History of Six Flags Great America in Timeline

Six Flags Great America is a 273-acre theme park in Gurnee, Illinois, situated between Chicago and Milwaukee. Owned and operated by Six Flags, the park boasts over 45 attractions, including 16 roller coasters. Additionally, it features Hurricane Harbor Chicago, a water park. The park's location near Interstate 94 makes it easily accessible to visitors.

1950: Kiddieland Amusement Park operated

The Little Dipper previously operated at Kiddieland Amusement Park, which operated from 1950 until 2009.

August 22, 1972: Marriott Purchases Land in Gurnee

On August 22, 1972, Marriott acquired 600 acres of land in Gurnee, Illinois, adjacent to Interstate 94, for the future theme park.

January 29, 1973: Theme Park Officially Announced

On January 29, 1973, Marriott officially announced the Gurnee theme park, which would be located on a 200-acre plot of land east of Interstate 94 and was planned to open in the spring of 1976.

April 1973: Marriott Receives Approval from Gurnee

In April 1973, Marriott obtained approval for the theme park project from Gurnee's village board, despite debate among the village's residents.

June 1973: Tollway Interchange Proposal Rejected

In June 1973, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority rejected a proposal to construct an interchange leading directly into the parking lot of the theme park.

1973: Marriott Announces Theme Park Plans

In 1973, the Marriott Corporation announced its plans to construct a regional theme park in the Chicago metropolitan area, named Marriott's Great America, centered around an Americana theme.

June 14, 1974: Groundbreaking Ceremony Held

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

1974: Construction Begins

In 1974, construction commenced on Marriott's Great America, lasting for nearly two years.

May 29, 1976: Marriott's Great America Opens

On May 29, 1976, Marriott's Great America officially opened to the public, marking the beginning of its operation as a regional theme park centered around an Americana theme.

July 2, 1976: Celebration At Great America Special

To celebrate the opening of Marriott's Great America, a special named Celebration At Great America first aired on July 2, 1976, and again on August 21. The special starred Steve Edwards and Sandi Freeman of WLS-TV. Celebrity guests included Mel Blanc as Bugs Bunny, other Looney Tunes characters, Jo Anne Worley, Forrest Tucker, Jerry Stiller and Roger Perry.

1976: Hometown Park Opening

In 1976, Hometown Park, a kids area located within Hometown Square opened. This section previously existed from the park's opening.

1976: Planned Opening Date

The Theme park was planned to officially open in the spring of 1976 and operate as a seasonal theme park, providing 1,800 jobs.

1976: Columbia Carousel Ride

Upon Six Flags Great America's opening in 1976, its Columbia Carousel ride became the second-tallest carousel in the world, standing at 100 feet (30 m) tall.

1977: New Rides Installed

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

1977: Circus Fantastic Performance Broadcast

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, Fort Fun, the park's first children's section, opened in the Yukon Territory, and Tidal Wave, a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop roller coaster, opened in Yankee Harbor.

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

The second television special from WLS-TV, titled You're Never Too Old, first aired on September 8, 1979, and again on April 26, 1980; hosted by actress Lisa Hartman.

1979: Pictorium Opens

In 1979, the Pictorium, an IMAX theatre with what was claimed to be the world's largest screen, opened.

April 26, 1980: You're Never Too Old Special Reruns

The second television special from WLS-TV, titled You're Never Too Old, was reran on April 26, 1980; hosted by actress Lisa Hartman.

1980: Turn of the Century Re-themed as Demon

In 1980, the Turn of the Century roller coaster was re-themed with the addition of vertical loops, tunnels, a theme song, and demon-themed elements, and renamed Demon.

1981: American Eagle Opening

In 1981, American Eagle opened as the tallest, fastest and longest wooden racing roller coaster in the world. The ride is 127 feet (39 m) tall, reaches speeds of 66 miles per hour (106 km/h), and 4,650 feet (1,420 m) each side.

1982: Picnic Grove Added

In 1982, the Picnic Grove was added as a dining and meeting place for group outings, with entrances between Yankee Harbor and Yukon Territory.

1983: The Edge and White Water Rampage Added

In 1983, The Edge, an Intamin first-generation freefall ride, was added to County Fair and White Water Rampage, an Intamin water rapids ride, was added to Orleans Place, which required the removal of Traffique Jam. The Orleans Orbit was moved to Hometown Square and became simply The Orbit.

