View source for Six Flags Great America

{{short description|Amusement park in Gurnee, Illinois}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[Six Flags Great Adventure]] in Jackson, New Jersey; [[Six Flags America]] in Bowie, Maryland; or [[California's Great America]] in Santa Clara, California}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2016}}
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Six Flags Great America
| logo = Six Flags Great America 2019 logo.png
| image = Columbia Carousel at Six Flags Great America (2022).jpg
| caption = The [[Columbia Carousel]], the icon of the park and the centerpiece of Carousel Plaza.
| location = [[Gurnee, Illinois|Gurnee]]
| location2 = [[Illinois]]
| location3 = United States
| coordinates = {{Coord|42|22|03|N|87|56|04|W|type:landmark_region:US-IL|display=inline,title}}
| theme = 
| homepage = [http://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/ Six Flags Great America]
| owner = [[Six Flags]]
| opening_date = {{Start date and age|1976|05|29|df=no}}
| previous_names = Marriott's Great America {{nowrap|(1976–1984)}}
| season = April to November
| visitors = {{increase}} 3.000 million in 2023<ref name="2023 attendance">{{Cite web |title=Events & News |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Themed Entertainment Association |language=en}}</ref>
| area = {{convert|304|acre|km2}}
| rides = 48
| coasters = 16<!-- Although Six Flags Great America claims to have 17 roller coasters, the park only has 15 according to RCDB. Do not include Mardi Gras Hangover as one, that attraction does not have the characteristics of a roller coaster itself. Additionally, both sides of American Eagle don't count as two roller coasters – just one.-->
| water_rides = 3
| status = Operating
| slogan = The Thrill Capital of the Midwest
| mapframe = yes
}}

'''Six Flags Great America''' is a {{Convert|304|acre|ha|adj=on}}{{Efn|This is the combined area of both Six Flags Great America and [[Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago|Hurricane Harbor Chicago]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-29 |title=Six Flags 2022 Annual Report |url=https://investors.sixflags.com/~/media/Files/S/Sixflags-IR-V2/documents/annual-reports/six-flags-entertainment-corporation-10k-2022-v4-pwo-400-2-pwo-1845.pdf |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Six Flags}}</ref>|group=note}} [[amusement park|theme park]] located in [[Gurnee, Illinois]], within the northern [[Chicago metropolitan area]]. The theme park originally opened as '''Marriott's Great America''' on May 29, 1976, as one of two theme parks built by the [[Marriott Corporation]]. [[Six Flags]] acquired the amusement park in 1984 after the theme park division was an earnings disappointment for Marriott. The sale gave Six Flags rights to the ''[[Looney Tunes]]'' intellectual properties.

In 1972, the Marriott Corporation bought rural land near the [[Interstate 94 in Illinois|Tri-State Tollway]] and had officially announced the theme park to the public the following year, in 1973. The new park would be built near identical to its sister park in [[Santa Clara, California]], now named [[California's Great America]]. Designed by architect [[Randall Duell]], the park was designed in a "Duell loop," where the park was laid out in a full circuit as employees worked out of sight in the middle of the park. Opening attractions and areas within the park were designed to be based around areas around [[North America]], such as Orleans Place, a neighborhood located in the [[French Quarter]] during the 1850s and Hometown Square, a 20th-century American town. This has since expanded to twelve themed areas, such as the Wild West themed area [[Southwest Territory (Six Flags Great America)|Southwest Territory]], three kids areas, with the County Fair subsection, [[Kidzopolis]] and two DC Comics themed areas, one being [[DC Universe (themed area)|DC Universe]].

Featuring 16<!-- Although Six Flags Great America claims to have 16 roller coasters, the park only has 15 according to RCDB. Both sides of American Eagle don't count as two roller coasters – just one.--> roller coasters, the park ranks fifth-most roller coasters in the world behind sister parks [[Cedar Point]] and [[Canada's Wonderland]]. The most recent roller coaster is [[Wrath of Rakshasa]], which opened in 2025. Additionally, the park features an adjacent {{convert|20|acre|m2|adj=on}} [[water park]] called [[Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago|Hurricane Harbor Chicago]], which features 25 water slides and attractions and opened on May 28, 2005. Since 2017, over 3 million guests visited Six Flags Great America, ranking it among the top 20 amusement parks in North America for attendance. Running from April until November, the park features multiple annual events such as the [[Halloween]] events [[#Fright Fest|Fright Fest]] and [[#Kids Boo Fest|Kids Boo Fest]], and formerly hosted the [[Christmas]] event [[Holiday in the Park]], which had extended the park's operating season until January.

