History of Six Flags Great America in Timeline
Six Flags Great America is a 304-acre theme park in Gurnee, Illinois, part of the northern Chicago area. Originally opened as Marriott's Great America in 1976 by the Marriott Corporation, it was later acquired by Six Flags in 1984. This acquisition gave Six Flags the rights to use Looney Tunes characters within the park. The park is a major attraction in the region, offering a variety of rides and entertainment options.
August 1972: Land Purchase in Gurnee
In August 1972, Marriott purchased 600 acres of rural land in Gurnee, Illinois, near the Tri-State Tollway, leading to speculation of an amusement park.
1972: Maryland Park Proposal
In 1972, Marriott announced plans for a large 850-acre amusement park in Laurel, Maryland, but the proposal was canceled due to local opposition who convinced officials to deny the park permits.
January 29, 1973: Park Announcement
On January 29, 1973, Marriott officially announced plans for an amusement park, hotel, and industrial park in Gurnee, Illinois.
June 14, 1974: Groundbreaking Ceremony
On June 14, 1974, the groundbreaking ceremony for Great America took place on Flag Day. Twelve houses and their street were demolished for the park's entrance road. The total construction cost for both Great America parks was $72,750,000.
July 2, 1976: Celebration At Great America TV Special
On July 2, 1976, Celebration At Great America, a TV special celebrating the opening of Marriott's Great America, aired on WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago), starring Steve Edwards and Sandi Freeman, with celebrity guests including Mel Blanc as Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters.
1976: Hometown Park Opening
In 1976, Hometown Park, a kids area, opened as part of Hometown Square.
1976: Opening of Rue Le Dodge
In 1976, Rue Le Dodge opened as one of the original rides in the Orleans Place themed area.
1976: Marriott's Great America Opening and Attendance
In 1976, under Marriott Corporation's operation, the park expected 2.5 million visitors for the season and estimated it could draw 6 to 7 million guests due to the proximity of major cities; actual attendance reached 2.35 million.
1977: Attendance at Marriott's Great America
In 1977, Marriott's Great America saw 2.4 million guests, contributing to declining attendance at neighboring amusement parks.
1977: New Rides Installed
In 1977, Six Flags Great America added several new rides, including the 285-foot Sky Trek Tower in Carousel Plaza, Southern Cross gondola ride, and spinning rides like Big Top, Davy Jones' Dinghies, and Hay Baler.
1977: Circus Fantastic Broadcast on Captain Kangaroo
In 1977, a performance of the park's Circus Fantastic was broadcast on Captain Kangaroo with Captain Kangaroo (Bob Keeshan) as the ringmaster and special guest star Bob Denver of Gilligan's Island.
1977: Closure of Gulf Coaster
In 1977, the Gulf Coaster, a kids coaster in Orleans Place, closed due to multiple fires.
1978: Fort Fun and Tidal Wave Opening
In 1978, Great America opened Fort Fun, its first children's section, in the Yukon Territory. The Saskatchewan Scrambler was relocated and renamed Hometown Fun Machine. Also, Tidal Wave, the park's fourth roller coaster, opened in Yankee Harbor.
September 8, 1979: You're Never Too Old TV Special
On September 8, 1979, the television special You're Never Too Old, hosted by actress Lisa Hartman, first aired on WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago).
1979: Pictorium Opens
In 1979, The Pictorium, an IMAX theater, opened and claimed to have the world's largest screen measuring 64.5 by 88.25 feet.
1979: Original Southwest Territory Plan
In 1979, a new themed area for the park, called Southwest Territory, was originally intended to be added to the park, with the Southern Cross ride intended to bring guests to it, but was never constructed.
1979: Intention to build The Great Southwest
The area intended to be built in 1979 as The Great Southwest.
April 26, 1980: You're Never Too Old TV Special Re-airing
On April 26, 1980, the television special You're Never Too Old, hosted by actress Lisa Hartman, re-aired on WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago).
