History of Six Flags Great America in Timeline

Six Flags Great America is an amusement park located in Gurnee, Illinois, situated between Chicago and Milwaukee. Owned and operated by Six Flags, it boasts 44 attractions, including 16 roller coasters. The park is a popular destination, consistently ranking among the top 20 most-visited amusement parks in North America, attracting around 3.05 million visitors in 2024. It holds the sixth position among Six Flags-owned parks in terms of attendance. A separately gated water park, Hurricane Harbor Chicago, is adjacent to the amusement park.

1950: Kiddieland Amusement Park Operating Year

The year 1950 marks when Kiddieland Amusement Park began operating. It was open until 2009, when Six Flags Great America acquired its wooden roller coaster Little Dipper.

August 22, 1972: Land Selection

On August 22, 1972, Marriott selected 600 acres of land in Gurnee, Illinois, for the theme park's location.

January 29, 1973: Park Announcement

On January 29, 1973, Marriott officially announced the Gurnee theme park.

April 1973: Village Board Approval

In April 1973, Marriott received approval for the project from Gurnee's village board.

June 1973: Interchange Proposal Rejected

In June 1973, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority rejected a proposal to build an interchange leading directly to the park's parking lot.

1973: Marriott Announces Plans

In 1973, Marriott Corporation announced plans to build a regional theme park in the Chicago metropolitan area, which would become Marriott's Great America.

June 14, 1974: Groundbreaking Ceremony

On June 14, 1974, the groundbreaking ceremony for Marriott's Great America was held on Flag Day, with Marriott officials and Mayor Welton participating.

May 29, 1976: Park Opening

On May 29, 1976, Marriott's Great America officially opened to the public.

July 2, 1976: Celebration At Great America Airing

To celebrate the opening of Marriott's Great America, a special named Celebration At Great America first aired on July 2, 1976, on WLS-TV.

1976: Hometown Park Opening

Hometown Park, a kids area located within Hometown Square, previously existed from the park's opening in 1976.

1976: Rue Le Dodge Origin

Rue Le Dodge is the last original ride from 1976 in the themed area.

1976: Columbia Carousel Opening

Upon the park's opening in 1976, its Columbia Carousel ride became the second-tallest carousel in the world, standing at 100 feet tall.

1977: New Rides Installed

In 1977, several new rides were installed at the park, including the Sky Trek Tower, Southern Cross, Big Top, Davy Jones' Dinghies, and Hay Baler. The Gulf Coaster was removed.

1977: Circus Fantastic on Captain Kangaroo

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.

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1978: Fort Fun and Tidal Wave Added

In 1978, Great America's first children's section, Fort Fun, opened, and the Tidal Wave roller coaster opened in Yankee Harbor.

September 8, 1979: You're Never Too Old Airing

The television special You're Never Too Old from WLS-TV first aired on September 8, 1979; hosted by actress Lisa Hartman.

1979: Pictorium Opened

In 1979, the Pictorium, an IMAX theatre, opened and was claimed to have the world's largest screen.

April 26, 1980: You're Never Too Old Re-airing

The television special You're Never Too Old, which first aired in September 8, 1979 was re-aired on April 26, 1980.

1980: Turn of the Century Re-themed to Demon

In 1980, the Turn of the Century roller coaster was re-themed and renamed Demon, with the addition of two vertical loops and new demon-themed elements.

1981: American Eagle Opening

American Eagle opened in 1981 as the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden racing roller coaster in the world.

1982: Picnic Grove Added

In 1982, the Picnic Grove was added as a dining and meeting place for group outings.

1983: Roaring Rapids Opening

In 1983, Roaring Rapids, an Intamin river rapids ride, originally opened in Orleans Place.

1983: The Edge and White Water Rampage Added

In 1983, The Edge, a freefall ride, and White Water Rampage, a water rapids ride, were added. The Orleans Orbit was moved to Hometown Square.

April 26, 1984: Bally Offers Purchase

On April 26, 1984, Bally Manufacturing offered to purchase the Gurnee park for $114.5 million.

May 1984: Sale Finalized, Renamed Six Flags Great America

In May 1984, the sale to Bally Manufacturing was finalized, and the park was renamed Six Flags Great America. Six Flags also acquired the rights to use the Looney Tunes characters.

1984: Sale to Six Flags

In 1984, Marriott sold Great America to Six Flags, and the park was renamed Six Flags Great America.