April 26, 1984: Bally Manufacturing Offers to Purchase Gurnee Park

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

May 1984: Software Failure on The Edge

In May 1984, less than a month after the purchase, a software failure caused a car on The Edge to be stalled at the top of the lift shaft before dropping, resulting in injuries. The remaining gondola rides, Eagle's Flight and Delta's Flyer, were removed by the end of the 1984 season.

May 1984: Sale of Great America to Six Flags Finalized

In May 1984, the sale of the Gurnee park to Bally Manufacturing, then parent company of Six Flags Corporation, was finalized and the park was renamed Six Flags Great America for the 1984 season. As part of the acquisition, Six Flags also acquired the rights to use the Looney Tunes characters at all of its other parks.

1984: Park Sold to Six Flags

In 1984, Marriott sold Great America to Six Flags, an amusement park operator, which then renamed it Six Flags Great America.

1985: Z-Force Added

In 1985, Six Flags added Z-Force, a one-of-a-kind Intamin space diver roller coaster, 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 and Bugs Bunny Land Expansion

In 1987, Power Dive, an Intamin Looping Starship ride, was added, and the Bugs Bunny Land kids area was expanded. Z-Force was removed from Six Flags Great America after the 1987 season.

1988: Shockwave Added

In 1988, Shockwave, an Arrow Dynamics mega-looper and the world's tallest roller coaster at the time, was added to the Orleans Place section of the park.

1988: Shockwave Opening and Records

In 1988, the now-defunct roller coaster Shockwave opened, breaking multiple records. At that time, it was the tallest, fastest and most inverted steel roller coaster in the world. It was 170 feet (52 m) tall and 65 miles per hour (105 km/h) and had seven inversions.

1989: Rolling Thunder Added

In 1989, Rolling Thunder, an Intamin Bobsled roller coaster relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure, was added between Demon and Whizzer.

April 28, 1990: Iron Wolf Opens

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

1991: Condor Added, Yukon Yahoo and Tidal Wave Closed

In 1991, Condor was added to Orleans Place. Yukon Yahoo was closed in the Yukon Territory section, and Tidal Wave was relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia.

1991: Fright Fest Debut

In 1991, Fright Fest, an annual Halloween-themed event, debuted. It is held on weekends in September and October, with select dates extending into November. The park is decorated into several different themed "Scare Zones," featuring haunted houses, scare actors, live shows, and rethemed rides.

1991: Love at First Fright Debut

Since 1991, Love at First Fright has been running at Fright Fest. The show follows the story of a couple who spends a night in a cemetery when classic Halloween characters show up. It 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 of Yankee Harbor was re-themed after the Batman films, with The Lobster being renamed the East River Crawler.

1992: Batman: The Ride Opening

In 1992, Batman: The Ride opened as the first inverted roller coaster in the world. It was 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, which would later be known as the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.

1994: Space Shuttle America Built

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

1994: Richie Rich Movie Feature

In 1994, the park's now-defunct Iron Wolf roller coaster was featured in the movie Richie Rich and was showcased as a backyard coaster.

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1995: Construction Begins on New Themed Area and Viper Opens

In 1995, construction began on a new themed area for the park and Viper, a wooden roller coaster which is a mirror image of the Coney Island Cyclone, opened. Rolling Thunder was removed later that same year.

May 1996: Preliminary Water Park Plans

In May 1996, Six Flags Great America made preliminary plans to build a water park outside of the park's existing plot, but described the plans as "extremely premature".

1996: Southwest Territory Opens

In 1996, Southwest Territory officially opened as a new 11-acre themed area with a desert theme based on the Old West, with three new rides: River Rocker, Chubasco, and Trail Blazer. The amphitheater was renamed the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.

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

On April 26, 1997, Giant Drop, an Intamin second-generation drop tower, and Dare Devil Dive, a Skycoaster ride, opened. By this time, construction on the back side of the Southwest Territory mission building was fully completed.

June 25, 1997: Wilderness-Themed Roller Coaster Construction Cancelled

On June 25, 1997, Six Flags 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 announced plans to build and open a resort complex called Six Flags Entertainment Village, featuring a water park, hotel, shopping mall, and a theater.