1980: Closure of Old Chicago
In 1980, Old Chicago, a neighboring shopping mall and amusement park, closed after experiencing plummeting guest numbers following the opening of Marriott's Great America.
1980: Turn of the Century Rethemed to Demon
In 1980, the Turn of the Century roller coaster closed and was rethemed as Demon, with two vertical loops, tunnels, a theme song, and demon-themed elements added.
1980: Whizzer Injuries
In 1980, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that 31 guests had been injured on Whizzer in two separate instances during an investigation; these injuries were not reported to CPSC.
1981: American Eagle Opening
In 1981, American Eagle opened as the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden racing roller coaster in the world, with a height of 127 feet, speeds of 66 miles per hour, and a track length of 4,650 feet per side, retaining all these records to this day.
1982: Picnic Grove Added
In 1982, the Picnic Grove was added to Six Flags Great America to accommodate company outings and corporate events.
1983: Removal of Bottoms Up
In 1983, Bottoms Up, a Chance Rides trabant ride, was removed from Hometown Square.
1983: Roaring Rapids Opens
In 1983, Roaring Rapids, an Intamin river rapids ride, originally opened in Orleans Place.
1983: White Water Rampage Added
In 1983, Six Flags Great America added White Water Rampage, an Intamin water rapids ride, in Orleans Place. This addition required the removal of small rides like Traffique Jam. The Orleans Orbit was moved to Hometown Square and renamed The Orbit.
1983: The Edge Installed, Southern Cross Removed
In 1983, Southern Cross was removed from Six Flags Great America. That same year, The Edge, an Intamin first-generation freefall ride, was added. Bottoms Up and Traffique Jam were also removed at the end of the season.
1983: Park sold to Bally Manufacturing
In 1983, The Great America park was sold to Bally Manufacturing.
April 26, 1984: Six Flags Acquires Great America
On April 26, 1984, Bally Manufacturing (parent company of Six Flags) finalized the purchase of Great America from Marriott for $114.5 million. Six Flags also gained the right to use Looney Tunes characters at its parks.
1984: Park Rebranded as Six Flags Great America
Following the sale of the park to Bally Manufacturing, Six Flags Great America was rebranded in 1984. Bally CEO Robert Mullane stated that no major changes were planned for the park.
1984: Accident on The Edge
In 1984, shortly after the purchase by Six Flags, a software failure caused a car on The Edge to stall at the top of the lift shaft before dropping, injuring all three occupants.
1984: Sale to Six Flags
In 1984, the Marriott Corporation sold Marriott's Great America to Six Flags.
1985: Z-Force Added
In 1985, Z-Force, a one-of-a-kind Intamin space diver roller coaster, was added to the County Fair area of Six Flags Great America.
1986: Removal of The Edge
In 1986, The Edge was removed from Orleans Place.
1987: Bally Sells Six Flags
In 1987, Bally sold Six Flags to Wesray Capital Corporation and a group of Six Flags managers. Wesray shifted focus to major attractions, leading to new rides and coasters.
1987: Power Dive Added
In 1987, Power Dive, an Intamin Looping Starship ride, was added to Six Flags Great America, taking over the spot where The Edge had stood.
1988: Shockwave Opening
In 1988, Shockwave opened as the tallest overall and fastest steel roller coaster in the world. At that time, it was 170 feet tall, reached speeds of 65 miles per hour, and had a record of seven inversions.
1988: Shockwave Roller Coaster Added
In 1988, Six Flags Great America added Shockwave, a massive Arrow Dynamics mega-looper, to the Orleans Place section of the park. Shockwave was the world's tallest roller coaster at the time.
1989: Rolling Thunder Added
In 1989, the Sarajevo Bobsled roller coaster from Six Flags Great Adventure was moved to Six Flags Great America and renamed Rolling Thunder. It was added between Demon and Whizzer.
1990: Iron Wolf Opens
In 1990, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed their first roller coaster, Iron Wolf, a compact steel stand-up coaster. It opened on Z-Force's former spot in County Fair.
