History of Six Flags Great America in Timeline
Six Flags Great America is a 304-acre amusement park in Gurnee, Illinois, part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It initially opened as Marriott's Great America in 1976, one of two theme parks developed by the Marriott Corporation. In 1984, Six Flags acquired the park after Marriott's theme park division underperformed. This acquisition granted Six Flags the rights to use Looney Tunes intellectual property within the park.
August 1972: Land Purchase in Gurnee
In August 1972, Marriott purchased 600 acres of land in Gurnee, Illinois, leading to speculation about a planned amusement park.
1972: Land Announcement in Laurel, Maryland
In 1972, the Marriott Corporation announced plans for a large theme park in Laurel, Maryland.
1972: Land Purchase
In 1972, the Marriott Corporation bought rural land near the Tri-State Tollway.
January 29, 1973: Park Announcement in Gurnee
On January 29, 1973, the Gurnee park was officially announced, along with plans for a hotel and an industrial park.
1973: Theme Park Announcement
In 1973, Marriott officially announced the theme park to the public, with plans to build it near identical to the one in Santa Clara, California.
June 14, 1974: Groundbreaking Ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony for Marriott's Great America took place on Flag Day, June 14, 1974. Randall Duell led the design team.
May 29, 1976: Park Opening as Marriott's Great America
On May 29, 1976, Six Flags Great America originally opened as Marriott's Great America. It was one of two theme parks built by the Marriott Corporation.
July 2, 1976: Celebration At Great America TV Special Airs
On July 2, 1976, the TV special "Celebration At Great America" aired on WLS-TV to celebrate the opening of Marriott's Great America. The special starred Steve Edwards and Sandi Freeman with celebrity guests, including Mel Blanc as Bugs Bunny.
1976: Great America Raceway opened
In 1976, Great America Raceway opened as an original ride. It was later closed and removed.
1976: The Orbit opened
In 1976, The Orbit opened as one of the park's original rides. It closed on August 6, 2016.
1976: Original Sign along Interstate 94 Erected
In 1976, the original sign along Interstate 94 was erected at Six Flags Great America.
1976: Hometown Square Section Opening
In 1976, the park opened with a sub-section of Hometown Square.
1976: Marriott's Great America Opening Season
In 1976, under the operation of the Marriott Corporation, Marriott had expected 2.5 million visitors and 25,000 to 30,000 daily guests for the season. Actual attendance was 2.35 million guests.
1977: Marriott's Great America Attendance
In 1977, Marriott's Great America had an attendance of 2.4 million guests.
1977: Circus Fantastic Performance Broadcast on Captain Kangaroo
In 1977, a performance of the park's circus show, Circus Fantastic, was broadcast on Captain Kangaroo, with Captain Kangaroo (Bob Keeshan) and Bob Denver as the ringmaster and special guest star respectively.
1977: New Rides Installation
In 1977, several new rides were installed, including the 310-foot-tall Sky Trek Tower and Southern Cross gondola sky car ride.
1978: Fort Fun Opening and Tidal Wave
In 1978, Fort Fun, the park's first children's section, opened in Yukon Territory. Also Great America's fourth roller coaster, Tidal Wave, a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop opened in Yankee Harbor.
September 8, 1979: You're Never Too Old TV Special Airs
On September 8, 1979, the TV special "You're Never Too Old" hosted by Lisa Hartman, first aired.
1979: The Great Southwest Intended Construction
In 1979, The Great Southwest area was originally intended to be built.
1979: Pictorium Opening
In 1979, the Pictorium, an IMAX theatre, opened and was claimed to have the world's largest screen.
1979: Original Plans for Southwest Territory
In 1979, the Southwest Territory was originally intended to be added to the park, with the Southern Cross ride intended to bring guests to it.
April 26, 1980: You're Never Too Old TV Special Re-airs
On April 26, 1980, the TV special "You're Never Too Old" hosted by Lisa Hartman, aired again.