1985: Z-Force Added

In 1985, Six Flags added Z-Force to the County Fair area.

1986: The Edge Removed

In 1986, The Edge was removed from the park.

1987: Bally Sells Six Flags

In 1987, Bally sold Six Flags to Wesray Capital Corporation and a group of Six Flags managers, shifting the company's focus to major attractions.

1987: Power Dive Added, Bugs Bunny Land Expanded

In 1987, Power Dive was added, and the Bugs Bunny Land kids area was expanded. Z-Force was removed after the season.

June 3, 1988: Shockwave Opens

On June 3, 1988, Shockwave, the world's tallest roller coaster at the time, opened in the Orleans Place section of the park.

1988: Shockwave Opening

The now-defunct roller coaster Shockwave, which opened in 1988, broke multiple records upon its opening as the tallest, fastest, and most inverted steel roller coaster in the world.

1989: Rolling Thunder Added

In 1989, Rolling Thunder, an Intamin Bobsled roller coaster, was added between Demon and Whizzer.

April 28, 1990: Iron Wolf Opens

On April 28, 1990, Iron Wolf, a steel stand-up coaster and the first roller coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, opened in County Fair.

1991: Fright Fest Debut

Fright Fest, an annual Halloween-themed event, debuted in 1991 and is held on weekends in September and October, with select dates extending into November.

1991: Condor Added, Yukon Yahoo and Tidal Wave Closed

In 1991, Condor was added to Orleans Place. Yukon Yahoo and Tidal Wave were closed, with Tidal Wave being relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia.

1991: Love at First Fright Running Since 1991

Love at First Fright, one of the park's longest-running productions, has been running since 1991 and changes each year to include various pop culture references.

May 9, 1992: Batman: The Ride Opens

On May 9, 1992, Batman: The Ride, the first inverted roller coaster in the world, opened and was met with positive reception. The surrounding area was re-themed after the Batman films.

1992: Batman: The Ride Opening

Batman: The Ride opened in 1992 as the first inverted roller coaster in the world, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).

1993: Batman Stunt Show Debuts

In 1993, following the opening of Batman: The Ride and the release of the film Batman Returns, the Batman Stunt Show debuted in a new amphitheater.

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1994: Space Shuttle America Built

In 1994, Space Shuttle America, a motion simulator ride, was built near Sky Trek Tower.

1994: Iron Wolf featured in Richie Rich

In 1994, the Iron Wolf roller coaster at Six Flags Great America was featured in the movie Richie Rich, presented as a backyard coaster within the film.

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1995: Viper Opens, Rolling Thunder Removed

In 1995, Viper, a wooden roller coaster, opened and Rolling Thunder was removed to make room for the new themed area.

May 1996: Water Park Plans

In May 1996, Six Flags Great America made preliminary plans with the village of Gurnee to build a water park outside the existing park plot.

1996: Southwest Territory Opens

In 1996, Southwest Territory officially opened as the new 11-acre themed area, featuring three new rides: River Rocker, Chubasco, and Trail Blazer.

April 26, 1997: Giant Drop and Dare Devil Dive Open

On April 26, 1997, Giant Drop and Dare Devil Dive both opened, expanding the Southwest Territory and County Fair areas respectively.

June 25, 1997: Wilderness-themed Roller Coaster Construction Abandoned

On June 25, 1997, Six Flags Great America informed the zoning board of Gurnee that they would no longer pursue the construction of the Wilderness-themed roller coaster.

November 1997: Six Flags Entertainment Village Announced

In November 1997, Six Flags Great America announced plans to build a resort complex called Six Flags Entertainment Village, featuring a water park, hotel, shopping mall, and a theater.

October 21, 1998: Raging Bull Announcement

On October 21, 1998, Six Flags Great America announced the addition of Raging Bull, a hyper-twister roller coaster, for the 1999 season. The US$25 million project would be the park's most expensive roller coaster at the time, with construction to occur on the former lot of Rolling Thunder.

1998: Camp Cartoon Network Opening

Camp Cartoon, a children's area located within Yukon Territory, originally opened as Camp Cartoon Network in 1998.

1998: Bugs Bunny National Park Opening

In 1998, Bugs Bunny National Park opened in the area that was formerly Yukon Territory.

1998: Camp Cartoon Network Opens, Looney Tunes National Park Renamed

In 1998, Camp Cartoon Network opened as a new kids area within Yukon Territory, and Bugs Bunny Land was renamed Looney Tunes National Park.

