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/rue-le-dodge |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="F7B754" | '''{{fontcolor|white|4}}'''
|-
|[[Superman: Ultimate Flight]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Superman Ultimate Flight at Great America 2025.jpg|120px]]
|2003
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
|A {{Convert|106|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[flying roller coaster]] where riders lay facing the ground, featuring two [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]] and multiple twists and turns.
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|-
|[[The Dark Knight Coaster]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:The Dark Knight Coaster entrance - Six Flags Great America.JPG|120px]]
|2008
|[[Mack Rides]]
|An indoor [[wild mouse]] roller coaster themed to the 2008 film ''[[The Dark Knight]]''.<ref name=":262">{{Cite web |title=New DC UNIVERSE Themed Area Coming to Six Flags Great America in 2022 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008000408/https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="F7B754" | '''{{fontcolor|white|4}}'''
|}

===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 [[Mardi Gras in New Orleans|famous celebration]] of the holiday in New Orleans.<ref name=":7" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|Big Easy Balloons
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Big Easy Balloons Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2004
|[[Zamperla]]
|A spinning balloon ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big Easy Balloons {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/big-easy-balloons |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|[[Roaring Rapids]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Roaring Rapids Sign Great America.jpg|120px]]
|1984
|[[Intamin]]
|A [[river rapids ride]]. It was formerly named White Water Rampage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-08 |title=Rumor – Popular Water Ride To Be Removed At Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20220808/32820/rumor-popular-water-ride-be-removed-six-flags-great-america |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Theme Park Tourist |language=en}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="F7B754" | '''{{fontcolor|white|4}}'''
|}

===DC Universe===
{{See also|DC Universe (themed area)}}DC 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">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America – Part 2: The Original Lands. |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/04/22/six-flags-great-america-02 |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Themerica |date=April 22, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|Aquaman Splashdown
|{{N/A|}}[[File:AQUAMAN Splashdown (End) - Six Flags Great America, June 4, 2022.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]
|A hydroflume model water ride. The ride's track interlink with Logger's Run. It was formerly named Yankee Clipper from 1976 to 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2022 |title=Six Flags Great America embraces the DC Universe; 'Superheroes are what get people excited right now' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-six-flags-new-ride-st-0528-20220526-5z3tm45ourdfvfj6s65bggi7eu-story.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|- 
|[[Batman: The Ride]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America 1.jpg|120px]]
|1992
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]] 
|A {{Convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[inverted roller coaster]], in which trains are beneath the track, with five [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]]. It is the first inverted roller coaster in the world.<ref name=":212">{{Cite news |title='Batman the Ride' big draw at Six Flags Park in Gurnee |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110551355/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |work=The Dispatch}}</ref><ref name="SFGAm3">{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Batman The Ride|location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=5|access-date=January 6, 2013}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|-
|DC Super-Villains Swing
|{{N/A|}}[[File:DC Super-Villains Swing - June 4, 2022, Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Zierer]]
|A [[swing ride]]. The ride was formerly named Whirligig from 1976 to 2022.<ref name=":392">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Whirligig |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/whirligig/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2622">{{Cite web |title=New DC UNIVERSE Themed Area Coming to Six Flags Great America in 2022 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008000408/https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|[[The Flash: Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great America)|The Flash: Vertical Velocity]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:The Flash Vertical Velocity Six Flags Great America 2025.jpg|120px]]
|2001
|[[Intamin]]
|A {{Convert|185|ft|m|adj=on}} tall steel [[Inverted roller coaster|inverted]] and [[launched roller coaster]], which launches riders from 0 to {{Convert|70|mph|km/h}} in 4 seconds. Originally operated as Vertical Velocity from 2001 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/flash-vertical-velocity |access-date=November 4, 2025 |website=Six Flags Great America |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":263">{{Cite web |title=New DC UNIVERSE Themed Area Coming to Six Flags Great America in 2022 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008000408/https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|-
|[[The Joker (S&S Worldwide)|The Joker]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Joker (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|2017
|[[S&S – Sansei Technologies]]
|A [[Fourth-dimension roller coaster|fourth-dimension free-spin]] steel roller coaster where the seats flip as the train goes over hills.<ref name=":213">{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=September 30, 2016 |title=Moran: Great America puts the Orbit to rest, brings back the Lobster |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-moran-six-flags-great-america-lobster-st-1001-20160930-column.html |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Lake County News-Sun |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|}

===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" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|- 
|[[Little Dipper (Six Flags Great America)|Little Dipper]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Little Dipper May-2010.jpg|120px]]
|2010
|[[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]
|A historic kids roller coaster that originally operated at [[Kiddieland Amusement Park]] from 1950 to 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ACE Coaster Classic |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Classic |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=ACE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2016-12-05 |title=A-Z Coaster of the Week: Little Dipper at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2016/12/05/z-coaster-week-little-dipper-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|Logger's Run
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Logger's Run (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]
|A [[Log flume (ride)|log flume]] water ride. The ride's track interlink with Aquaman Splashdown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-25 |title=Loggers Run |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/loggers-run/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|}