The park has achieved multiple milestones, records, and awards. [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]] was one of the first record breakers for the park, becoming the tallest, fastest and longest racing wooden coaster in the world, a record that the ride still maintains. [[Batman: The Ride]], the park's [[inverted roller coaster]], was the first of its kind, and was awarded the [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]] (ACE) Landmark award in 2005.  [[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Whizzer]] and American Eagle are also recognized as Landmark coasters, making it the second theme park to have three ACE Landmark roller coasters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marzano |first=Peter |date=2025-02-18 |title=Iconic Six Flags Great America roller coaster to be named coaster landmark |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/iconic-six-flags-great-america-roller-coaster-to-be-named-coaster-landmark/3677321/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> Shows at the park have also received critical acclaim, with recognition from the [[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions]] (IAAPA), winning "Best Overall Production" awards.

== History ==
=== 1970–1984: Operation under Marriott ===

==== Development and construction ====
In the early 1970s, the [[Marriott Corporation]], owner of several restaurant chains and Marriott hotels, sought to branch further out into the tourism and vacation industry. The largest of the projects it took on was a chain of state-of-the-art theme parks, each of which would be named "Marriott's Great America" and themed around American history, opening in time for the nation's [[United States Bicentennial|bicentennial]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Enstand |first=Robert |date=1975-10-16 |title=Marriott's Great America rising out of Gurney farms |pages=61 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110553915/marriotts-great-america-rising-out-of-g/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> From the beginning, three parks were planned, as Marriott identified three underserved metropolitan areas that could support a major amusement park: [[Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area|Baltimore–Washington]], the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], and [[Chicago]]–[[Milwaukee]].<ref>Novick, Steve. [https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/illinois/elk-grove-village/elk-grove-village-herald/1975/03-31 "Great America theme park near tiny Gurnee: $50 million playground ready next spring"], ''Elk Grove Village Herald'', March 31, 1975.</ref><ref name="arcadia" />

[[Marriott's Great America (Maryland/Virginia)|The largest of these]], at {{convert|850|acre|ha}}, was announced for [[Laurel, Maryland]], in 1972. The proposal was canceled after fierce opposition from local residents convinced officials to deny the park permits,<ref>Leonard, Kevin. [http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/laurel/ph-ll-history-megaprojects-0530-20130531-story.html "Marriott theme park, Redskins stadium once planned in Laurel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618130101/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/laurel/ph-ll-history-megaprojects-0530-20130531-story.html |date=June 18, 2018 }}, ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'', May 31, 2013.</ref> and the plans were moved to [[Manassas, Virginia]], in 1973, where it faced even stronger opposition from local residents and the [[National Park Service]].<ref>Zenzen, Joan. [https://books.google.com/books?id=6QINazxyATEC&pg=PA85 "Great America in Manassas"], ''Battling for Manassas: The Fifty-Year Preservation Struggle at Manassas National Battlefield Park'', Penn State Press, 2010.</ref> The planned opening of the flagship park was delayed repeatedly until Marriott abandoned the idea late in the decade.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=William H. |date=March 2, 1978 |title=Marriott Drops Its Plans For Va. Amusement Park |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1978/03/02/marriott-drops-its-plans-for-va-amusement-park/c0ecd74c-3a6a-4b30-90c2-7f50085d97b3/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref>

Meanwhile, the plans for the other two parks proceeded more smoothly. The location in the north of the [[Chicago metropolitan area]] was chosen to bring in visitors from Milwaukee and Chicago. Marriott purchased {{convert|600|acre|ha}} of rural land in Gurnee straddling the [[Interstate 94 in Illinois|Tri-State Tollway]] in August 1972, causing speculation in the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' that an amusement park was planned for the site. The Gurnee park was officially announced on January 29, 1973, along with a hotel and an industrial park.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nagelberg |first=Alvin |date=1973-01-30 |title=Marriott plans big park |pages=37 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110554080/marriott-plans-big-park/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> Marriott received approval from local authorities, but the [[Illinois State Toll Highway Authority]] would not approve a proposal for an interchange on the tollway leading directly into the parking lot.<ref name="arcadia">{{Cite book |title=Six Flags Great America (Images of Modern America) |date=2017 |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |isbn=978-1540226020 |language=English}}</ref>
[[File:Yankee Harbor, Marriott's Great America, August 1976.jpg|left|thumb|Yankee Harbor was one of the five original American-themed areas, based on a [[New England]] port.]]
The [[groundbreaking]] ceremony was held on [[Flag Day (United States)|Flag Day]], June 14, 1974.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1974-06-15 |title=Illinois getting theme park |pages=2 |work=The Daily Leader |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110554152/illinois-getting-theme-parl/}}</ref> [[Randall Duell]] was the leader of the design team for the park, who created two nearly identical plans for the Gurnee park and the [[California's Great America|sister park]] in Santa Clara, California. Duell was a veteran theme park designer and for the Great America parks he sought to create his greatest design yet. With an overarching [[Americana (culture)|Americana]] theme in mind, Marriott's designers traveled across the country, observing styles and collecting artifacts to help inform an authentic atmosphere.<ref name="arcadia" />