1991: Z-Force Relocated
At the end of 1991, Z-Force was relocated to Six Flags Magic Mountain, where it operated as Flashback.
1991: Condor Added
In 1991, Condor was added to Orleans Place next to Shockwave. Tidal Wave was closed at the end of the season.
1992: Batman: The Ride Opening
In 1992, Batman: The Ride opened as the first inverted roller coaster in the world, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).
1993: Batman Stunt Show Opens
In 1993, the Batman Stunt Show opened in a new amphitheater located past Demon, later known as the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.
1994: Iron Wolf Featured in Richie Rich
In 1994, Iron Wolf was featured in the movie Richie Rich and was showcased as a backyard coaster.
1994: Space Shuttle America Built
In 1994, Six Flags Great America built Space Shuttle America, a motion simulator ride, near Sky Trek Tower.
1995: Dragon Khan Surpasses Shockwave Inversions
In 1995, PortAventura Park's Dragon Khan surpassed Shockwave's record of seven inversions.
1995: Tidal Wave Relocated as Viper
In 1995, Tidal Wave was relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia where it operated as Viper.
1995: Southwest Territory Construction Begins
In 1995, construction began on the Southwest Territory, a new themed area for the park. The first ride built was Viper, a wooden roller coaster based on the Coney Island Cyclone.
1996: Southwest Territory Opens
In 1996, Six Flags Great America opened Southwest Territory, a desert-themed area based on the Old West. New rides included River Rocker, Chubasco, and Trail Blazer. The Big Top was moved in and renamed Ricochet. The Western Stunt Show debuted in the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.
1997: Giant Drop and Dare Devil Dive added
In 1997, Giant Drop, an Intamin second-generation drop tower, was added to the southwest side of Southwest Territory. Also in 1997, Dare Devil Dive, a skycoaster, opened in County Fair.
1997: Planning of Six Flags Entertainment Village began
In the fall of 1997, plans for expansion outside the amusement park began with the planning of Six Flags Entertainment Village, an entertainment complex that would be located across Interstate 94.
April 19, 1998: Demon Incident
On April 19, 1998, during a private event rented out by U.S. Steel, Demon stalled on a vertical loop, requiring an aerial fire apparatus to release stranded riders.
November 1998: Opposition to Six Flags Entertainment Village arises
In November 1998, opposition for Six Flags Entertainment Village arose with the citizens group Citizens United for a Residential Village of Gurnee (CURV) forming, with the concern of road congestion and rising tax prices.
1998: Opening of Bugs Bunny National Park
In 1998, Bugs Bunny National Park opened in Yukon Territory.
1998: Camp Cartoon Network opens; Bugs Bunny Land renamed
In 1998, Camp Cartoon Network opened as a sub-section of Yukon Territory with five new rides. Additionally in 1998, Bugs Bunny Land was renamed Looney Tunes National Park.
1998: Camp Cartoon Network added
In 1998, Camp Cartoon, then known as Camp Cartoon Network, was added in Yukon Territory.
1998: Shockwave Opening
On June 3, 1998, the massive roller coaster Shockwave opened in Orleans Place section of the park.
1999: Raging Bull added to Southwest Territory; Entertainment Village project cancelled
In 1999, Raging Bull, a hyper-twister coaster, was added to Southwest Territory. In late October of 1999, the park officially cancelled their Entertainment Village project.
1999: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Stunt Show
In 1999, the Warner Bros. Western Stunt Show was replaced by the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Stunt Show in the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.
2000: 25th season, Sky Whirl and Hay Baler's last year; accident on Cajun Cliffhanger
The park celebrated its silver (25th) season in 2000. This was the last year for the Sky Whirl and the Hay Baler ride. That same year, an accident involving a guest occurred on the Cajun Cliffhanger ride, which led to its removal.
2001: Viper Closed
In 2001, Viper (formerly Tidal Wave) closed at Six Flags Over Georgia.
2001: Hometown Park Closure
In 2001, the rides in Hometown Park were removed.