1980: Closure of Old Chicago
In 1980, Old Chicago, a neighboring shopping mall and amusement park, closed after the opening of Marriott's Great America led to a plummet in guest numbers.
1980: Turn of the Century Re-theming
In 1980, the Turn of the Century roller coaster was re-themed and renamed Demon. Vertical loops and tunnels were added, along with hellish theme elements.
1980: CPSC Investigation of Whizzer Injuries
In 1980, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that a total of 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.
1982: Picnic Grove Addition
In 1982, the Picnic Grove was added to Six Flags Great America, allowing for more company outings and corporate events to take place.
1983: Sale Announcement
After the sale announcement of the park to Bally Manufacturing in 1983, Great America officially became a Six Flags park.
1983: Bottoms Up Ride Removal
In 1983, Bottoms Up, a Chance Rides trabant ride, was removed from Hometown Square.
1983: Southern Cross Removal and The Edge Addition
In 1983, Southern Cross was removed. Additionally, The Edge, an Intamin first-generation freefall ride, was added to much fanfare.
1983: White Water Rampage Addition
In 1983, White Water Rampage, an Intamin-built rapids ride, was added to Orleans Place.
April 26, 1984: Sale to Six Flags
On April 26, 1984, Bally Manufacturing, the parent company of Six Flags, finalized the purchase of Marriott's Great America for $114.5 million. As a result Six Flags also acquired the right to use the Looney Tunes characters.
1984: Six Flags Acquisition
In 1984, Six Flags acquired Marriott's Great America. This purchase also gave Six Flags rights to the Looney Tunes intellectual properties.
1984: Park Re-branding and Accident on The Edge
In 1984, the park was re-branded as Six Flags Great America. Also, a software failure caused an accident on The Edge, a freefall ride, resulting in injuries.
1985: Z-Force Addition
In 1985, Z-Force, a unique Intamin space diver roller coaster, was added to the County Fair area.
1986: Removal of The Edge
In 1986, The Edge was removed due to the stigma of its 1984 accident.
1987: Sale to Wesray Capital Corporation
In 1987, Bally sold Six Flags to Wesray Capital Corporation and a group of Six Flags managers.
1987: Z-Force Closure and Power Dive Addition
In 1987, Z-Force closed and Power Dive was added to take over the spot where The Edge had stood.
1988: Shockwave Opening
In 1988, Shockwave opened as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world at the time, also breaking the record for most inversions.
1989: Rolling Thunder Addition
In 1989, Sarajevo Bobsled was moved to Great America and became Rolling Thunder as part of the Ride Rotation Program.
1990: Iron Wolf Opening
In 1990, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed their first ever roller coaster with Iron Wolf, a compact steel stand-up coaster, opened on Z-Force's former spot in County Fair.
1990: Time Warner Acquisition
In 1990, Time Warner purchased an additional share of Six Flags, gaining a controlling interest of 50 percent.
1991: Z-Force Relocation
At the end of 1991, the ride Z-Force went to Six Flags Magic Mountain as part of Six Flags' Ride Rotation Program.
1991: Condor Addition and Pictorium Upgrade
In 1991, The Condor was added to Orleans Place next to Shockwave. During the same year, the IMAX screen in the Pictorium was upgraded to allow 3D movies to be shown.
1992: Batman: The Ride Opening
In 1992, Batman: The Ride opened as the first inverted roller coaster in the world, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.
1993: The Batman Stunt Show Opens
In 1993, The Batman Stunt Show opened in a brand-new amphitheater located past Demon. Six Flags and Time Warner had debuted The Batman Stunt Show at Six Flags Great Adventure the year prior, with great success.
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 Movie
In 1994, the Iron Wolf roller coaster was featured in the movie "Richie Rich" as a backyard coaster.
1995: Record Surpassed
In 1995, Shockwave's record of seven inversions, which was surpassed by PortAventura Park's Dragon Khan.