1998: Entertainment Village Receives Approval

In late-1998, the Six Flags Entertainment Village complex received approval from the village of Gurnee.

May 1, 1999: Raging Bull Opens

On May 1, 1999, the Raging Bull roller coaster opened at Six Flags Great America after 40,000 man-hours of work. The 202-foot-high hyper-twister roller coaster reaches speeds of 73 mph and is 5,057 feet long.

1999: Entertainment Village Project Derailed

In 1999, more than half of Gurnee residents voted against the Six Flags Entertainment Village complex on an advisory referendum, derailing the project.

July 2000: Accident on Cajun Cliffhanger

In July 2000, an accident involving two guests occurred on the Cajun Cliffhanger ride at Six Flags Great America. This incident led to the ride's removal the following year.

2001: Inverted Shuttle Coasters Added

In 2001, two inverted shuttle coasters were added to Six Flags Great America. Vertical Velocity, an Intamin impulse coaster, opened in Yankee Harbor, and Déjà Vu, a Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang ride, replaced Sky Whirl and Hay Baler.

2001: Hometown Park Ride Removal

The rides in Hometown Park were removed after the 2001 season.

2002: Whizzer Removal Controversy

In the summer of 2002, plans were announced to remove Whizzer, with closure set for August 11. Outrage from park guests led to the cancellation of the Whizzer's removal on August 3. Instead, the park decided to replace Shockwave. Power Dive was also removed due to maintenance issues.

2003: Batman Repainted

After the 2003 season, Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Great America was repainted. The color scheme was changed from all-black to yellow track and dark purple supports.

2003: Superman: Ultimate Flight Construction

In 2003, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed Superman: Ultimate Flight in Orleans Place on the former plot of Shockwave. The landscaping of the ride area was redone. Additionally, the Ameri-Go-Round carousel in County Fair was removed at the end of the season.

September 17, 2004: Hurricane Harbor Announced

On September 17, 2004, Six Flags Great America announced a US$42 million expansion with the addition of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park. The water park would be built on the far west parking lot behind Raging Bull and Viper.

November 2004: Hurricane Harbor Groundbreaking

Groundbreaking for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor began in November 2004. The new water park would add 25 new water slides, a 500,000 gallon wave pool, and an interactive water structure.

2004: Mardi Gras Area Added

In 2004, Six Flags Great America added Mardi Gras, a new themed area annexing a portion of Orleans Place, built on the former sites of Power Dive and Cajun Cliffhanger. New rides included Ragin' Cajun, King Chaos, Jester's Wild Ride and Big Easy Balloons. The removed Ameri-Go-Round was replaced by Revolution. Batman: The Ride was repainted.

2004: Annexation into Mardi Gras

In 2004, part of the Orleans Place area was annexed into Mardi Gras.

May 28, 2005: Hurricane Harbor Opens

On May 28, 2005, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor opened to the public. It features 25 water slides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, and an interactive water structure, with admission included with a theme park ticket.

2005: Love at First Fright IAAPA Big E! Award

In 2005, the Fright Fest show Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less."

2005: Hurricane Harbor Chicago Opening

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago, a 20-acre water park, opened in 2005.

2006: Hank Salemi Becomes Park President

In 2006, Hank Salemi, chief marketing officer of Six Flags, became the president of Six Flags Great America.

2007: Love at First Fright IAAPA Big E! Award

In 2007, the Fright Fest show Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less."

2007: Wiggles World Added

In 2007, the tented area in front of the American Eagle was converted into Wiggles World, a children's area themed after the Wiggles. American Eagle's entrance was relocated, and the park introduced a new stunt show, Operation SpyGirl.

2007: Splashwater Falls Closed Early

Splashwater Falls at Six Flags Great America closed early for the 2007 season.

March 2008: Splashwater Falls Removed

In March 2008, Splashwater Falls was removed from Six Flags Great America. It closed early in 2007.

2008: IAAPA Big E! Awards

In 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," and Show Stoppin' won the IAAPA Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,001–50,000."

2008: Operation SpyGirl Closes

Operation SpyGirl, a live-action stunt show that debuted in May 2007, closed for the season in August 2007. The show did not return to Six Flags Great America in 2008.

August 26, 2009: Dinner: Impossible features Six Flags Great America

On August 26, 2009, Six Flags Great America was featured on the show Dinner: Impossible, where host Robert Irvine prepared a meal for coaster enthusiasts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Raging Bull roller coaster.