====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>{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Stacey Cara |date=1998-06-18 |title=Having a Looney Tune time |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110567282/having-a-looney-tune-time/}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|Crazy Bus
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Crazy Bus at Great America.jpg|120px]]
|1998
|[[Zamperla]] 
| A bus ride that goes up and down.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crazy Bus |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/crazy-bus |access-date=November 4, 2025 |website=Six Flags Great America |language=en-US}}</ref> It originally operated as Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine from 1998 to 2018. 
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|Sprocket Rockets
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Six Flags Great America 027.jpg|120px]]
|1998
|[[Vekoma]] 
|A steel roller coaster for kids. It originally operated as Spacely's Sprocket Rockets from 1998 to 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sprocket Rockets (Gurnee, Illinois, United States) |url=https://rcdb.com/488.htm |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=rcdb.com}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|Yahoo River
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Yahoo River at Great America.jpg|120px]]
|1976
| Thiel
|A rotating boat water ride.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1998 |title=Yogi's Yahoo River at Six Flags Great America Reviews & Info |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/guides/six-flags-great-america/yogis-yahoo-river |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Theme Park Tourist |language=en}}</ref> It originally operated as Yogi's Yahoo River from 1998 to 2018.
| align="center" bgcolor="#1CADEA" | '''{{fontcolor|white|1}}'''
|}

===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>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-01 |title=Six Flags Great America: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting – The Family Vacation Guide |url=https://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/illinois/six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.thefamilyvacationguide.com |language=en-US}}</ref> There are many shops, stalls and attractions set in the theme. The area also features a food court,<ref>{{Cite web |title=County Fair Food Court at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/six_flags_great_america/county_fair_food_court/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> and a gallery of carnival games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cross |first=Robert |date=1976-05-16 |title=They're expecting more than 2.5 million of us to visit Yukon Territory, Yankee Harbor, and a neighborhood of New Orleans this summer – all outside Chicago |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110652824/county-fair/}}</ref> Formerly, it was named "The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition at County Fair" and alternatively known as just "Midwest County Fair."<ref name=":62">{{Cite news |last=Enstand |first=Robert |date=1975-10-16 |title=Marriott's Great America rising out of Gurney farms |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110553915/marriotts-great-america-rising-out-of-g/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |pages=61}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|[[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:American Eagle 01.JPG|120px]]
|1981
|[[Intamin]]
|A {{Convert|127|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[Dual-tracked roller coaster|dual-tracked]] racing [[Wooden roller coaster|wooden]] roller coaster.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=American Eagle|rcdb_number=9|location=Six Flags Great America}}</ref> It holds records as the tallest, fastest, and longest racing wooden roller coaster in the world.<ref name=":362">{{Cite web |last=Krivsky |first=Andrew |date=2019-08-21 |title=REVIEW: American Eagle – Intamin Wooden Coaster at Six Flags Great America |url=https://limitlesspark.com/2019/08/21/review-american-eagle-intamin-wooden-coaster-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Limitless Park |language=en}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="F7B754" | '''{{fontcolor|white|4}}'''
|-
|[[Demon (roller coaster)|Demon]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Demon Roller Coaster.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Arrow Dynamics]] 
|A {{Convert|102|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[Arrow Dynamics]] looping [[Steel roller coaster|steel]] roller coaster, featuring four [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]]. It originally operated as Turn of the Century from 1976 to 1979.<ref name="SFGA2">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Demon|location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=3|access-date=2022-08-15}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|- 
|Fiddler's Fling
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Fiddler's Fling SFGAm.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|Anton Schwarzkopf
|A Calypso ride model, featuring intense spins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fiddler's Fling {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/fiddlers-fling |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#FED530" | '''{{fontcolor|white|3}}'''
|-
|[[Goliath (Six Flags Great America)|Goliath]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Goliath at Six Flags Great America (14696979368).jpg|120px]]
|2014
|[[Rocky Mountain Construction]]
|A {{Convert|165|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[wooden roller coaster]]. With a {{Convert|180|ft|m|adj=on}} tall drop, the ride has two [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]] and is the longest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.<ref name=":382">{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=2015-05-03 |title=Six Flags Great America's Goliath earns 3 Guinness World Record titles |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-goliath-records-st-0504-20150503-story.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Goliath: Six Flags Great America – Roller Coasters America |url=https://sites.psu.edu/rollercoastersusa/2019/02/21/goliath-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=sites.psu.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zero-g stall – Coasterpedia – The Roller Coaster and Flat Ride Wiki |url=https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Zero-g_stall |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=coasterpedia.net}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|-
|Great America Scenic Railway
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Great America CF Station.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|Custom Fabricators, Inc.
|A [[3 ft gauge railways|3 ft]] (914 mm) [[narrow-gauge railway]] scenic transportation ride which loops around the park.<ref name=":312">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Great America Scenic Railway |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/scenic-railway/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#1CADEA" | '''{{fontcolor|white|1}}'''
|-
|Sky Striker
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Sky Striker in August 2025 at Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2024
|Zamperla
|A {{Convert|172|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[Pendulum ride|pendulum]] ride, reaching speeds of {{Convert|75|mph|km/h}}.<ref name=":113">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-24 |title=Six Flags Great America closing two attractions, preparing for 'future expansion' |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/six-flags-great-america-closing-two-attractions-preparing-for-future-expansion/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ALL NEW FOR 2024! Sky Striker |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/sky-striker |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|-
|[[X-Flight (Six Flags Great America)|X-Flight]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Train going through the "Keyhole" on X-Flight at Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2012
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
|A {{Convert|120|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[Wing Coaster|wing coaster]], where riders sit on either side of the ride's track, featuring five [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Glenn |date=January 31, 2012 |title=Construction Underway For Six Flags 'Wing Coaster' |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/construction-begins-for/1943063/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|-
|[[Wrath of Rakshasa]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Wrath of Rakshasa Demonic Knot.jpg|120px]]
|2025
|Bolliger & Mabillard
|A {{Convert|180|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[Dive Coaster|dive coaster]]. With a maximum vertical angle of 96° and five [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]], it is the steepest dive coaster and features the most inversions on a dive coaster.<ref name=":562">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=Six Flags Great America to build new roller coaster Wrath of Rakshasa with beyond vertical drop |url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/flags-great-america-gurnee-unveils-plans-new-roller-coaster-wrath-rakshasa-171-foot-beyond-vertical-drop/15188661/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":572">{{Cite web |last=NBC Chicago Staff |date=May 22, 2025 |title=Here's when you can ride the new 'Wrath of Rakshasa' at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-reveals-opening-date-for-new-record-breaking-roller-coaster-wrath-of-rakshasa/3751611/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|}