1995: Tidal Wave Relocation
In 1995, Tidal Wave was relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia where it operated as Viper.
1995: Time Warner Sells Stake in Six Flags
In 1995, Time Warner sold 50% of its stake in Six Flags.
1995: Construction Begins on Southwest Territory
In 1995, construction began on a new themed area for the park, Southwest Territory. Viper, a wooden roller coaster, was the first ride built for the new area.
1996: Rolling Thunder Removal
In 1996, Rolling Thunder was removed from Great America.
1996: Southwest Territory Opens
In 1996, Southwest Territory opened with a desert theme based on the Old West. Three new rides were added: River Rocker, Chubasco, and Trail Blazer. The Big Top was moved in and renamed Ricochet, and the Warner Bros. Western Stunt Show debuted.
1996: The Great Southwest Area Built
In 1996, The Great Southwest, themed around an old Wild West town, was built, connecting Hometown Square and County Fair.
1997: Giant Drop and Dare Devil Dive Added
In 1997, Giant Drop, an Intamin drop tower, was added to Southwest Territory, and Dare Devil Dive, a skycoaster, was added in County Fair.
1997: Planning of Six Flags Entertainment Village Begins
In the fall of 1997, plans for expansion outside the amusement park started with the planning of Six Flags Entertainment Village.
April 19, 1998: Demon Stalled on Vertical Loop
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: Citizens Group Forms Against Entertainment Village
In November 1998, the citizens group Citizens United for a Residential Village of Gurnee (CURV) formed in opposition to Six Flags Entertainment Village, citing concerns about road congestion and rising tax prices.
1998: Bugs Bunny National Park Opening
In 1998, Bugs Bunny National Park opened in the Yukon Territory area of the park. This area was later fully replaced by Winner's Circle Go Karts in 2012.
1998: Camp Cartoon Network Addition
In 1998, Camp Cartoon Network was added as a sub-section of Yukon Territory. Despite the name, the rides were themed to Hanna-Barbera properties, not Cartoon Network.
1998: Premier Parks Purchases Six Flags
In 1998, Premier Parks became the parent company of Six Flags Theme Parks after purchasing the remaining stake from Time Warner.
1999: Raging Bull Constructed and Entertainment Village Cancelled
In 1999, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed Raging Bull, a hyper-twister coaster, in Southwest Territory. In late October, the park officially cancelled their Entertainment Village project.
1999: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Stunt Show Debuts
In 1999, The Warner Bros. Western Stunt Show was replaced by the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Stunt Show.
2000: 25th Season, Sky Whirl's Last Year, Accident on Cajun Cliffhanger
In 2000, the park celebrated its silver (25th) season. This was the last year for the Sky Whirl. Also in 2000, an accident involving a guest occurred on the Cajun Cliffhanger ride, which led to its eventual removal.
2001: Hometown Square Section Closure
After the 2001 season, the rides in the Hometown Square section were removed.
2001: Viper Closure
In 2001, Viper at Six Flags Over Georgia closed. The ride was previously known as Tidal Wave.
2001: Vertical Velocity and Déjà Vu Added
In 2001, two inverted shuttle coasters were added: Vertical Velocity, an Intamin impulse coaster; and Déjà Vu, a Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang ride to replace Sky Whirl and Hay Baler.
2002: Plans to Remove Whizzer Canceled
In the summer of 2002, plans were announced to remove the Whizzer, but due to public backlash, Six Flags decided to cancel these plans on August 3. Power Dive was also removed.
2003: Ameri-Go-Round replaced with Revolution
In 2003, Ameri-Go-Round, a smaller carousel in the County Fair area, was replaced with the Revolution ride.
2003: Superman: Ultimate Flight Constructed
In 2003, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed Superman: Ultimate Flight in Orleans Place, on the plot of land where Shockwave stood. Additionally, the historic Ameri-Go-Round in County Fair was removed at the end of the 2003 season.