June 3, 1998: Shockwave Opens

On June 3, 1998, Shockwave, an Arrow Dynamics mega-looper, opened in the Orleans Place section of the park, becoming the world's tallest roller coaster at the time.

October 21, 1998: Raging Bull announced

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 was the park's most expensive roller coaster.

1998: Camp Cartoon Network Addition

In 1998, Camp Cartoon, a kids area located within Yukon Territory, was added. It was known as Camp Cartoon Network when first added. Despite the former name, the rides were themed to Hanna-Barbera properties and not Cartoon Network ones.

1998: Camp Cartoon Network opened, Bugs Bunny Land renamed

In 1998, Six Flags Great America continued to expand its kids' areas. The new Camp Cartoon Network area opened within Yukon Territory, featuring five new rides. Additionally, Bugs Bunny Land was renamed Looney Tunes National Park in 1998.

1998: Six Flags 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 opened

On May 1, 1999, Raging Bull, a hyper-twister roller coaster, opened at Six Flags Great America following 40,000 man-hours of work.

1999: Six Flags Entertainment Village Project Derailed

In 1999, more than half of residents voted against the Six Flags Entertainment Village 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, which led to its removal the following year.

2001: Two inverted shuttle coasters added

In 2001, Vertical Velocity, an Intamin impulse coaster, opened in Yankee Harbor. Also in 2001, Déjà Vu, a Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang ride, replaced Sky Whirl and Hay Baler.

2001: Hometown Park Ride Removal

In 2001, the rides were removed from Hometown Park after the 2001 season.

2002: Plans to remove Whizzer announced, later cancelled

In the summer of 2002, plans were announced to remove Whizzer, with its closing set for August 11. Due to backlash, Six Flags decided on August 3 to cancel these plans, electing to replace Shockwave instead. Power Dive was also removed in 2002 due to maintenance problems.

2003: Batman: The Ride repainted

Batman: The Ride was repainted after the 2003 season, changing from an all-black color scheme to yellow track and dark purple supports.

2003: Superman: Ultimate Flight constructed

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

September 17, 2004: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park 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 seventh Hurricane Harbor to open, built on the far west parking lot behind Raging Bull and Viper.

November 2004: Groundbreaking began for Hurricane Harbor

Groundbreaking for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park began in November 2004.

2004: Mardi Gras Area Opening

In 2004, Mardi Gras opened after being converted from part of Orleans Place. The area's theme comes from the Mardi Gras holiday and specifically the famous celebration of the holiday in New Orleans.

2004: Mardi Gras themed area added

In 2004, Mardi Gras, a new themed area annexing a portion of Orleans Place, was added where Power Dive and Cajun Cliffhanger had been. Ragin' Cajun, King Chaos, Jester's Wild Ride and Big Easy Balloons were added. The removed Ameri-Go-Round was replaced by Revolution. In 2004, Batman: The Ride was repainted.

2004: Orleans Place Annexed into Mardi Gras

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

May 28, 2005: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor opened

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor officially opened to the public on May 28, 2005, featuring 25 water slides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, and an interactive water structure.

June 20, 2005: Batman: The Ride ACE Landmark Status

On June 20, 2005, Batman: The Ride received Landmark status from American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) for its significance as the first inverted roller coaster.

2005: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago Opening

In 2005, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago, a 20-acre water park, opened featuring 25 water slides. The water park, which is part of the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park chain, was originally included with Six Flags Great America admission.

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."

2007: Kidzopolis Addition

In 2007, Kidzopolis, a children's area located within County Fair, was added. It was originally known as Wiggles World.

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, Operation SpyGirl introduced

In 2007, the tented area in front of the American Eagle was converted into Wiggles World, a third children's area themed after the Wiggles, featuring five new rides. Additionally, Operation SpyGirl, a new stunt show, debuted in May of 2007.

2007: Splashwater Falls closed early

Splashwater Falls closed early for the 2007 season.

March 2008: Splashwater Falls removed

Splashwater Falls closed early for the 2007 season and was removed in March 2008.

2008: Multiple IAAPA 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." Also in 2008, Show Stoppin' won the IAAPA Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,001–50,000."

2008: Operation SpyGirl closed

Operation SpyGirl, which debuted in May 2007, closed for the season in August and did not return in 2008.