2001: Two inverted shuttle coasters added
In 2001, two inverted shuttle coasters were added: an Intamin impulse coaster named Vertical Velocity and Déjà Vu, a Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang ride to replace Sky Whirl and Hay Baler.
2002: Plans announced to remove Whizzer, backlash leads to cancellation
In the summer of 2002, plans were announced to remove Whizzer, closing on August 11 of that year. The plan to remove the coaster, which is one of two Speedracer models left in the world, was met with outrage from the public. Due to backlash, Six Flags decided on August 3 of 2002 to cancel their plans to replace Whizzer, and instead elected to replace Shockwave. Power Dive was also removed, due to maintenance problems.
2003: Ameri-Go-Round Replaced with Revolution
In 2003, Ameri-Go-Round, a smaller carousel, was replaced with Revolution in County Fair.
2003: Superman: Ultimate Flight constructed; Ameri-Go-Round removed
In 2003, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed Superman: Ultimate Flight in Orleans Place, on the plot of land where Shockwave stood. Additionally, the Ameri-Go-Round carousel in County Fair was removed at the end of the 2003 season.
2003: Flashback Closed
In 2003, Flashback (formerly Z-Force) closed at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
2003: Tidal Wave Relocated as Greezed Lightnin'
In 2003, Tidal Wave was relocated to Kentucky Kingdom where it operated as Greezed Lightnin'.
September 17, 2004: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park officially announced
On September 17, 2004, the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park was officially announced. It would become the seventh Hurricane Harbor water park to open, and would be built on a parking lot behind Raging Bull and Viper.
November 2004: Groundbreaking began for Hurricane Harbor
Groundbreaking for the Hurricane Harbor water park began in November 2004.
2004: Part of Orleans Place Annexed into Mardi Gras
In 2004, a portion of the Orleans Place themed area was annexed into the new Mardi Gras themed area.
2004: Mardi Gras Area Opening
In 2004, the Mardi Gras themed area opened at Six Flags Great America, converted from part of the existing Orleans Place.
May 28, 2005: Grand opening of Hurricane Harbor
The grand opening of the Hurricane Harbor water park occurred on May 28, 2005.
June 20, 2005: Batman: The Ride ACE Landmark Status
On June 20, 2005, Batman: The Ride was designated as an ACE Coaster Landmark for its significance as the first inverted roller coaster.
December 2005: Stockholders approve Daniel Snyder's plan to take over Six Flags
In December 2005, stockholders approved a plan offered by Daniel Snyder of Red Zone, LLC to take over management of Six Flags, Inc., following a fierce stockholder revolt. Snyder appointed Mark Shapiro as the new CEO of Six Flags.
2005: Batman: The Ride Awarded Landmark Status
In 2005, Batman: The Ride was awarded landmark status by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) at their annual convention.
2005: IAAPA Big E! Award for Love at First Fright
In 2005, Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Big E! Award for "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less."
2005: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago Opening
In 2005, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago opened as a 20-acre water park.
December 2006: Six Flags replaced its sign along Interstate 94
In December 2006, Six Flags announced it would replace its sign that sits along Interstate 94. The new sign went up within a week after the old one was taken down in December 2006, and uses the old sign's post.
2007: Flashback Demolished
In 2007, Flashback (formerly Z-Force) was demolished at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
2007: New stunt show and shows introduced
In 2007, Six Flags introduced a new stunt show, Operation SpyGirl, in the Southwest Territory Amphitheater for the season. Other new shows introduced for the 2007 season were "Spirit of America" at the reflection pond in front of the Columbia Carousel, and "Show Stoppin'" in the Grand Music Hall.
2007: Splashwater Falls Closed Early
In 2007, Splashwater Falls closed for the season early on.
2007: Addition of Wiggles World
In 2007, Wiggles World, a children's-specific area, was added to County Fair.
2007: IAAPA Big E! Award for Love at First Fright
In 2007, the Fright Fest show Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Big E! Award for "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less."
2007: Flash Pass virtual queue system introduced
In 2007, the electronic Flash Pass virtual queue system was introduced to Six Flags parks, including Great America. The Flash Pass replaced an existing punch card system that was used at the park.