2003: Flashback Closure
In 2003, Flashback at Six Flags Magic Mountain closed. The ride was previously known as Z-Force.
2003: Greezed Lightnin' Reopening
In 2003, Greezed Lightnin' reopened at Kentucky Kingdom. The ride was previously known as Tidal Wave.
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. Groundbreaking began in November 2004, with grand opening on May 28, 2005.
November 2004: Groundbreaking Begins for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
In November 2004, Groundbreaking began for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park. It would become the seventh Hurricane Harbor water park to open, and would be built on a parking lot behind Raging Bull and Viper.
May 28, 2005: Hurricane Harbor Chicago Opening
On May 28, 2005, Hurricane Harbor Chicago, a 20-acre water park featuring 25 water slides and attractions, opened adjacent to Six Flags Great America.
June 20, 2005: Batman: The Ride Receives Coaster Landmark Status
On June 20, 2005, Batman: The Ride was awarded the Coaster Landmark status by American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) for its significance as the first inverted roller coaster.
December 2005: Stockholders Approve Management Takeover
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 stockholder revolt. Mark Shapiro was appointed as the new CEO.
2005: Batman: The Ride Receives Landmark Status
In 2005, Batman: The Ride was awarded landmark status by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) at their annual convention.
2005: Batman: The Ride Award
In 2005, Batman: The Ride, the park's inverted roller coaster, was awarded the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Landmark award.
2005: Hurricane Harbor Chicago Opening
In 2005, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago, a 20-acre water park, originally opened adjacent to Six Flags Great America under the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor naming.
2005: Love at First Fright wins 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."
December 2006: New Sign Installed
In December 2006, Six Flags replaced its sign that sits along Interstate 94 with a smaller one featuring an LED screen.
2006: 30th Anniversary and Dismantling of Triple Play
During the 2006 season, Six Flags Great America celebrated its 30th anniversary. The classic Triple Play ride in Hometown Square was dismantled to provide a part for a similar ride at Six Flags Over Texas.
2006: Original Space Shuttle America Film Returns
For the 2006 season, the original Space Shuttle America film returned.
2007: Flashback Demolition
In 2007, Flashback at Six Flags Magic Mountain was demolished. The ride was previously known as Z-Force.
2007: Introduction of Flash Pass
In 2007, Six Flags Great America introduced the electronic Flash Pass virtual queue system, replacing an existing punch card system.
2007: Operation SpyGirl Debuts
In 2007, Six Flags introduced a new stunt show, Operation SpyGirl, in the Southwest Territory Amphitheater. The show debuted in May and closed for the season in August.
2007: Splashwater Falls Closed
In 2007, Splashwater Falls closed early for the season.
2007: Wiggles World Addition
In 2007, Wiggles World, a children's-specific area of County Fair, was added in front of the American Eagle entrance.
2007: Love at First Fright wins 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."
March 2008: Splashwater Falls Removed
In March 2008, Splashwater Falls was removed.
2008: The Dark Knight Coaster Added
In 2008, Great America added The Dark Knight Coaster, an indoor Mack wild mouse roller coaster themed after the film and located in Orleans Place.
2008: Operation SpyGirl Does Not Return
In 2008, Operation SpyGirl did not return.
2008: Employee Fatality During Demolition
In 2008, a Six Flags Great America employee died after falling from Splashwater Falls during its demolition.
2008: Love at First Fright and Show Stoppin' win Big E! Awards
In 2008, the Fright Fest show Love at First Fright won the IAAPA Big E! Award for "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less," and Show Stoppin' won the Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,001–50,000."
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 created a meal for coaster enthusiasts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Raging Bull.
2009: Space Shuttle America Removed
As of 2009, both the Space Shuttle America building and Space Shuttle themed facade have been removed.
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' Closure
In 2009, Greezed Lightnin' at Kentucky Kingdom closed. The ride was previously known as Tidal Wave.
