History of Six Flags Great America in Timeline

Six Flags Great America is a 273-acre amusement park in Gurnee, Illinois, situated between Chicago and Milwaukee near Interstate 94. Originally opened in 1976 as Marriott's Great America, it was one of two theme parks developed by the Marriott Corporation. Six Flags acquired the park in 1984. The park is a major attraction, drawing 3 million visitors in 2023, placing it among the top 20 most visited amusement parks in North America.

1950: Kiddieland Amusement Park Opened

The Kiddieland Amusement Park, where the Little Dipper originally operated, began operations in 1950.

August 22, 1972: Land Purchase

On August 22, 1972, Marriott purchased 600 acres of land in Gurnee, Illinois, for the theme park. The land was chosen for its accessibility and proximity to major cities.

January 29, 1973: Theme Park Announcement

On January 29, 1973, Marriott officially announced the Gurnee theme park, which would reside on a 200-acre plot of land. The park was planned to open in the spring of 1976.

April 1973: Village Board Approval

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

June 1973: Interchange Proposal Rejection

In June 1973, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority rejected a proposal for an interchange to be built to lead directly into the parking lot.

June 14, 1974: Groundbreaking Ceremony

On June 14, 1974, the groundbreaking ceremony was held with Marriott officials and Mayor Welton participating. Construction took two years and cost $72,750,000 for both the Illinois and California theme parks.

May 29, 1976: Official Park Opening

On May 29, 1976, the park officially opened as Marriott's Great America, featuring three roller coasters (Willard's Whizzer, Turn of the Century, and The Gulf Coaster) and other attractions like the Columbia Carousel and Sky Whirl.

July 2, 1976: Celebration At Great America TV Special Aired

On July 2, 1976, the TV special 'Celebration At Great America' first aired on WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago) to celebrate the opening of Marriott's Great America, starring Steve Edwards and Sandi Freeman with celebrity guests including Mel Blanc as Bugs Bunny.

1976: Marriott's Attendance Goal

In 1976, Marriott Corporation had closely reached its attendance goal with 2.35 million guests visiting the park.

1976: Original addition of Hometown Park attractions

In 1976, the Hometown Park attractions were originally added.

1976: Park Opening as Marriott's Great America

In 1976, the park originally opened as Marriott's Great America. It was one of two theme parks built by the Marriott Corporation.

1976: Park Opening

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

1977: Marriott's Attendance Figures

In 1977, Marriott Corporation's attendance figures at the park reached 2.4 million guests.

1977: Circus Fantastic Performance Broadcast on Captain Kangaroo

In 1977, the park's circus show, Circus Fantastic, had one of its performances broadcast on Captain Kangaroo with Captain Kangaroo (Bob Keeshan) himself as the ringmaster and special guest star Bob Denver of Gilligan's Island fame.

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1977: New Rides Installation

In 1977, the park's second season included the installation of several new rides such as the Sky Trek Tower, Southern Cross, Big Top, Davy Jones' Dinghies, and Hay Baler. The Gulf Coaster was removed for the season.

1978: Fort Fun and Tidal Wave Opening

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

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

On September 8, 1979, the second television special, titled 'You're Never Too Old,' first aired, hosted by actress Lisa Hartman.

1979: Pictorium Opening

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

April 26, 1980: You're Never Too Old TV Special Re-aired

On April 26, 1980, the television special 'You're Never Too Old', hosted by Lisa Hartman, was re-aired.

1980: Turn of the Century Re-theming

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

1981: Opening of American Eagle

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

1981: American Eagle Opening

In 1981, American Eagle, a racing wooden roller coaster, opened, becoming the tallest, fastest, and longest dueling wooden coaster.

1982: Picnic Grove Addition

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

1983: New Ride Additions

In 1983, two rides were added: The Edge, a freefall ride in County Fair, and White Water Rampage, a water rapids ride in Orleans Place, which required the removal of small rides such as Traffique Jam. The Orleans Orbit was moved and renamed The Orbit.

April 26, 1984: Purchase Offer by Bally Manufacturing

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

May 1984: The Edge Incident and Gondola Ride Removals

In May 1984, shortly after the purchase, a software failure caused an incident on The Edge, injuring all three occupants. The remaining gondola rides, Eagle's Flight and Delta's Flyer, were removed by the end of the 1984 season.

May 1984: Sale Finalized and Renaming

In May 1984, the sale to Six Flags was finalized, including the rights to use Looney Tunes characters. The park was renamed Six Flags Great America for the 1984 season.

1984: Sale to Six Flags

In 1984, Marriott sold the park to Six Flags.