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2009: Buccaneer Battle Replaces Déjà Vu

In 2009, Six Flags Great America replaced Déjà Vu with Buccaneer Battle, a pirate-themed boat ride in County Fair. The Mack Rides ride consisted of 14 eight-passenger boats navigating a 450-foot channel with interactive water elements.

2009: Little Dipper Acquired

In late 2009, Six Flags Great America acquired the historic kids wooden roller coaster Little Dipper for US$33,000. It previously operated at Kiddieland Amusement Park from 1950 until 2009.

2010: Love at First Fright IAAPA Brass Ring Awards

In 2010, Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in the category "Best Overall Production: $50,001–100,000."

2010: Little Dipper Opens, Chang Relocation Plans

In mid-2010, Little Dipper opened at Six Flags Great America. Plans to relocate Chang from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom began in May, but were withdrawn in July. An expansion in Hurricane Harbor was planned instead. Six Flags began removing some licensed properties from concessions and attractions.

2010: Wiggles Theming Removed

The Wiggles theming was removed from Wiggles World after the 2010 season.

September 1, 2011: X-Flight Announced

On September 1, 2011, Six Flags Great America announced X-Flight, a B&M Wing Coaster, to open for the 2012 season. It would be the first announced Wing Coaster to be built in North America.

2011: Wiggles World Branding Removed

By the end of 2010, Six Flags began removing licensed properties from concessions and attractions. As a result, in 2011, the Wiggles World area had its branding and theming removed from Six Flags Great America.

May 10, 2012: X-Flight Media Day

X-Flight, the B&M Wing Coaster, opened for the media on May 10, 2012, at Six Flags Great America.

May 16, 2012: X-Flight Public Opening

X-Flight opened to the public on May 16, 2012, at Six Flags Great America. The ride replaced Splashwater Falls and Great America Raceway.

August 12, 2012: IgNight Announced

On August 12, 2012, Six Flags Great America announced the nighttime show, IgNight – Grand Finale, to open for the following year in 2013. The show would be held in Hometown Square.

2012: Winner's Circle Go Karts

In 2012, Bugs Bunny National Park was fully replaced with Winner's Circle Go Karts.

August 29, 2013: Goliath Announced

On August 29, 2013, Goliath, a Rocky Mountain Construction wooden roller coaster, was announced. It would be built on the plot of Iron Wolf and was announced as the steepest, longest, and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.

2013: Love at First Fright IAAPA Brass Ring Awards

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 X-Flight roller coaster at Six Flags Great America was a contestant on the show Insane Coaster Wars, competing against other roller coasters from around the world.

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2013: IgNight to Open

The nighttime show, IgNight- Grand Finale, was announced on August 12, 2012, and it was to open in 2013, at Hometown Square at Six Flags Great America.

June 19, 2014: Goliath Debuts

Goliath, the Rocky Mountain Construction wooden roller coaster, debuted at Six Flags Great America on June 19, 2014.

2014: Goliath World Records

At its opening in 2014, Goliath claimed three Guinness World Records as the steepest, longest drop, and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.

2014: Greatest Combined Wooden Roller Coaster Track

From 2014 to 2017, Six Flags Great America had the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park at 16,558 feet.

2014: Love at First Fright IAAPA Brass Ring Awards

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

On January 14, 2015, Six Flags Great America received a Guinness World Record for the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park.

July 2015: BTS films Run BTS at Six Flags Great America

In July 2015, the K-pop group BTS filmed an episode of their variety show Run BTS at Six Flags Great America, where the members experienced various rides in the park.

September 1, 2015: Justice League Announced

On September 1, 2015, Six Flags Great America announced Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, an interactive dark ride, to open the following season. It would replace the Southwest Territory Amphitheatre.

2015: "40 Seasons of Thrills" Anniversary Celebration

In 2014, Six Flags Great America announced plans to celebrate its 40th season of operations for the 2015 season, named the "40 Seasons of Thrills." Three kids rides were re-introduced in a new section called Hometown Park, and the Columbia Carousel and Hometown Square were refreshed.

2015: Hometown Park Ride Return

In 2015, three of the original rides from Hometown Park returned as part of the park's 40th season celebration.

May 26, 2016: Justice League Soft Opening

Justice League: Battle for Metropolis soft opened at Six Flags Great America on May 26, 2016.