====Kidzopolis====
{{See also|Kidzopolis}}
Kidzopolis is a children's area located within County Fair, located near the American Eagle entrance.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2022 |title=Six Flags Great America Park Map 2022 |url=https://static.sixflags.com/website/files/sfgam_park-map.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908021108/https://static.sixflags.com/website/files/sfgam_park-map.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=[[Six Flags]]}}</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>{{Cite web |last1=reporter |first1=Brady MacDonald Brady MacDonald is a freelance |last2=Latimes.com |first2=Former Senior Producer for |date=2010-11-25 |title=Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-six-flags-retheme-20101122-story.html |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-  
|Bouncer
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]
|This ride shoots riders into the air and goes up and down multiple times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bouncer Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/bouncer |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref> It originally operated as Bouncin' With Wags from 2007 to 2010.
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-  
|Krazy Kars
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]
|This is a controlled car ride that concourses through track, themed to a [[road trip]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krazy Kars Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/krazy-kars |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref> It originally operated as Krazy Kars from 2007 to 2010.
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|Krazy Kups
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]
|A small kids [[teacups]] ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krazy Kups Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/krazy-kups |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref> It originally operated as Dorothy's Rosy Tea from 2007 to 2010.
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|Up, Up & Away
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]
|Riders go up in fruit-themed cars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Up, Up & Away |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/up-up-away |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref> It originally operated as Yummy Yummy Fruit Salad from 2007 to 2010.
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|ZoomJets
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]
|A controlled flying plane attraction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red Baron |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/red-baron |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref> It originally operated as Big Red Planes from 2007 to 2010.
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|}

===Metropolis Plaza===
Metropolis Plaza is the smallest themed area of the park, based on the [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] city in [[DC Comics]]. It replaced the Southwest Amphitheater in 2016, and has one ride.<ref name=":42">{{Cite news |last=DeVore |first=Sheryl |date=2016-06-02 |title=Great America breaks out Justice League |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110653238/great-america-breaks-out-justice-league/ |work=Sun-Times}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|[[Justice League: Battle for Metropolis]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Justice League - Battle for Metropolis Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2016
|[[Sally Corporation]]
|An interactive 2D [[dark ride]], based on the [[Justice League]].<ref name=":413">{{Cite web |title=Justice League: Battle for Metropolis {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/justice-league-battle-for-metropolis |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=November 4, 2025 |website=Six Flags}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|}

===Southwest Territory===
{{Main|Southwest Territory (Six Flags Great America)}}

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" />

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|Chubasco
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Southwest Territory Mission Building.jpg|120px]]
|1996
|[[Zamperla]]
|An indoor [[teacups]] attraction, located within the Southwest Territory [[Mission Revival architecture|mission building]].<ref name=":272">{{Cite web |date=May 4, 2019 |title=Six Flags Great America – Part 3: The Great Southwest (in the Midwest). |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/05/04/six-flags-great-america-03 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Themerica |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#FED530" | '''{{fontcolor|white|3}}'''
|-
|[[Giant Drop (Six Flags Great America)|Giant Drop]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Giant Drop (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|1997
|[[Intamin]]
|A {{Convert|227|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[drop tower]] ride. It is the second tallest attraction in the park, behind [[Sky Trek Tower]].<ref name="Beyers 92">{{Cite news |last=Beyers |first=Jennifer |date=1997-04-17 |title=Great America ride not for the faint of heart |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110604415/great-america-ride-not-for-the-faint-of/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |work=The Times-Press |pages=9}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="F7B754" | '''{{fontcolor|white|4}}'''
|-
|[[Raging Bull (roller coaster)|Raging Bull]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Raging Bull in the Southwest Territory.jpg|120px]]
|1999
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
|A {{Convert|202|ft|m|adj=on}} tall steel [[Hypercoaster|hyper]] and [[Twister roller coaster|twister]] roller coaster. It is the tallest roller coaster in the park.<ref name="RB2">{{cite web |title=Raging Bull |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/raging-bull |access-date=2019-09-09 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#ED5B33" | '''{{fontcolor|white|5}}'''
|- 
|Ricochet
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Ricochet (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|1977
|[[HUSS Rides]]
|A swinging ride painted with cow spots. It originally operated as Big Top from 1977 to 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ricochet |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/ricochet |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#FED530" | '''{{fontcolor|white|3}}'''
|-
|River Rocker
|{{N/A|}}[[File:River Rocker (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|1996
|[[Zamperla]]
|A swinging [[Pirate ship (ride)|pirate ship]] ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=River Rocker |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/river-rocker |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|-
|[[Viper (Six Flags Great America)|Viper]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:Viper at Six Flags Great America 2025.jpg|120px]]
|1995
|[[Six Flags]] 
|A {{Convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} tall [[wooden roller coaster]], built in-house by Six Flags. The ride's layout is a mirror image of [[Coney Island Cyclone]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Westhoff |first=Jefferey |date=1995-05-05 |title=Great America takes old-fashioned route for newest roller coaster |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110603363/great-america-takes-old-fashioned-route/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |work=Northwest Herald |pages=43}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mallham Jr. |first=Howell J. |date=1995-06-01 |title=Great America adds thrills |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110603700/great-america-adds-thrills/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |pages=130}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Lynn |date=1995-06-01 |title=Great America features new coaster |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109393014/great-america-features-new-coaster/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |work=The Times |pages=11}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="F7B754" | '''{{fontcolor|white|4}}'''
|}