1985: Z-Force Addition

In 1985, Six Flags added Z-Force, a unique space diver roller coaster, to the County Fair area.

1986: The Edge Removal

In 1986, The Edge was removed from the park.

1987: Sale of Six Flags

In 1987, Bally sold Six Flags to Wesray Capital Corporation and a group of Six Flags managers, leading to a focus on major attractions and new rides at parks like Great America.

1987: New Ride and Area 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 after two years of operation.

1988: Opening of Shockwave

In 1988, Shockwave opened as the tallest and fastest steel roller coaster in the world, and broke the record for most inversions with seven.

1988: Shockwave Addition

In 1988, Shockwave, a massive Arrow Dynamics mega-looper, opened in Orleans Place. It was the world's tallest roller coaster at the time.

1989: Rolling Thunder Addition

In 1989, the park received an Intamin Bobsled roller coaster named Rolling Thunder. The ride was relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure and added between Demon and Whizzer.

April 28, 1990: Iron Wolf Opening

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

1991: Condor Addition and Ride Closures

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: Fright Fest Debut

In 1991, Fright Fest, an annual Halloween-themed event, first debuted.

May 9, 1992: Batman: The Ride Opening

On May 9, 1992, Batman: The Ride, the world's first inverted roller coaster, opened and was positively received. The surrounding area of Yankee Harbor was re-themed after the Batman films, and The Lobster was renamed the East River Crawler.

1992: Opening of Batman: The Ride

In 1992, Batman: The Ride opened as the first inverted roller coaster in the world.

1992: Batman: The Ride Debut

In 1992, the world's first inverted roller coaster, Batman: The Ride, debuted at the park.

1993: Batman Stunt Show Opening

In 1993, The Batman Stunt Show opened in a new amphitheater past Demon, later known as the Southwest Territory Amphitheater. This was following the success of Batman: The Ride and the mega-hit film Batman Returns.

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1994: Iron Wolf Featured in Richie Rich Movie

In 1994, Iron Wolf was featured in the movie Richie Rich and was showcased as a backyard coaster.

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1994: Space Shuttle America Addition

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

1995: Southwest Territory Construction and Viper Opening

In 1995, construction began on the new Southwest Territory area, with the opening of Viper, a wooden roller coaster. Rolling Thunder was removed later that year to make room for the new area and relocated to The Great Escape in New York.

May 1996: 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, though the plans were considered "extremely premature".

1996: Southwest Territory Opening

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

April 26, 1997: New Thrill Ride Openings

On April 26, 1997, Giant Drop and Dare Devil Dive opened. Giant Drop, a 227-foot tall Intamin drop tower, was added to Southwest Territory, and Dare Devil Dive, a Skycoaster ride, was located in the County Fair area.

November 1997: Entertainment Complex Plans

In November 1997, plans were announced to build and open Six Flags Entertainment Village, featuring a water park, resort, shopping mall, and theater across Interstate 94.

June 3, 1998: Shockwave Opening

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

October 21, 1998: Raging Bull Roller Coaster Announced

On October 21, 1998, Six Flags Great America announced the addition of Raging Bull, a hyper-twister roller coaster, for the 1999 season. This US$25 million project was the park's most expensive roller coaster at the time.

1998: Camp Cartoon Network Opens & Bugs Bunny Land Renamed

In 1998, Six Flags Great America introduced Camp Cartoon Network, a new kids' area within Yukon Territory featuring five new rides. Additionally, Bugs Bunny Land was renamed Looney Tunes National Park.

1998: Entertainment Complex Approval

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

May 1, 1999: Raging Bull Roller Coaster Opens

After 40,000 man-hours of work, the Raging Bull roller coaster opened to the public on May 1, 1999.

1999: Entertainment Complex Derailment

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

July 2000: Accident on Cajun Cliffhanger Ride

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.

2000: Removal of Hometown Park attractions

In 2000, the Hometown Park attractions were removed.

2001: New Coasters Added to Great America

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

2002: Plans Announced to Remove Whizzer, then Cancelled

In the summer of 2002, Six Flags Great America announced plans to remove Whizzer, set to close on August 11. However, due to backlash from park guests, the plans were cancelled on August 3. Additionally, Power Dive was removed due to maintenance problems.

2003: Superman: Ultimate Flight Constructed

In 2003, Six Flags Great America constructed Superman: Ultimate Flight in Orleans Place on the former site of Shockwave. The Ameri-Go-Round carousel in County Fair was also 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 the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park. This would be the seventh Hurricane Harbor water park to open.