September 1, 2016: The Joker Announced

On September 1, 2016, Six Flags Great America announced The Joker, an S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, to open for the 2017 season in the Yankee Harbor area. East River Crawler would be relocated to replace The Orbit, restoring its original name The Lobster, and Jester's Wild Ride would permanently close.

2016: Metropolis Plaza Replacement

Metropolis Plaza replaced the Southwest Amphitheater in 2016.

April 29, 2017: Drop of Doom Opens

On April 29, 2017, virtual reality headsets were added to the park's Giant Drop attraction. It was temporarily renamed Drop of Doom at Six Flags Great America.

May 27, 2017: The Joker Opens

On May 27, 2017, The Joker opened to the public at Six Flags Great America.

August 26, 2017: King Chaos Closes

King Chaos closed at Six Flags Great America on August 26, 2017.

August 31, 2017: Larson Fire Ball Attraction Announced

On August 31, 2017, Six Flags Great America announced that an unnamed Larson Fire Ball attraction would open for the 2018 season, replacing King Chaos.

2017: The Joker to open

On September 1, 2016, Six Flags Great America announced that the S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, The Joker, will open in 2017 in the Yankee Harbor Area.

2017: Lost the Record

The record for the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park was surpassed upon the opening of Mystic Timbers at Kings Island in 2017.

February 14, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover Announced

On February 14, 2018, Six Flags Great America announced that Mardi Gras Hangover would be the name for the upcoming Larson Fire Ball attraction.

April 11, 2018: Holiday in the Park Announced

On April 11, 2018, Six Flags Great America announced the Holiday in the Park event, extending the park's operating season to December. The event would feature holiday lights, shows, and some operating attractions.

May 22, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover Opens

Mardi Gras Hangover opened to the public on May 22, 2018, at Six Flags Great America.

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 Announced

On August 30, 2018, Six Flags Great America announced Maxx Force, an S&S air-compressed launch roller coaster, to debut for the 2019 season, replacing the Pictorium.

2018: Goliath USA Today Readers' Choice Award

In 2018, Goliath ranked number 4 in the category "Best Roller Coasters in the Country" in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.

2018: Larson Fire Ball to open

On August 31, 2017, Six Flags Great America announced that Larson Fire Ball will open for the 2018 season.

July 2, 2019: Maxx Force Media Day

Maxx Force, the S&S air-compressed launch roller coaster, opened for the media on July 2, 2019, at Six Flags Great America.

2019: Maxx Force Records

In 2019, Maxx Force opened with three record breakers including the fastest acceleration in North America, fastest inversion, and tallest double inversion in the world.

2019: Maxx Force USA Today Readers' Choice Award

In 2019, Maxx Force ranked number 8 in the category "Best New Amusement Park Attraction" in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.

July 2020: Hurricane Harbor Reopens

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Six Flags Great America did not open in 2020. Hurricane Harbor reopened in July 2020, but the Lake County Health Department deemed a reopening of the amusement park as "unlikely."

March 22, 2021: Hurricane Harbor Chicago Renamed

On March 22, 2021, it was announced that the adjacent water park would become a separately gated water park and would be renamed Hurricane Harbor Chicago.

April 2021: Reopening Announced

In 2021, it was announced 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.

2021: Separate Gating of Hurricane Harbor

Since 2021, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago has been separately gated from the theme park.

March 24, 2022: DC Universe Announced

On March 24, 2022, Six Flags Great America announced DC Universe, a DC Comics themed area, featuring new building paint, wider paths, and re-themed rides.

April 15, 2022: DC Universe Delayed

The opening of DC Universe at Six Flags Great America, originally slated for April 15, 2022, was delayed until May 2022 due to supply chain issues.

May 2022: DC Universe Opens

Due to supply chain issues, the opening of DC Universe, originally slated for April 15, 2022, opened in May 2022. Three rides were re-themed: Vertical Velocity became The Flash: Vertical Velocity, Whirligig became DC Super-Villains Swing, and Yankee Clipper was re-themed to Aquaman Splashdown.

2022: Kids Boo Fest Debut

Kids Boo Fest, a family-friendly Halloween event, debuted in 2022 and is held on the same days as Fright Fest, running from the park's opening until dusk.

2022: DC Universe Re-theme

Yankee Harbor was re-themed to DC Universe in 2022.

April 2023: Future Expansion Announced

In April 2023, Six Flags Great America confirmed that the plots of Dare Devil Dive and Buccaneer Battle would be used for future expansion following removal from the park map.