2007: Wiggles World opens
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.
March 2008: Splashwater Falls removed
In March 2008, Splashwater Falls was removed.
2008: IAAPA Awards for Love at First Fright and Show Stoppin'
In 2008, Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Big E! Award for "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less," and Show Stoppin' won the IAAPA Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,001–50,000."
2008: Employee Fatality During Splashwater Falls Demolition
In 2008, one theme park employee suffered fatal injuries when he fell from Splashwater Falls during the ride's demolition.
2008: Operation SpyGirl does not return
Operation SpyGirl did not return in 2008.
August 26, 2009: Six Flags Great America on Dinner: Impossible
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.
2009: Déjà Vu replaced with Buccaneer Battle
For 2009, Six Flags replaced Déjà Vu with Buccaneer Battle, a pirate-themed boat ride in County Fair designed by Mack Rides.
2009: Greezed Lightnin' Closed
In 2009, Greezed Lightnin' (formerly Tidal Wave) closed at Kentucky Kingdom.
May 26, 2010: Great America files a petition with the Village of Gurnee
On May 26, 2010, Great America filed a petition with the Village of Gurnee seeking to exceed the village's 125 feet (38.10 m) height limit.
May 27, 2010: Little Dipper opens to the public
On May 27, 2010, the Little Dipper, a "kiddie" wooden roller coaster that had previously operated at Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park, opened to the public.
July 2010: Park abandons plans to install Chang
In July 2010, the park confirmed it was abandoning plans to install Chang and that the space would instead be used for Riptide Bay, a 3-acre (12,140.57 m; 130,680.00 sq ft) addition to the Hurricane Harbor water park.
2010: IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Love at First Fright
In 2010, Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in the category "Best Overall Production: $50,001–100,000."
2010: Six Flags Takes Fright Fest Production In-House
In 2010, Six Flags moved the entire production of Fright Fest in-house for greater creative control.
2010: The Wiggles theming removed
In 2010, The Wiggles theming was removed from Wiggles World in County Fair.
2010: Six Flags began removing some licensed properties
In late 2010, Six Flags began removing some licensed properties from concessions and attractions. MagiQuest closed due to a lack of popularity.
2011: Wiggles World rebranded as Kidzopolis
In 2011, Wiggles World being was renamed Kidzopolis and having Wiggles branding and theming removed. Great America Raceway, an original ride from 1976, was closed and removed. At the end of the 2011 season, Iron Wolf was closed and removed.
August 10, 2012: Whizzer ACE Landmark Status
On August 10, 2012, Whizzer was given the ACE Landmark award for the park's preservation of the attraction.
2012: X-Flight Opens in County Fair
For 2012, the former sites of Splashwater Falls and the Great America Raceway in County Fair were taken over by a new wing coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard with 5 inversions, a 12-story drop and speeds of up to 55 mph called X-Flight.
2012: Replacement of Bugs Bunny National Park
In 2012, Bugs Bunny National Park in Yukon Territory was fully replaced with Winner's Circle Go Karts, an upcharge attraction.
2013: IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Love at First Fright
In 2013, Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in the category "Best Overall Production: $50,001–100,000."
2013: 100 Million Guests Reached
In 2013, Six Flags Great America reached 100 million overall guests.
2013: X-Flight Featured on Insane Coaster Wars
In 2013, the park's B&M wing coaster X-Flight was featured as a contestant against other roller coasters around the world in an episode of Insane Coaster Wars; in the same year, the park was featured in the Hindi movie Dhoom: 3.
2013: IgNight replaces Glow in the Park parade; Season of Backwards announced
The Glow in the Park parade was replaced in 2013 with IgNight. Six Flags announced that 2013 would be the "Season of Backwards" at Great America, with Batman: The Ride, Viper and the Blue Train on American Eagle all running backwards for some part of the season. Ragin' Cajun closed at the end of the season.