November 2004: Groundbreaking Begins for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

In November 2004, groundbreaking began for the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park at Six Flags Great America.

2004: Mardi Gras Themed Area Added

In 2004, Six Flags Great America introduced Mardi Gras, a new themed area annexing part of Orleans Place. In addition, the removed Ameri-Go-Round was replaced by Revolution.

May 28, 2005: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Opens

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park officially opened to the public on May 28, 2005.

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

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

2005: Opening of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago

In 2005, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago, a 20-acre water park featuring 25 water slides and a 500,000-gallon wave pool, opened.

2005: Love at First Fright wins IAAPA Big E! Award

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

2006: TEA estimates attendance numbers

In 2006, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) started estimating attendance numbers for Six Flags Great America.

2007: Wiggles World added and Operation SpyGirl Debuts

In 2007, Six Flags Great America converted the tented area in front of American Eagle into Wiggles World and debuted a new stunt show, Operation SpyGirl, in the Southwest Territory Amphitheater. The American Eagle entrance was relocated to accommodate Wiggles World.

2007: Love at First Fright wins IAAPA Big E! Award

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: Splashwater Falls Closed Early

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

March 2008: Splashwater Falls Removed

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

2008: Love at First Fright and Show Stoppin' win IAAPA Awards

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: Operation SpyGirl Did Not Return

Operation SpyGirl, which originally debuted in May 2007, did not return to Six Flags Great America in 2008.

August 26, 2009: Six Flags Great America featured on Dinner: Impossible

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.

2009: Déjà Vu Replaced with 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: Great America Acquired Little Dipper

In late 2009, Six Flags Great America acquired the historic Little Dipper roller coaster for US$33,000 from Kiddieland Amusement Park.

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, to be built on the former Space Shuttle America site.

July 2010: Plans to Relocate Chang Withdrawn

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

2010: Love at First Fright wins 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: Six Flags Moves Fright Fest Production In-House

In 2010, Six Flags Great America moved the entire Fright Fest production in-house for greater creative control, taking over from JPM Productions.

2010: Little Dipper Opens & Glow in the Park Parade Debuts

In mid-2010, the Little Dipper opened at Six Flags Great America. The Glow in the Park Parade also debuted at the park in 2010.

June 3, 2011: Riptide Bay Expansion Opens

The Riptide Bay expansion to Hurricane Harbor opened at Six Flags Great America on June 3, 2011.

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, replacing Splashwater Falls and Great America Raceway.

2011: Riptide Bay Area Opens & Wiggles World Theming Removed

In 2011, Six Flags Great America opened the Riptide Bay area in Hurricane Harbor, replacing Space Shuttle America. Also, the park began removing licensed properties, including the branding and theming from the Wiggles World area.

May 10, 2012: X-Flight Media Day

On May 10, 2012, Six Flags Great America held a media day for the new X-Flight roller coaster.

May 16, 2012: X-Flight Opens to the Public

X-Flight officially opened to the public at Six Flags Great America on May 16, 2012.

August 10, 2012: Whizzer Receives ACE Landmark Status

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

August 12, 2012: IgNight – Grand Finale Announced

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

August 29, 2013: Goliath Announced

On August 29, 2013, Six Flags Great America announced Goliath, a Rocky Mountain Construction wooden roller coaster, to be built on the plot of Iron Wolf.

2013: Love at First Fright wins 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 Overall Guests

In 2013, Six Flags Great America reached 100 million overall guests since its opening.

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 on an episode of Insane Coaster Wars. In that same year, the park was featured in the Hindi movie Dhoom: 3.

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2013: IgNight – Grand Finale to Open

The nighttime show, IgNight – Grand Finale, was scheduled to open at Six Flags Great America in 2013 in Hometown Square.

June 19, 2014: Goliath Debuted

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

2014: Six Flags Great America has the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track

From 2014, Six Flags Great America had the greatest combined wooden roller coaster track in a singular park at 16,558 feet, receiving a Guinness World Record on January 14, 2015. The record counts the track length of the roller coasters American Eagle (both sides), Goliath, Little Dipper, and Viper.

2014: Goliath Claims Guinness World Records

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

2014: Love at First Fright wins 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 for Combined Wooden Roller Coaster Track

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 at 16,558 feet.

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

In July 2015, BTS filmed an episode of their variety show Run BTS in Six Flags Great America, and the members rode various rides during their time.

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

On September 1, 2015, Six Flags Great America announced an interactive dark ride named Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, to open the following season.

2015: Re-addition of Hometown Park attractions

In 2015, the Hometown Park attractions were added again.