August 30, 2023: Sky Striker Announced

On August 30, 2023, Six Flags Great America announced Sky Striker, a Zamperla Discovery pendulum ride, planned to open for the 2024 season. It would be built on the plot of land that Dare Devil Dive occupied.

October 29, 2023: Revolution and Mardi Gras Hangover Closed

On October 29, 2023, Revolution and Mardi Gras Hangover both closed permanently at Six Flags Great America and were relocated to Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World in New York.

2023: Tanghulu IAAPA Honors Award Finalist

In 2023, the park's tanghulu was a finalist for the IAAPA Honors Award for "Best New Menu Item."

April 2024: Entrance Plaza Demolished

In April 2024, Six Flags Great America demolished its old entrance plaza to build a new entrance building.

June 2024: Sky Striker Opens

Sky Striker opened to the public in mid-June 2024 at Six Flags Great America.

July 2024: Six Flags Merges with Cedar Fair

In July 2024, Six Flags, the park's parent company, merged with competitor Cedar Fair, forming a new entity called Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

August 15, 2024: Wrath of Rakshasa Announced

On August 15, 2024, Six Flags Great America announced Wrath of Rakshasa, a B&M Dive Coaster. It would be the steepest and feature the most inversions on a Dive Coaster, and would replace the Buccaneer Battle water ride.

November 2024: New Kids Area Announced

In early November 2024, it was announced that Six Flags Great America would receive a new kids area, alongside 50th anniversary celebrations, and park enhancements, as part of Six Flags' $525 million investments for the 2026 season.

2024: Visitor Count

In 2024, Six Flags Great America was estimated to have 3.05 million visitors, ranking it sixth among parks owned by Six Flags and making it one of the top 20 most-visited amusement parks in North America.

2024: Windy City Sports Bar and Grill IAAPA Brass Ring Awards Finalist

In 2024, Windy City Sports Bar and Grill, a restaurant in Southwest Territory, was a finalist for "Best New Food and Beverage Renovation or New Facility Build" in the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards.

2024: Sky Striker to Open

Six Flags Great America announced that Sky Striker, a Zamperla Discovery pendulum ride, is planned to open for the 2024 season. It will be built on the plot of land that Dare Devil Dive occupied.

May 2025: Park President Role Eliminated

In May 2025, park president John Krajnak was moved to a regional general manager position for the Midwest region after Six Flags eliminated the park president role across all parks.

May 31, 2025: Wrath of Rakshasa Debuts

On May 31, 2025, Wrath of Rakshasa opened to the public, becoming the park's 16th roller coaster.

2025: American Eagle Records Retained

As of 2025, American Eagle still retains its records as the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden racing roller coaster.

2025: Undeveloped Land Area

As of 2025, the combined property of Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago covers 305 acres, with 30 acres remaining undeveloped.

2025: Windy City Sports Bar and Grill IAAPA Brass Ring Awards Finalist

In 2025, Windy City Sports Bar and Grill, a restaurant in Southwest Territory, was a finalist for "Best New Food and Beverage Renovation or New Facility Build" in the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards.

2025: Adjusted Construction Cost

The construction cost of US$40,000,000 in 1974 is equivalent to $226,315,789 in 2025.

January 17, 2026: Demolition and 50th Anniversary Plans Announced

On January 17, 2026, at the American Coaster Enthusiasts No Coaster Con event, the demolition of Winner's Circle Go Karts, park enhancements, and plans for the park's 50th anniversary were announced.

February 2026: Camp Cartoon Kids Area Demolished

In February 2026, it was reported that the Camp Cartoon kids area was demolished, and two of its rides—Crazy Bus and Yahoo River—were dismantled, but the Sprocket Rockets roller coaster was not demolished.

March 2026: Fast Lane Introduction

As of March 2026, Fast Lane is expected to be introduced at the park for the 2026 season, replacing The Flash Pass virtual reservation system and offering access to 20 rides.

April 22, 2026: Park President Role Reinstated

On April 22, 2026, John Krajnak returned to his role of park president after Six Flags reinstated the role at 10 parks located in "key markets".

2026: Park Features in 2026

As of 2026, Six Flags Great America features 11 themed areas and 16 roller coasters, with a circular "Duell loop" layout.

2026: Investment for the 2026 Season

As part of the newly-formed Six Flags' $525 million investments, announced in November 2024, Six Flags Great America would receive a new kids area, alongside 50th anniversary celebrations, and park enhancements for the 2026 season.