2014: Goliath built on Iron Wolf's former plot of land
For 2014, the park received Goliath, a 165-foot-tall (50 m) wooden roller coaster built by Rocky Mountain Construction. The ride broke world records for the steepest drop, fastest speed and longest drop on a wooden coaster, and was built on the plot of land where Iron Wolf formerly stood. Ragin' Cajun relocated to Six Flags America in 2014.
2014: Goliath's World Records
In 2014, Goliath claimed three Guinness World Records at its opening: steepest wooden roller coaster, longest drop on a wooden roller coaster, and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, retaining the latter two records currently.
2014: IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Love at First Fright
In 2014, Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in the category "Best Overall Production: $50,001–100,000."
January 14, 2015: Guinness World Record for Combined Wooden Roller Coaster Track
On January 14, 2015, Six Flags Great America received a Guinness World Record for having the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park at 16,558 feet, including the track length of American Eagle, Goliath, Little Dipper, and Viper.
July 2015: BTS Filming at the Park
In July 2015, the K-pop group BTS filmed an episode of their variety show Run BTS in the park, and the members rode various rides during their time.
2015: Holiday in the Park Teased
In 2015, then-CEO of Six Flags, Jim Reid-Anderson, had teased the arrival of Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great America.
2015: Return of Hometown Park
In 2015, three of the original rides from Hometown Park returned as part of the park's 40th season celebration.
2015: Hometown Park Children's area installed; "40 Seasons of Thrills" celebration
Three former kiddie rides were reinstalled in the all-new Hometown Park children's area in 2015, located in Hometown Square. That year, the park held the "40 Seasons of Thrills" celebration, a festival which celebrated the park's history.
August 6, 2016: The Orbit closed
The Orbit, an original 1976 attraction, closed on August 6, 2016. At the end of the season, The Jester's Wild Ride was also removed.
2016: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis introduced; Rage of the Gargoyles
In 2016, Great America introduced Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, alongside a new themed area: Metropolis Plaza. Six Flags also announced plans to add virtual reality headsets to Raging Bull, but Demon received the VR headsets instead, creating a new 'Rage of the Gargoyles' ride experience.
2016: Removal of Orleans Orbit
In 2016, Orleans Orbit was removed from Hometown Square to make way for The Lobster, which was being moved from Yankee Harbor.
2016: The Joker Announced
In 2016, Six Flags Great America announced The Joker, and the original covered bridge used for entry to the former Yankee Harbor was moved to make way for the new attraction. Additionally, Jester's Wild Ride was removed for the attraction.
2016: Addition of DC Comics themed area
In 2016, a DC Comics themed area was added to Six Flags Great America, replacing the Southwest Amphitheater.
2016: Amphitheater Torn Down
In 2016, the Southwest Territory Amphitheater was torn down for the addition of the Justice League: Battle for Metropolis dark ride.
August 26, 2017: King Chaos closed to make way for Mardi Gras Hangover
King Chaos closed on August 26, 2017, to make way for the new ride.
2017: Mardi Gras Hangover Announced
In 2017, King Chaos was announced to be closed to build Mardi Gras Hangover, an attraction in which was the tallest Larson Loop in the world, although the park claimed it was the tallest "loop coaster."
2017: The Joker added; East River Crawler relocated and renamed
The Joker, an S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, was added to Yankee Harbor for the 2017 season. The Orbit would not return, and East River Crawler was relocated to the former site of The Orbit and its name returned to The Lobster. For the first month of the season, VR headsets were added to Giant Drop, which became the "Drop of Doom".
April 11, 2018: Announcement to stay open through the end of the year
On April 11, 2018, Six Flags Great America announced that it would stay open through the end of the year with an event called Holiday in the Park.
May 25, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover Opening
On May 25, 2018, Mardi Gras Hangover opened to the public as the tallest fire ball attraction in the world.
August 30, 2018: Maxx Force Announcement
On August 30, 2018, Six Flags Great America announced that Maxx Force would open in 2019, replacing the Pictorium. The roller coaster, manufactured by S&S Worldwide, would break three world records and feature the fastest acceleration in North America.