May 3, 2010: Six Flags Emerges from Bankruptcy
On May 3, 2010, Six Flags officially emerged from bankruptcy protection and announced plans to issue new stock on the New York Stock Exchange.
May 26, 2010: Petition Filed to Exceed Height Limit
On May 26, 2010, Great America filed a petition with the Village of Gurnee to exceed the 125-foot height limit, considering the installation of Chang roller coaster.
May 27, 2010: Little Dipper and Glow in the Park Parade Introduced
On May 27, 2010, Great America opened the Little Dipper, a wooden roller coaster acquired from Kiddieland Amusement Park, and introduced the Glow in the Park Parade to the park.
July 2010: Chang Installation Plans Abandoned
In July 2010, the park confirmed abandoning plans to install Chang and announced the space would instead be used for Riptide Bay, an addition to Hurricane Harbor.
August 13, 2010: Jim Reid-Anderson Appointed CEO
On August 13, 2010, Jim Reid-Anderson replaced Al Weber Jr. as chairman, president, and CEO of Six Flags.
2010: Wiggles Theming Removal
After the 2010 season, the Wiggles theming was removed from the children's area in County Fair.
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: In-House Fright Fest Production
In 2010, Six Flags moved the entire Fright Fest production in-house for greater creative control, after previously contracting a third party called JPM Productions.
2010: Removal of Licensed Properties Begins
In late 2010, Six Flags began removing some licensed properties, renaming Wiggles World to Kidzopolis and removing Wiggles branding and theming.
2011: Iron Wolf Closure
At the end of the 2011 season, Iron Wolf was closed and removed. It was later relocated to Six Flags America.
August 10, 2012: Whizzer Receives Coaster Landmark Status
On August 10, 2012, Whizzer was awarded the Coaster Landmark status by American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) for the park's preservation of the attraction.
2012: X-Flight Installation
For 2012, the former sites of Splashwater Falls and the Great America Raceway were taken over by a new wing coaster called X-Flight.
2012: Whizzer Award
In 2012, Whizzer won the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Landmark award for the park's maintenance of the attraction.
2012: Winner's Circle Go Karts replace Bugs Bunny National Park
In 2012, Winner's Circle Go Karts, an upcharge attraction, fully replaced Bugs Bunny National Park, which had originally opened in 1998. Many buildings in the area that originally opened are now closed, and most props in the area have been removed.
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: IgNight Replaces Glow in the Park
In 2013, the Glow in the Park parade was replaced with IgNight – Grand Finale to the park. 2013 would be the "Season of Backwards" at Great America.
2013: X-Flight Featured on Insane Coaster Wars and Park Featured in Dhoom: 3
In 2013, the park's B&M wing coaster X-Flight was featured as a contestant on Insane Coaster Wars. That same year, the park was also featured in the Hindi movie Dhoom: 3.
2014: Goliath Installed
For 2014, the park received Goliath, a 165-foot-tall wooden roller coaster. Ragin' Cajun closed and was relocated to Six Flags America.
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."
2014: Goliath Claims Guinness World Records
In 2014, at its opening, Goliath claimed three Guinness World Records: steepest, longest drop, and fastest wooden roller coaster, retaining the latter two records.
July 2015: BTS Filmed Run BTS Episode in the Park
In July 2015, the K-pop group BTS filmed an episode of their variety show Run BTS in Six Flags Great America.
2015: "40 Seasons of Thrills" Celebration
In 2015, Great America held the "40 Seasons of Thrills" celebration and reinstalled three former kiddie rides in Hometown Park.
2015: Teasing Holiday in the Park
In 2015, Jim Reid-Anderson teased the arrival of Holiday in the Park, a Christmas-oriented event, suggesting Six Flags would "see if [Holiday in the Park] makes sense" at the park.
2015: Original Rides Return to Hometown Square
In 2015, three of the original rides returned to Hometown Square as part of the park's 40th season celebration.
August 6, 2016: The Orbit Closes
The Orbit, an original 1976 attraction, closed on August 6, 2016.