August 26, 2009: Dinner: Impossible Feature

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

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2009: Déjà Vu replaced by Buccaneer Battle

In 2009, Six Flags Great America replaced Déjà Vu with Buccaneer Battle, a pirate-themed boat ride in County Fair designed by Mack Rides.

2009: Little Dipper acquired

Six Flags Great America acquired the historic Little Dipper roller coaster in late 2009 for US$33,000.

May 2010: Plans made to relocate Chang roller coaster

In May 2010, plans were made to relocate the Chang roller coaster from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom to Six Flags Great America.

July 2010: Plans to relocate Chang roller coaster withdrawn

In July 2010, Six Flags Great America withdrew its plans to relocate the Chang roller coaster.

2010: Wiggles Theming Removal

After the 2010 season, the Wiggles theming was removed from the Kidzopolis area.

2010: Love at First Fright IAAPA Brass Ring Award

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 at Six Flags Great America

Little Dipper opened at Six Flags Great America in mid-2010. Additionally, the Glow in the Park Parade debuted at the park that same year.

June 3, 2011: Riptide Bay expansion opened

The Riptide Bay expansion to Hurricane Harbor opened on June 3, 2011, featuring new water slides and an activity pool.

September 1, 2011: X-Flight announced

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

2011: Riptide Bay area opening announced, Wiggles World theming removed

In 2011, the Riptide Bay area opening in Hurricane Harbor was announced, replacing Space Shuttle America. In late 2010, Six Flags began removing some licensed properties, including the Wiggles World theming removed for 2011.

May 10, 2012: X-Flight media day

X-Flight opened for the media on May 10, 2012.

May 16, 2012: X-Flight opened

X-Flight officially opened on May 16, 2012, replacing Splashwater Falls and Great America Raceway.

August 10, 2012: Whizzer ACE Landmark Status

On August 10, 2012, Whizzer received Landmark status from American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) for the park's preservation of the attraction.

August 12, 2012: IgNight announced

On August 12, 2012, the IgNight – Grand Finale nighttime show was announced to open for the following year in 2013 in Hometown Square.

August 29, 2013: Goliath announced

On August 29, 2013, Goliath, a Rocky Mountain Construction wooden roller coaster, was announced and would be built on the plot of Iron Wolf.

2013: Love at First Fright IAAPA Brass Ring Award

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: Insane Coaster Wars Feature

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.

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2013: IgNight show opening scheduled

The IgNight – Grand Finale nighttime show was scheduled to open for the following year in 2013 in Hometown Square.

June 19, 2014: Goliath debuted

Goliath, which was announced in 2013, debuted on June 19, 2014.

2014: Goliath Opening and Records

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

2014: Wooden Roller Coaster Track

From 2014 to 2017, Six Flags Great America also had the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park at 16,558 feet (5,047 m).

2014: Love at First Fright IAAPA Brass Ring Award

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 having the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park at 16,558 feet (5,047 m). The record counts the track length of the roller coasters American Eagle (both sides), Goliath, Little Dipper, and Viper.

July 2015: Run BTS Episode Filming

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 Six Flags Great America.

September 1, 2015: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis announced

On September 1, 2015, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis was announced and set to open the following season, replacing the Southwest Territory Amphitheatre.

2015: 40th season of operations celebration

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

2015: Hometown Park Ride Return

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

May 26, 2016: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis soft opened

Justice League: Battle for Metropolis soft opened on May 26, 2016.

September 1, 2016: The Joker announced

The Joker, an S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, was announced on September 1, 2016, and would open for the 2017 season.

2016: Metropolis Plaza Opening

In 2016, Metropolis Plaza, the smallest themed area of the park, based on the Metropolis city in DC Comics opened. It replaced the Southwest Amphitheater.

April 29, 2017: Drop of Doom opened

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.

May 27, 2017: The Joker opened

The Joker officially opened to the public on May 27, 2017.

August 26, 2017: King Chaos closed

King Chaos closed on August 26, 2017.

August 31, 2017: New Larson Fire Ball attraction announced

On August 31, 2017, it was announced that an unnamed Larson Fire Ball attraction would open for the 2018 season, replacing King Chaos.

2017: Losing the Wooden Roller Coaster Track Record

In 2017, upon the opening of Mystic Timbers at Kings Island, Six Flags Great America was surpassed in the record for combined wooden roller coaster track, as Kings Island had approximately 18,000 feet of combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park.