===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" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|Great America Scenic Railway
|{{N/A|[[File:Scenic Railway Station - Six Flags Great America, 2022.jpg|120px]]}}
|1976
|Custom Fabricators, Inc.
|A [[3 ft gauge railways|3 ft]] (914 mm) [[narrow-gauge railway]] scenic transportation ride which loops around the park.<ref name=":313">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Great America Scenic Railway |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/scenic-railway/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#1CADEA" | '''{{fontcolor|white|1}}'''
|-
|Hometown Fun Machine
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Hometown Fun Machine.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|Eli Bridge
|A spinning [[Scrambler (ride)|scrambler]] ride. It was formerly named Saskatchewan Scrambler from 1976 to 1977.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1976-08-13 |title=A fun-worshiper's guide to amusement parks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110667298/saskatchewan-scrambler/ |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hometown Fun Machine {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/hometown-fun-machine |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#FED530" | '''{{fontcolor|white|3}}'''
|-
|Triple Play
|{{N/A|}}
|1976
|[[HUSS Rides]]
|A [[Troika (ride)|Troika]] spinning ride, where the ride has three arms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Triple Play |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/flatrides/tripleplay/tripleplay.html |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#FED530" | '''{{fontcolor|white|3}}'''
|-
|[[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Whizzer]]
|[[File:Whizzer.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Anton Schwarzkopf]]
|A {{Convert|70|ft|m|adj=on}} tall Speedracer [[Steel roller coaster|steel]] family roller coaster.<ref name=":282">{{Cite web |date=2012-08-10 |title=Whizzer at Six Flags Great America named landmark coaster by American Coaster Enthusiasts |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120810/news/708109691/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}</ref>
|align="center" bgcolor="#FED530" | '''{{fontcolor|white|3}}'''
|-
|The Lobster
|{{N/A|}}[[File:The Lobster SFGAm.jpg|120px]]
|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">{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2017 |title=Moran: Demise of King Chaos sparks forecasts for Great America's next big thing |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-moran-six-flags-great-america-new-ride-st-0823-20170822-story.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#99DA50" | '''{{fontcolor|white|2}}'''
|}

====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>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America restores 3 kids' rides in Hometown Park area (with video) |url=https://www.shawlocal.com/2015/06/10/six-flags-great-america-restores-3-kids-rides-in-hometown-park-area-with-video/avhrh1k/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Shaw Local |date=June 11, 2015 |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Opened
!Manufacturer
!Description
!Rating
|-
|Lady Bugs
|2015
|S.B Ramagosa
|A lady bug car that goes around.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lady Bugs |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/lady-bugs |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#1CADEA" | '''{{fontcolor|white|1}}'''
|-  
|Red Baron
|2015
|Chance
|A controlled flying plane ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red Baron |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/red-baron |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#1CADEA" | '''{{fontcolor|white|1}}'''
|-
|Tot's Livery
|2015
|Hampton
|A carriage ride that goes around.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tot's Livery |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/tots-livery |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
| align="center" bgcolor="#1CADEA" | '''{{fontcolor|white|1}}'''
|}

=== Hurricane Harbor Chicago ===
{{Main|Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago}}[[Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago]] is a {{Convert|20|acre|ha|adj=on}} water park that opened in 2005, featuring 25 water slides.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-27 |title=World's Tallest Water Coaster Tsunami Surge Makes a Splash at Hurricane Harbor Chicago |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210527005158/en/World%E2%80%99s-Tallest-Water-Coaster-Tsunami-Surge-Makes-a-Splash-at-Hurricane-Harbor-Chicago |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Business Wire |language=en |agency=(press release)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Monies |first=Paul |title=Windy City Hurricane Six Flags announces plans for water park near Chicago |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2004/09/17/windy-city-hurricanebrsix-flags-announces-plans-for-water-park-near-chicago/61974085007/ |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</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 ==
{{Further|Fast Lane (Six Flags)#Six Flags Great America}}

[[Fast Lane (Six Flags)|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>{{cite news |last=Glaser |first=Susan |date=April 28, 2012 |title=Pay to get in the Fast Lane and you'll wait less at Cedar Point: close to home |url=http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2012/04/if_you_hate_to_wait_you_can_pa.html |access-date=October 29, 2013 |work=The Plain Dealer}}</ref> It will be introduced at the park in 2026, replacing The Flash Pass virtual reservation system.<ref name=":210">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Tickets & Passes {{!}} Great America in Chicago, IL |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/store/tickets |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814215949/https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/store/tickets |archive-date=August 14, 2025 |access-date=August 14, 2025 |website=Six Flags |quote=At Legacy Six Flags parks, THE FLASH Pass program, and associated all season products, will be retired at the end of 2025 and transitioned to Fast Lane. [...] Beginning in January 2026, guests will receive a Fast Lane wristband on the day of their visit at any participating Fast Lane sales location in the park.}}</ref> 

{{As of|2025|November}}, Fast Lane will be offered on 20 rides upon its 2026 introduction at Six Flags Great America.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fast Lane |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/fast-lane |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104111520/https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/fast-lane |archive-date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 4, 2025 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref>