2016: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis Opens
In 2016, Great America introduced Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, a 4D interactive dark ride, along with Metropolis Plaza. Demon received VR headsets, creating a new 'Rage of the Gargoyles' ride experience.
2016: East River Crawler Moved
In 2016, The Lobster, previously renamed to East River Crawler, was moved to Hometown Square under its original name.
2016: The Orbit Removed for The Lobster
In 2016, The Orbit, a Schwarzkopf enterprise ride, was removed from Hometown Square to make way for The Lobster, which was being moved from Yankee Harbor to accommodate The Joker.
2016: DC Comics Themed Area Replacement
In 2016, a new themed area based on DC Comics characters replaced the Southwest Amphitheater, becoming the smallest themed area of the park.
2016: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis Dark Ride added
In 2016, the amphitheater was torn down for the addition of the Justice League: Battle for Metropolis dark ride.
August 26, 2017: King Chaos Closed
King Chaos closed on August 26, 2017, to make way for the new Mardi Gras Hangover ride.
2017: Attendance Milestone
Since 2017, Six Flags Great America has seen over 3 million guests, placing it among the top 20 amusement parks in North America for attendance.
April 11, 2018: Holiday in the Park Announcement
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.
April 2018: Holiday in the Park Promotion
In April 2018, a promotion called the 4-1-1 started for the announcement of Holiday in the Park.
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, the park announced that Maxx Force would open in 2019, replacing the Pictorium. Maxx Force is an air launch roller coaster.
October 9, 2018: Potential Lease Agreement for Magic Waters Announced
On October 9, 2018, the Rockford Park District announced a potential lease agreement with Six Flags Great America to operate Magic Waters (now Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford).
November 23, 2018: Holiday in the Park Debuts
On November 23, 2018, Six Flags Great America debuted Holiday in the Park at the park.
December 11, 2018: Lease Deal for Magic Waters Made Official
On December 11, 2018, the lease deal was made official and Six Flags took control of the water park on April 1, 2019.
December 23, 2018: Holiday in the Park Operational Run
Holiday in the Park ran weekends until December 23, 2018.
2018: Yankee Harbor Remains Unthemed
From 2018 to 2021, Yankee Harbor remained as Yankee Harbor but did not have a holiday re-theme the first year the Holiday in the Park event took place.
2018: Camp Cartoon: (2018 and 2019)
In 2018 and 2019, Camp Cartoon was present during the Holiday in the Park event.
2018: Hometown Park (2018, 2019 and 2021)
In 2018, 2019 and 2021, Hometown Park was present during the Holiday in the Park 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.
2018: Susan Rosan's Final Performance
In 2018, Susan Rosan, a hypnotist, gave her final performance in Fright Fest after performing in the event for many years.
December 31, 2018: Holiday in the Park Operational Run
Holiday in the Park ran daily from December 26 through December 31, 2018.
April 1, 2019: Six Flags Takes Control of Magic Waters
On April 1, 2019, Six Flags took control of Magic Waters (now Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford).
2019: Camp Cartoon: (2018 and 2019)
In 2018 and 2019, Camp Cartoon was present during the Holiday in the Park event.
2019: Hometown Park (2018, 2019 and 2021)
In 2018, 2019 and 2021, Hometown Park was present during the Holiday in the Park event.
2019: Iron Wolf rebranded as Firebird
In the 2019 season, Iron Wolf was converted into a floorless roller coaster and renamed Firebird at Six Flags America.
March 2020: Park Opening Delayed Due to COVID-19
In March 2020, the park announced the delay of the opening for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 20, 2020: Water Park Re-Opens
On July 20, 2020, the water park re-opened to the public with safety protocols in place, using the name Hurricane Harbor Chicago.
2020: Wonderland held Outdoors
During the 2020 season, the Holiday in the Park show A Wonderland at the Grand was re-imagined as Wonderland, and was held outdoors at the Hometown Square Stage.