2015: 40 Seasons of Thrills Celebration Announced

Six Flags Great America announced its plans to celebrate its 40th season of operations for the 2015 season, named the "40 Seasons of Thrills."

May 26, 2016: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis Soft Opens

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.

April 29, 2017: Virtual Reality Added to Giant Drop

Virtual reality headsets were added to the Giant Drop attraction at Six Flags Great America, and it was temporarily renamed Drop of Doom. The new experience opened on April 29, 2017.

May 27, 2017: The Joker Opens to the Public

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

August 26, 2017: King Chaos Closed

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

August 31, 2017: Unnamed 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: Six Flags Great America Lost Guinness World Record for Combined Wooden Roller Coaster Track

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

2017: The Joker to Open

The Joker, an S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, was set to open for the 2017 season in the Yankee Harbor area of Six Flags Great America.

February 14, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover Name 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.

May 22, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover Opens

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

May 25, 2018: Mardi Gras Hangover Opens

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: Larson Fire Ball attraction to open

An unnamed Larson Fire Ball attraction was scheduled to open for the 2018 season, replacing King Chaos at Six Flags Great America.

2018: Goliath Ranks in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards

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 officially opened to the media on July 2, 2019 at Six Flags Great America.

2019: Maxx Force Opens with Record Breakers

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

2019: Maxx Force Ranks in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards

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, Theme Park Closure Deemed Likely

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 theme park portion as "unlikely".

March 22, 2021: Hurricane Harbor to Become Separately Gated Water Park

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

April 2021: Amusement Park to Open

It was announced that Six Flags Great America would open in late-April 2021, following COVID-19 guidelines.

2021: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Separately Gated

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

March 24, 2022: DC Universe Themed Area Announced

On March 24, 2022, Six Flags Great America announced DC Universe, a DC Comics themed area, featuring re-themed rides.

April 15, 2022: DC Universe Area Supposed to Open

The DC Universe themed area was originally scheduled to open on April 15, 2022 at Six Flags Great America, but opened in May due to supply chain issues.

May 2022: DC Universe Area Opens

The DC Universe area opened at Six Flags Great America in May 2022.

April 2023: Future Expansion Plots Confirmed

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

August 30, 2023: Sky Striker Announced

Sky Striker, a Zamperla Discovery pendulum ride, was announced on August 30, 2023, for the 2024 season at Six Flags Great America.

October 29, 2023: Revolution and Mardi Gras Hangover Closed

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

2023: Six Flags Great America Finalist for IAAPA Honors Award

In 2023, Six Flags Great America was a finalist for the IAAPA Honors Award for Best New Menu Item in 2023–2024 for their tanghulu.

2023: Attendance Ranking

In 2023, the park had 3 million visitors, ranking it among the top 20 most visited amusement parks in North America.

April 2024: Entrance Plaza Demolition

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

August 15, 2024: Wrath of Rakshasa Announcement

On August 15, 2024, Six Flags Great America announced the addition of Wrath of Rakshasa, a B&M Dive Coaster. It was slated to be the steepest Dive Coaster with the most inversions, replacing the Buccaneer Battle water ride.

November 2024: New Kids Area and Park Enhancements Announced

In early November 2024, Six Flags Great America announced a new kids area, 50th anniversary celebrations, and other park enhancements, part of the newly merged Six Flags' $525 million investments for the 2026 season.

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

In 2024, the park's restaurant, Windy City Sports Bar and Grill, was a finalist for "Best New Food and Beverage Renovation or New Facility Build" at the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in 2024–2025.

2024: Sky Striker to Open

Sky Striker, a Zamperla Discovery pendulum ride, is planned to open for the 2024 season at Six Flags Great America.

May 31, 2025: Wrath of Rakshasa Debut

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

June 16, 2025: American Eagle Receives ACE Landmark Status

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

August 2025: Sixteen family rides at Six Flags Great America

As of August 2025, Six Flags Great America features 16 family rides, including transportation rides, dark rides, and additional fee attractions.

August 2025: Six Flags Great America Features 16 Roller Coasters

As of August 2025, Six Flags Great America has 16 roller coasters.

2025: Goliath retains two Guinness World Records

As of 2025, the wooden roller coaster Goliath retains the Guinness World Records for the longest drop and the fastest wooden roller coaster.

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

In 2025, the park's restaurant, Windy City Sports Bar and Grill, was a finalist for "Best New Food and Beverage Renovation or New Facility Build" at the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in 2024–2025.

2026: New kids area, 50th anniversary celebrations, and park enhancements

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