== Annual events ==

=== Fright Fest ===
{{Further|Six Flags Fright Fest}}
[[File:Columbia Carousel during Fright Fest, 2022.png|alt=|left|thumb|Carousel Plaza during Fright Fest, decorated with Halloween decor and Columbia Carousel's pond dyed red.]]
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">{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title='Stranger Things' haunted house added as Fright Fest begins Saturday at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/09/10/stranger-things-haunted-house-added-as-fright-fest-begins-friday-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> The park is decorated into several different themed "Scare Zones," featuring [[Haunted attraction#Haunted house, mansion or castle|haunted houses]] (for an additional fee), [[scare actor]]s, live shows, and rethemed rides.<ref name=":51">{{Cite news |date=August 10, 2021 |title=It's back! Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest set to return |work=[[WGN-TV]] |url=https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/its-back-six-flags-great-americas-fright-fest-set-to-return/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Swidler |first=Francie |title=Everything We Know About This Year's Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/everything-we-know-about-this-years-fright-fest-at-six-flags-great-america/2935572/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=NBC Chicago |date=September 9, 2022 |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Swidler |first=Francie |date=2022-09-09 |title=Everything We Know About This Year's Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/everything-we-know-about-this-years-fright-fest-at-six-flags-great-america/2935572/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |title=Review: Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest 2014 |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201410/4267/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Scalf |first=Abby |date=2003-10-11 |title=Halloween thrills and chills |pages=194 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110551243/halloween-thrils-and-chills/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> Running since 1991, the show changes each year to include various pop culture references.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Love at First Fright |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/show/love-at-first-fright-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908020932/https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/show/love-at-first-fright-3 |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Snyder |first=Liz |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Fright Fest is back at Six Flags Great America |work=Kenosha News |url=https://www.kenoshanews.com/fright-fest-is-back-at-six-flags-great-america/article_ea5b1497-556d-5641-a262-bf0a64f8191e.html |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</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>{{Cite web |last=States |first=Joseph |date=2025-05-09 |title=Gurnee's Six Flags likely safe despite company issues, experts say; 'Untouchable' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/09/six-flags-gurnee-future/ |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Michael |date=July 22, 2025 |title=Six Flags will close at least 2 parks in the coming years. Will this affect Great America in Gurnee? |url=https://wgntv.com/news/six-flags-will-close-at-least-2-parks-in-the-coming-years-will-this-affect-great-america-in-gurnee/ |access-date=September 1, 2025 |website=WGN-TV}}</ref> In 2013, the park reached 100 million overall guests.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J6Oi7w2Rys |title=#SFRewind - 1976 |date=2013-07-08 |last=Six Flags Great America |access-date=2025-06-28 |via=YouTube}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-28 |title=Six Flags Great America back on track after pandemic lull, documents suggest |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20220228/six-flags-great-america-back-on-track-after-pandemic-lull-documents-suggest |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Year
!Attendance (in millions)
!North America Rank
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|2006
|2.62
|19th
|<ref name="2006 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2007 |title=TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2006 |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2006_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|2.63
|20th
|<ref name="2007 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=TEA/ERA Attraction Attendance Report 2007 |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2007_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|2.67
|20th
|<ref name="2008 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2009 |title=Themed Entertainment Association/Economics Research Associates' Attraction Attendance Report 2008 |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2008_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|2.50
|20th
|<ref name="2009 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2010 |title=2009 Theme Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2009_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|2.70
|20th
|<ref name="2010 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=TEA/AECOM 2010 Theme Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2010_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2016
|2.95
|20th
|<ref name="2016 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=TEA/AECOM 2016 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|3.04
|20th
|<ref name="2017 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=TEA/AECOM 2017 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|3.11
|20th
|<ref name="2018 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Theme-Index-2018-5-1.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|3.17
|20th
|<ref name="2019 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=TEA/AECOM 2019 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2019.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|0
|20th
|{{Efn|The park was not open in 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. This number does not include Hurricane Harbor Chicago's attendance.<ref name="2020 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=TEA/AECOM 2020 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>|group=note}}
|-
|2021
|2.68
|20th
|<ref name="2021 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=TEA/AECOM 2021 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2021.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|2.54
|20th
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=AECOM Theme/Museum Index 2022 |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2022.pdf |access-date=September 16, 2025 |website=AECOM}}</ref>
|-
|2023
|2.90
|19th
||{{Efn|In the 2023 edition of the TEA/AECOM Theme Index Report, the original reported attendance for Six Flags Great America in 2023 was 3.00 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theme Index Amusement Index 2023 |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf}}</ref> This number changed to 2.90 million in the 2024 edition of the TEA Global Experience Index.<ref name="2024 attendance">{{Cite web |last=Davis-Friedman |first=Samantha |date=October 23, 2025 |title=2024 theme park attendance revealed by Themed Entertainment Association |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/2024-theme-park-attendance-revealed-by-themed-entertainment-association/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251025050450/https://attractionsmagazine.com/2024-theme-park-attendance-revealed-by-themed-entertainment-association/ |archive-date=October 25, 2025 |access-date=October 25, 2025 |website=Attractions Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>|group=note}}
|-
|2024
|3.04
|19th
|<ref name="2024 attendance"/>
|}

==Records and awards==
=== Records ===
[[File:Columbia Carousel Six Flags Great America 2025.jpg|thumb|The Columbia Carousel is the second-tallest carousel in the world at {{Convert|100|ft|m}}.]]
Upon the park's opening in 1976, its [[Columbia Carousel]] ride became the second-tallest carousel in the world standing at {{Convert|100|ft|m}} 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 {{Convert|101|ft|m}} tall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbia Carousel Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=231644 |access-date=2025-08-07 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref>