October 9, 2018: Potential Lease Agreement for Magic Waters
On October 9, 2018, the Rockford Park District announced a potential lease agreement with Six Flags Great America for the park to operate Magic Waters, which would later be known as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford.
November 23, 2018: Holiday in the Park debuted at the park
On April 11, Six Flags Great America announced that Holiday in the Park would debut at the park November 23, 2018.
December 11, 2018: Lease Deal Made Official
On December 11, 2018, the lease deal between Six Flags Great America and the Rockford Park District was made official. Six Flags would take control of the water park on April 1, 2019.
December 23, 2018: Holiday in the Park through Dec 23
The Holiday in the Park event at Six Flags Great America began on November 23, 2018, and ran weekends through December 23, 2018.
2018: Holiday in the Park Hosted
From 2018 to 2021, Six Flags Great America hosted Holiday in the Park, a holiday-themed event.
2018: Goliath Ranked on USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards
In 2018, Goliath ranked number 4 in the category "Best Roller Coasters in the Country" on USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.
December 31, 2018: Holiday in the Park through Dec 31
The Holiday in the Park event at Six Flags Great America began on November 23, 2018, and ran weekends through December 23, 2018, and ran daily December 26 through December 31, 2018.
April 1, 2019: Six Flags Takes Control of Water Park
On April 1, 2019, Six Flags Great America officially took control of the water park, formerly known as Magic Waters, following the finalized lease agreement.
April 27, 2019: Pictorium Demolition Confirmed
On April 27, 2019, Six Flags Great America confirmed via Twitter that the Pictorium would be demolished to make way for new attractions.
2019: Maxx Force Opening
In 2019, Maxx Force opened with three record breakers: fastest acceleration in North America (0 to 78 mph in 1.8 seconds), fastest inversion (heartline roll) in the world at 60 mph, and tallest double inversion in the world at 175 feet.
2019: Maxx Force Ranked on USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards
In 2019, Maxx Force ranked number 8 in the category "Best New Amusement Park Attraction" on USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.
2019: Iron Wolf Rebranded as Firebird
Iron Wolf was relocated to Six Flags America, rebranded as Apocalypse, before it was converted into a floorless roller coaster and renamed Firebird in the 2019 season.
March 2020: Season Opening Delayed Due to COVID-19
In March 2020, Six Flags Great America announced a delay in the opening of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was ordered to stay closed until "Phase 5" of Illinois' phased re-opening plan.
July 20, 2020: Hurricane Harbor Re-opens as Hurricane Harbor Chicago
On July 20, 2020, Hurricane Harbor re-opened to the public with new safety protocols in place and was renamed Hurricane Harbor Chicago.
2020: Wonderland
In 2020, A Wonderland at the Grand was re-imagined as Wonderland, a holiday-themed musical held outdoors at the Hometown Square Stage.
2020: Holiday in the Park Lights Began
Starting for the 2020 season, Holiday in the Park Lights began as a replacement for the regular Holiday in the Park event due to Illinois' guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 22, 2021: Hurricane Harbor Separately Gated and Renamed
On March 22, 2021, Hurricane Harbor became separately gated from the theme park and was officially renamed Hurricane Harbor Chicago, becoming the chain's 27th theme park.
April 24, 2021: Park Reopened at 25% Capacity
On April 24, 2021, Six Flags Great America reopened at 25% capacity under Illinois state orders due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with specific safety protocols in place.
June 11, 2021: Park Reopened at Full Capacity
On June 11, 2021, Six Flags Great America reopened at full capacity, and all mask mandates were dropped.
2021: Holiday in the Park Hosted
From 2018 to 2021, Six Flags Great America hosted Holiday in the Park, a holiday-themed event.
2021: Park Re-opened Indoor Venues
In 2021, Six Flags Great America re-opened indoor venues and some attractions, during the Holiday in the Park Lights event.
2021: Hurricane Harbor Separately Gated
Since 2021, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor has been separately gated from the theme park.