2017: The Joker Set to Open

The Joker, an S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, was announced in 2016 and would open for the 2017 season in the Yankee Harbor area. To accommodate The Joker, two rides would be either relocated or removed.

February 14, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover name announced

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

April 11, 2018: Holiday in the Park event announced

On April 11, 2018, the Holiday in the Park event was announced, extending the park's operating season to December.

May 22, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover opened

Mardi Gras Hangover officially opened to the public on May 22, 2018.

May 25, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover Opening

The now-defunct Mardi Gras Hangover opened to the public on May 25, 2018, as the tallest fire ball attraction in the world.

August 30, 2018: Maxx Force announced

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

2018: New Larson Fire Ball attraction Set to Open

An unnamed Larson Fire Ball attraction was announced on August 31, 2017, to open for the 2018 season, replacing King Chaos.

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.

July 2, 2019: Maxx Force media day

Maxx Force opened for the media on July 2, 2019.

2019: Maxx Force Opening and Records

In 2019, Maxx Force opened with three record breakers: having the fastest acceleration in North America from 0 to 78 miles per hour (126 km/h) in 1.8 seconds, fastest inversion (heartline roll) in the world at 60 miles per hour (97 km/h), and tallest double inversion in the world at 175 feet (53 m).

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 reopened

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

March 22, 2021: Hurricane Harbor Chicago announced

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

April 2021: Amusement park set to reopen

In 2021, it was announced that Six Flags Great America amusement park would reopen in late-April 2021, 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, DC Universe, a DC Comics themed area, was announced, featuring re-themed rides. Vertical Velocity became The Flash: Vertical Velocity, Whirligig became DC Super-Villains Swing, and Yankee Clipper was re-themed to Aquaman Splashdown.

April 15, 2022: DC Universe originally scheduled to open

DC Universe was originally scheduled to open on April 15, 2022, but opened in May 2022 due to supply chain issues.

May 2022: DC Universe opened

DC Universe opened in May 2022 due to supply chain issues. The park also removed Holiday in the Park from its event slate in 2022, shortening its operating season to November.

2022: DC Universe Opening

In 2022, DC Universe, the park's DC Comics themed area opened, replacing Yankee Harbor, an original themed area of the park.

2022: Kids Boo Fest Debut

In 2022, Kids Boo Fest, a family-friendly Halloween event, debuted. It is held on the same days as Fright Fest and runs from the park's opening until dusk, after which Fright Fest begins.

April 2023: Plots for Dare Devil Dive and Buccaneer Battle to be used for future expansion

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, Sky Striker, a Zamperla Discovery pendulum ride, was announced, and is 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

Revolution and Mardi Gras Hangover both closed permanently on October 29, 2023, and were relocated to Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World in New York.

2023: Tanghulu IAAPA Honors Award Nomination

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

April 2024: Demolition of Old Entrance Plaza

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

June 2024: Sky Striker Opening

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

August 15, 2024: Wrath of Rakshasa Announcement

On August 15, 2024, Six Flags Great America announced that they would be adding a B&M Dive Coaster named Wrath of Rakshasa. It was stated that 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 and 50th Anniversary Celebrations Announced

In early November 2024, Six Flags Great America announced in a press release that it 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.

2024: Park Visitation Numbers

In 2024, Six Flags Great America had an estimated 3.04 million visitors, ranking it among the top 20 most visited amusement parks in North America.

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

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 Set to Open

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

May 31, 2025: Wrath of Rakshasa Debut

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

June 16, 2025: American Eagle ACE Landmark Status

On June 16, 2025, American Eagle received Landmark status from American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) for being Intamin's first wooden roller coaster and for being the tallest and fastest racing coaster in the world.

November 2025: Fast Lane Expectation

As of November 2025, the standard Fast Lane is expected to be offered on 20 rides for the 2026 season when it debuts.

2025: American Eagle Retains Records

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

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

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.

2026: $525 Million Investments

In 2026, Six Flags Great America received a new kids area, alongside 50th anniversary celebrations, and park enhancements, as part of the newly merged Six Flags' $525 million investments.

2026: Fast Lane Implementation

In the 2026 season, the Fast Lane is slated to replace The Flash Pass as a secondary queuing system that offers shorter waiting times on the park's most popular rides. Visitors purchase Fast Lane wristbands to bypass the standard line.