One of the first record breaking roller coasters for the park was [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]], opening in 1981 as the tallest, fastest and longest wooden [[Dual-tracked roller coaster#Racing roller coaster|racing roller coaster]] in the world. The ride is {{Convert|127|ft|m}} tall, reaches speeds of {{Convert|66|mph|km/h}}, and {{Convert|4650|ft|m}} each side. American Eagle still retains all of these records {{As of|2025|lc=y}}.<ref name=":35">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-21 |title=The American Eagle soars above Great America: part 7 of our look at the world's tallest roller coasters |url=https://parkvault.net/2021/02/21/the-american-eagle-soars-above-great-america-part-7-of-our-look-at-the-worlds-tallest-roller-coasters/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=ParkVault |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |last=Krivsky |first=Andrew |date=2019-08-21 |title=REVIEW: American Eagle – Intamin Wooden Coaster at Six Flags Great America |url=https://limitlesspark.com/2019/08/21/review-american-eagle-intamin-wooden-coaster-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Limitless Park |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{Cite web |title=American Eagle {{!}} Thrill Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/american-eagle |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Shockwave (Six Flags Great America) 2002 1 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Shockwave (1988–2002) was the tallest roller coaster overall, fastest steel roller coaster, and had the most inversions on a single roller coaster (7).]]
The now-defunct roller coaster [[Shockwave (Six Flags Great America)|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">{{cite news |last=Jim |first=Pollock |date=June 19, 1988 |title=Midwest rides can stand hair on end |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-midwest-rides-can-stand/54458946/ |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=The Times Herald  News Service |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> It was {{Convert|170|ft|m}} tall and {{Convert|65|mph|km/h}} and had seven inversions.<ref name="Evansville Courier">{{cite news |date=May 15, 1988 |title=Roller Coaster Thrills! Chills! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/768476136/ |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=Evansville Courier |page=49 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America – Shockwave |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/oldrides/shockwave/shockwave.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref> The records for tallest and fastest roller coaster were later surpassed by [[Great American Scream Machine (Six Flags Great Adventure)|Great American Scream Machine]] at [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] less than one year later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Elsen |first1=Jon |date=April 16, 1989 |title=Coaster passes its scream test |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/496094767 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Record |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

[[Batman: The Ride]] opened in 1992 as the first [[inverted roller coaster]]{{Em dash}}a roller coaster where trains are positioned below the track{{Em dash}}in the world, which was manufactured by [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] (B&M).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaster Tech: An Insider's look at inverted coasters |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201405/4014/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> [[File:Goliath at Six Flags Great America (14696982188).jpg|thumb|Goliath holds the world record for the fastest and the tallest drop on a wooden roller coaster.]] [[Goliath (Six Flags Great America)|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 fastest{{Efn|[[Lightning Rod (roller coaster)|Lightning Rod]] had held the record of fastest wooden roller coaster from June 2016 until September 2020, before it was converted into a [[hybrid roller coaster]].<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Lightning Rod |location=Dollywood|rcdb_number=13369 |access-date=October 3, 2022}}</ref>|group=note}} wooden roller coaster in the world; as of 2025, the ride currently retains the latter two.<ref name=":38">{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=2015-05-03 |title=Six Flags Great America's Goliath earns 3 Guinness World Record titles |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-goliath-records-st-0504-20150503-story.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Record Holders |url=https://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=3&t=2 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241202180237/https://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=3&t=2 |archive-date=2024-12-02 |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=rcdb.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Record Holders |url=https://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=0&t=2 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240721044213/https://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=0&t=2 |archive-date=2024-07-21 |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=rcdb.com |language=en}}</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">{{Cite web |last=Villano |first=Matt |date=2022-05-25 |title=Six Flags debuts Mardi Gras Hangover ride |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/mardi-gras-hangover-six-flags-illinois/index.html |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Maxx Force 2.jpg|thumb|Maxx Force holds three world records, including fastest acceleration in North America, fastest inversion, and tallest double inversion]]In 2019, Maxx Force opened with three record breakers with having the fastest acceleration in North America from 0 to {{Convert|78|mph|km/h}} in 1.8 seconds, fastest inversion ([[heartline roll]]) in the world at {{Convert|60|mph|km/h}} and tallest double inversion in the world at {{Convert|175|ft|m}}.<ref name="Maxx Force – CoasterCritic">{{cite web |date=August 30, 2018 |title='Maxx Force' coming to Six Flags Great America in 2019 |url=http://www.coastercritic.com/2018/08/maxx-force-coming-six-flags-great-america-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217173457/https://coastercritic.com/2018/08/maxx-force-coming-six-flags-great-america-2019/ |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |access-date=August 31, 2018 |publisher=Coaster Critic}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Schwabe |first=Amy |title=Six Flags Great America's newest roller coaster will have a 'beyond-vertical' 171-foot drop |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/2024/08/15/new-record-breaking-roller-coaster-wrath-of-rakshasa-to-debut-at-six-flags-great-america/74809519007/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=Journal Sentinel |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Marzano |first=Peter |date=2024-10-16 |title=Six Flags Great America shares construction update on new roller coaster |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-shares-construction-update-new-roller-coaster/3576425/ |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref>