2020: Holiday in the Park Lights Begins
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 Becomes Separate Park
On March 22, 2021, Hurricane Harbor Chicago was announced to become the 27th park in the Six Flags chain, becoming a separate park.
April 24, 2021: Park Reopens at 25% Capacity
On April 24, 2021, the park reopened at 25% capacity under Illinois order, with safety protocols in place.
May 13, 2021: Vaccination Ticket Giveaway Announced
On May 13, 2021, Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker announced that they would be giving away 50,000 admission tickets for newly vaccinated Illinois residents.
May 14, 2021: Expanded Capacity Begins
Expanded capacity started on May 14, 2021, with 60% capacity afterwards as part of the "Bridge" reopening plan.
June 11, 2021: Park Opens at Full Capacity
On June 11, 2021, the park opened at full capacity, and all mask mandates were dropped.
2021: Yankee Harbor Remains Unthemed
From 2018 to 2021, Yankee Harbor remained as Yankee Harbor but did not have a holiday re-theme the first year the Holiday in the Park event took place.
2021: Hometown Park (2018, 2019 and 2021)
In 2018, 2019 and 2021, Hometown Park was present during the Holiday in the Park event.
2021: Kidzopolis: (2021 only)
In 2021 only, Kidzopolis was present during the Holiday in the Park event.
2021: Re-Opening of Indoor Venues and Attractions
In 2021, Six Flags Great America re-opened indoor venues and some attractions. In addition to Holiday in the Park Lights, Six Flags also ran the Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru.
2021: "Condemned" Haunted House Introduction
In 2021, during the annual "Fright Fest" event held in September and October, the haunted house "Condemned" was introduced, based on an underground laboratory.
March 24, 2022: DC Universe Announced
On March 24, 2022, the park announced DC Universe, a DC Comics themed area to replace Yankee Harbor.
April 15, 2022: DC Universe Opening Delayed
Opening day of DC Universe was slated for April 15, 2022, but due to "excessive rain and supply chain issues," the area would open later in spring.
April 23, 2022: DC Universe Opens
DC Universe finally opened on April 23, 2022.
June 25, 2022: Kinetic Stunt Show Premieres
On June 25, 2022, Kinetic, a stunt show set in an urbanized skate park setting, premiered in the Grand Music Hall.
August 7, 2022: Kinetic Stunt Show Ends
On August 7, 2022, Kinetic, the stunt show that premiered in June, ended its run in the Grand Music Hall.
August 14, 2022: Drive-by Shooting at Six Flags Great America
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: Holiday in the Park Removed
In 2022, Six Flags Great America removed Holiday in the Park from their event lineup, and the park closed for the rest of winter.
May 4, 2023: Accidents at Six Flags Great America
As of May 4, 2023, five people have died in accidents at Six Flags Great America. Three deaths were due to pre-existing medical conditions or natural causes.
August 30, 2023: Sky Striker Announced
On August 30, 2023, the park announced that Sky Striker, a large pendulum ride, would open in 2024.
2023: Alpine Bobsled Scrapped
In 2023, Alpine Bobsled at The Great Escape, formerly Rolling Thunder, was scrapped.
2023: Six Flags Great America a 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: Buccaneer Battle and Dare Devil Dive Permanently Closed
In 2023, both Buccaneer Battle and Dare Devil Dive were marked as permanently closed attractions in County Fair.
August 15, 2024: Wrath of Rakshasa Announced
On August 15, 2024, the park announced the construction of Wrath of Rakshasa, a B&M Dive Coaster, for the 2025 season.
November 2024: New Kids Area Announced
In early November 2024, it was announced that Six Flags Great America would receive a new kids area for the 2026 season.
2024: Six Flags Great America a 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.
2025: American Eagle Award
In 2025, American Eagle is receiving the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Landmark honor.
2025: Wrath of Rakshasa Opening
In 2025, the park's newest roller coaster, Wrath of Rakshasa, opened.
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