March 24, 2022: Announcement of DC Universe
On March 24, 2022, Six Flags Great America announced the creation of DC Universe, a DC Comics-themed area that would be a re-theme of the existing Yankee Harbor area.
April 15, 2022: DC Universe Opening Delayed
The opening day of DC Universe was originally scheduled for April 15, 2022, but was delayed due to excessive rain and supply chain issues.
April 23, 2022: DC Universe Opens
DC Universe officially opened on April 23, 2022, at Six Flags Great America.
August 14, 2022: Drive-By Shooting at the Park
On August 14, 2022, a drive-by shooting occurred at Six Flags Great America, injuring three people and causing an evacuation of the entire park.
2022: Yankee Harbor Re-themed to DC Universe
In 2022, Yankee Harbor was re-themed to become DC Universe, a DC Comics themed area.
2022: Holiday in the Park Removed
Six Flags Great America removed Holiday in the Park from their event lineup for the 2022 season.
August 30, 2023: Sky Striker Announcement
On August 30, 2023, Six Flags Great America announced that Sky Striker, a large pendulum ride, would open in 2024.
2023: Accidents at Six Flags Great America
As of 2023, five people have died in reported accidents at Six Flags Great America, with three deaths attributed to pre-existing conditions or natural causes.
2023: Visitor Count
In 2023, Six Flags Great America had approximately 3 million visitors, ranking it as the sixth-most visited seasonal amusement park in North America.
2023: IAAPA Honors Award Finalist
In 2023, Six Flags Great America was a finalist for the IAAPA Honors Award for Best New Menu Item for their tanghulu.
2023: Closure of Buccaneer Battle and Dare Devil Dive
In 2023, both Buccaneer Battle and Dare Devil Dive were marked as permanently closed in County Fair.
2023: Alpine Bobsled Closed
In 2023, the ride Rolling Thunder which was relocated to The Great Escape in New York, where it operated as Alpine Bobsled until 2023, was closed.
2023: Removal of Mardi Gras Hangover
Mardi Gras Hangover was removed after the 2023 season at Six Flags Great America.
August 15, 2024: Wrath of Rakshasa Dive Coaster Announced
On August 15, 2024, Six Flags Great America announced the construction of Wrath of Rakshasa, a B&M Dive Coaster, to be built on the former site of Buccaneer Battle for the 2025 season.
November 2024: New Kids Area and Park Enhancements Announced
In early November 2024, following the merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair, it was announced that Six Flags Great America would receive a new kids area, alongside its 50th anniversary celebrations, and park enhancements, as part of Six Flags' $525 million investments for the 2026 season.
2024: IAAPA Honors Award Finalist
In 2024, Six Flags Great America was a finalist for the IAAPA Honors Award for Best New Menu Item for their tanghulu.
2024: Sky Striker Opening
In 2024, Sky Striker is scheduled to open at Six Flags Great America, as announced on August 30, 2023. It is a large pendulum ride.
May 31, 2025: Wrath of Rakshasa Dive Coaster Opens
On May 31, 2025, the Wrath of Rakshasa dive coaster opened at Six Flags Great America.
June 16, 2025: American Eagle ACE Landmark Status
On June 16, 2025, American Eagle received the Landmark award for being Intamin’s first wooden roller coaster and for being the tallest and fastest racing coaster in the world.
2025: Themed Areas and Roller Coasters
As of 2025, Six Flags Great America features nine themed areas and 16 roller coasters.
2025: Wrath of Rakshasa Opening
In 2025, Wrath of Rakshasa, a B&M Dive Coaster, opened as the steepest dive coaster model at 96 degrees and has the most inversions on a dive coaster model with five inversions.
2026: New Kids Area Expected
In 2026, Six Flags Great America is expected to receive a new kids area.
2026: Kids Area and Park Enhancements
Six Flags Great America is expected to receive a new kids area, alongside the park's 50th anniversary celebrations, and park enhancements in 2026, as part of Six Flags' $525 million investments.
Mentioned in this timeline
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