From 2014 to 2017, Six Flags Great America also had the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park at {{Convert|16558|ft|m}}, 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>{{Cite news |title=Greatest combined track length of wooden rollercoasters (single park) |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/369507-greatest-combined-track-length-of-wooden-rollercoasters-single-park |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220512160015/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/369507-greatest-combined-track-length-of-wooden-rollercoasters-single-park |archive-date=2022-05-12 |access-date=2025-07-13 |work=Guinness World Records |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=2015-08-25 |title=Great America's wooden roller coasters measure 16,558 feet |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/08/25/great-americas-wooden-roller-coasters-measure-16558-feet/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2016-07-29 |title=Take a virtual ride on Kings Island's new coaster |url=https://www.fox19.com/story/32568703/kings-island-unveils-new-attraction |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=Fox 19 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
Several of Six Flags Great America's roller coasters have appeared on ''[[Amusement Today]]''<nowiki/>'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 (roller coaster)|Raging Bull]]: 9th (2005)<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Golden Ticket Awards |url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/issuearchive/2005gta/2005gta.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019224730/http://www.goldenticketawards.com/issuearchive/2005gta/2005gta.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-19 |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=[[Amusement Today]]}}</ref>
* [[Goliath (Six Flags Great America)|Goliath]]: 13th (2016)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-11 |title=The Golden Ticket Awards {{!}} Presented by Amusement Today |url=https://goldenticketawards.com/ |access-date=2022-08-17 |website=The Golden Ticket Awards {{!}} Presented by Amusement Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Viper (Six Flags Great America)|Viper]]: 19th (1999)<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999 |title=Top 25 Wooden Roller Coasters |url=https://goldenticketawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/AT_Golden_Ticket_1999.pdf |website=[[Amusement Today]]}}</ref>
* [[Batman: The Ride]]: 23rd (1998)<ref>{{cite journal |date=September 1998 |title=Top 25 steel roller coasters |url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/issuearchive/1998gta/1998gta.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=[[Amusement Today]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019222136/http://www.goldenticketawards.com/issuearchive/1998gta/1998gta.pdf |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |df=mdy}}</ref>
* [[Superman: Ultimate Flight]]: 35th (2004)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 50 steel roller coasters |url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/issuearchive/2003gta/2003gta.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403175010/http://www.amusementtoday.com/image/GoldenTicket2004.pdf |archive-date=2007-04-03 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=[[Amusement Today]]}}</ref>
* [[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Whizzer]]: 40th (2013)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 50 Steel Roller Coasters |url=http://www.amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_gt_2014_web.pdf |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=[[Amusement Today]]}}</ref>
* [[X-Flight]]: 45th (2013)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=Top 50 Steel Roller Coasters |url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/pdfs/2013_golden_ticket_section.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019223439/http://www.goldenticketawards.com/pdfs/2013_golden_ticket_section.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-19 |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=[[Amusement Today]]}}</ref>
{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| total_width       = 200
| image1            = Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America 3.jpg
| image2            = Whizzer (Six Flags Great America) 1976.jpg
| image3            = American Eagle 02.JPG
| caption3          = Top to bottom: [[Batman: The Ride]], which received Landmark status in 2005; [[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Whizzer]], which received Landmark status in 2012; [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]], which received Landmark status in 2025.
}}

For [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]] (ACE) awards, three roller coasters at Six Flags Great America have been designated as [[American Coaster Enthusiasts#Coaster Landmark|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">{{Cite web |last=Leshock |first=Marcus |date=June 16, 2025 |title=American Eagle officially named a roller coaster landmark at Six Flags Great America |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/american-eagle-officially-named-a-roller-coaster-landmark-at-six-flags-great-america |website=WGN News}}</ref> [[Batman: The Ride]] received Landmark status on June 20, 2005, for its significance as the first inverted roller coaster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-01-07 |title=Coaster Awards |url=http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=45 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107232141/http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=45 |archive-date=2014-01-07 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts}}</ref> [[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Whizzer]] received Landmark status on August 10, 2012, for the park's preservation of the attraction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaster Awards |url=http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=83 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107231851/http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=83 |archive-date=2014-01-07 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts}}</ref> [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|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 (Six Flags Great America)|Little Dipper]] also has the [[American Coaster Enthusiasts#ACE Coaster Classics|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>{{Cite web |title=Coaster Classic Awards – American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Classic |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=[[American Coaster Enthusiasts]]}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Kleiman |first=Joe |date=2013-11-21 |title=2013 Brass Ring Awards Presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo |url=https://www.inparkmagazine.com/2013-brass-ring-awards-presented-at-iaapa-attractions-expo/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=InPark Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kleiman |first=Joe |date=2014-11-19 |title=2014 Brass Ring Awardees Named at IAAPA Attractions Expo |url=https://www.inparkmagazine.com/2014-brass-ring-awards/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=InPark Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-16 |title=Scott And Carol Present: Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America |url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2012/10/scott-and-carol-present-fright-fest-at.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref> ''Show Stoppin''' won the IAAPA Big E! Award in 2008 in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,001–50,000."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blooloop |date=2008-11-24 |title=IAAPA Announces 2008 Big E Award Winners Who Exemplify Excellence in Attractions Industry Entertainment |url=https://blooloop.com/uncategorised/news/iaapa-announces-2008-big-e-award-winners-who-exemplify-excellence-in-attractions-industry-entertainment/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Blooloop |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IAAPA 2005: Big-E Awards announced – CoasterBuzz |url=https://coasterbuzz.com/News/iaapa-2005-big-e-awards-announced |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=coasterbuzz.com}}</ref> The park's [[tanghulu]] was a finalist for the IAAPA Honors Award for "Best New Menu Item" in 2023–2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023–2024 |title=IAAPA Honors Awards 2023-2024 |url=https://iaapa-hosted-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Awards/2023+2024+IAAPA+Honors+Awards.pdf |access-date=2024-12-16}}</ref> Windy City Sports Bar and Grill, a restaurant in [[Southwest Territory (Six Flags Great America)|Southwest Territory]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Area Restaurants & Dining {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/things-to-do/restaurants |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |title=The Brass Ring Award Finalists {{!}} IAAPA.org |url=https://iaapa.org/about/awards/brass-ring-awards-finalists |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=iaapa.org |language=en}}</ref>

On ''[[USA Today]]''<nowiki/>'s Readers' Choice Awards, [[Goliath (Six Flags Great America)|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>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-08 |title=The 10 best new theme park attractions, per readers |url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/10best/awards/2020/02/08/seaworld-six-flags-busch-gardens-best-new-theme-park-attractions/4591938002/ |access-date=2022-08-17 |website=[[USA Today]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-03 |title=Six Flags Parks and Coasters Voted the Best by USA Today Readers |url=https://businessviewmagazine.com/six-flags-parks-coasters-voted-best-usa-today-readers/ |access-date=2022-08-17 |website=Business View Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notable incidents ==
{{Main|Incidents at Six Flags parks#Six Flags Great America}}

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 instances{{Em dash}}one in July 1976, one in August 1976{{Em dash}}occurred on [[Whizzer (roller coaster)|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>{{Cite web |date=1980-08-29 |title=Commission Files Complaints Following Fatal Accidents On Amusement Park Rides |url=http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml80/80032.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815105458/http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml80/80032.html |archive-date=2007-08-15 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]]}}</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>{{Cite web |title=The Edge, a 131-foot-high thrill ride that injured three... - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/03/12/The-Edge-a-131-foot-high-thrill-ride-that-injured-three/3898510987600/ |access-date=2025-08-08 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref>
* On April 19, 1998, a train on [[Demon (roller coaster)|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>{{Cite news |date=1998-04-19 |title=Roller coaster stuck in loop at Six Flags |work=The Telegraph-Herald |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JDpFAAAAIBAJ&dq=demon%20great-america&pg=6613%2C4120790}}</ref> It was later revealed that the incident was a result of a safety feature preventing the train from derailing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-04-21 |title=SIX FLAGS ACCIDENT BLAMED ON AXLE FLAW |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/04/21/six-flags-accident-blamed-on-axle-flaw/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</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)|Ragin' Cajun]] roller coaster while attempting to cross the track.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America worker dies weeks after being hit by ride – CoasterBuzz |url=https://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Topic/six-flags-great-america-worker-dies-weeks-after-being-hit-by-ride |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=coasterbuzz.com}}</ref>
* On March 11, 2008, a crew member that was part of an external company demolishing the Splashwater Falls attraction died after falling {{Convert|40|ft|m}} to the ground.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-03-12 |title=Worker killed in fall off Great America ride |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/03/12/worker-killed-in-fall-off-great-america-ride/ |access-date=2025-08-08 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Amanda |last2=Wolfe |first2=Elizabeth |date=2022-08-15 |title=Three injured in shooting at Six Flags Great America in Illinois |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/14/us/six-flags-shooting-gurnee-illinois/index.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
In the late 1970s, two [[television special]]s 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>{{cite news |title='Celebration at Great America' Premiere |page=50 |date=July 2, 1976 |website=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79897946/celebration-at-great-america-premiere/ |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> and again on August 21.<ref>{{cite news |title='Celebration at Great America' Repeat |website=Kenosha News |page=49 |date=August 21, 1976 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898065/celebration-at-great-america-repeat/ |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> The special starred [[Steve Edwards (talk show host)|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>{{cite news |title='You're Never Too Old' Premiere |website=Chicago Tribune |page=77 |date=September 8, 1979 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898366/youre-never-too-old-premiere/ |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='You're Never Too Old' Premiere Advertisement |date=September 8, 1979 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=67 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898319/youre-never-too-old-premiere-advertis/ |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> and again on April 26, 1980;<ref>{{cite news |title='You're Never Too Old' Repeat |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=19 |date=April 26, 1980 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898452/youre-never-too-old-repeat/ |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-12 |title=1977 – Circus Home Movies – Marriott's Great America – Circus Arena – 1977 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cmd-4h_t4s |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

In 1994, the park's now-defunct [[Firebird (roller coaster)|Iron Wolf]] roller coaster was featured in the movie ''[[Richie Rich (film)|Richie Rich]]'' and was showcased as a backyard coaster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America's lost attractions |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-six-flags-great-america-roller-coasters-history-20150311-photogallery.html |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Chicago Tribune |date=September 27, 2017}}</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 (roller coaster)|Raging Bull]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dinner: Impossible – Season 7 Ep 3 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/dinner-impossible/season-7/episode-3-amusement-park-adventure |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 12, 2019}}</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>{{Cite web |title=Upside Down Under |url=https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/insane-coaster-wars-world-domination/episodes/upside-down-under |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Travel Channel |language=en}}</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>{{Cite web |title=Run BTS! 2015 EP.3 - 놀이공원 |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=do0jqiIJ3lPT3CEi&v=HMG7jim0Bqc&feature=youtu.be |website=Youtube |date=December 21, 2022}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group=note}}
;References
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Chicago|Illinois
}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Six Flags Great America}}
* {{Official website|https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica}}
* {{RCDB|4530}}

{{Six Flags}}
{{Six Flags Great America rides}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Six Flags Great America| ]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Illinois]]
[[Category:Six Flags amusement parks|Great America]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:Gurnee, Illinois]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1976]]