The park was broken up into six original themed areas, which are organized in a "Duell loop" that runs clockwise around the perimeter. The first of these was Carousel Plaza, located at the front of the park, centered around the double-decker [[Columbia Carousel]]; Hometown Square, based on early 20th century small towns of the Midwest; followed by The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition at County Fair (now just County Fair), with its early 20th century rural county fair; Yukon Territory, resembling a [[logging]] camp in the [[Canada|Canadian]] [[Yukon]]; Yankee Harbor, a 19th-century [[New England]] port inspired by [[Cape Cod]]; and finally Orleans Place, modeled after the [[French Quarter]] of [[New Orleans]].<ref name=":40">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America – Part 1: Marriott in the Midwest. |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/04/06/six-flags-great-america-01 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Themerica |date=April 6, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":2" />

Each themed area had its own set of costumes for park employees, and the design of buildings, shops and restaurants were all unique to each theme.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1976 |title=Great America |pages=31 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109207715/great-america/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> For example, the Klondike Cafe in Yukon Territory served beef dishes in large pans like those used for [[placer mining|panning for gold]]. A seventh area, The Great Southwest, was planned from the beginning as a potential expansion, but was not built until 1996, when it opened as Southwest Territory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Cross|url=http://www.greatamericaparks.com/southerncross.html|publisher=Great America Parks |access-date=September 13, 2010}}</ref>

==== Opening and operation ====
[[File:Columbia Carousel at Six Flags Great America, 2005.jpg|thumb|[[Columbia Carousel]] is Great America's signature ride.|200x200px]]

The park opened on Saturday, May 29, 1976, two months after California's Great America. The park was an immediate success due in part to coinciding with the bicentennial.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1976 |title=Great America opens May 29 |pages=7 |work=Great Lakes Bulletin via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109257060/great-america-opens-may-29/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> From the beginning, the park made use of the ''[[Looney Tunes]]'' characters as costumed figures to interact with the park attendees, a tradition that continues today under Six Flags ownership.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://toolooney.blogspot.com/2007/02/bugs-bunnys-las-vegas-review.html|title=Misce-Looney-ous: Bugs Bunny's Las Vegas Review|first=Jon|last=Cooke|date=February 25, 2007|access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref> At its opening in 1976, Great America featured three [[roller coasters]], [[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Willard's Whizzer]], [[Demon (roller coaster)|Turn of the Century]] and The [[Gulf Coaster]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulf Coaster at Marriott's Great America parks |url=http://www.greatamericaparks.com/gulfcoaster.html |access-date=May 13, 2013 |publisher=Great America Parks}}</ref> The park had also included other flat rides throughout the park. These attractions included the elaborate double-decker Columbia Carousel, which opened as one of the tallest carousels in the world<ref>{{Cite web |title=Weekly Top 10: Top Theme Park Carousels |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201502/4431/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> and the [[Sky Whirl]], a unique, {{convert|110|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} "triple [[ferris wheel]]" custom-designed for Marriott.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Sky Whirl |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/sky-whirl/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> Transportation rides included Delta Flyer and Eagle's Flight, two one-way [[Gondola lift|gondola]] sky car rides.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-15 |title=Delta Flyer / Eagle's Flight |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/delta-flyer-eagles-flight/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> In Orleans Place, attractions in the area were Orleans Orbit, (later renamed simply the "Orbit"), an [[Enterprise (ride)|Enterprise]]-type ride and Rue Le Dodge, a [[bumper car]] ride.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-31 |title=California Supreme Court rejects lawsuit against Great America over bumper car rides |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2012/12/31/california-supreme-court-rejects-lawsuit-against-great-america-over-bumper-car-rides/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:Marriott's Great America, Illinois, August 1976.jpg|left|thumb|A view of [[Demon (roller coaster)|Turn of the Century]] and [[Sky Whirl]] from the Delta Flyer / Eagle's Flight in August 1976.]]
The park's second season in 1977 saw the installation of several new rides. The {{convert|310|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} [[Sky Trek Tower]] opened in Carousel Plaza and today is one of the few rides to still operate under its original name.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1977 |title=Up and away! The view is spectacular |pages=92 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390545/sky-trek-tower-construction/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> Sky Trek Tower was built as and still remains, the tallest freestanding structure in [[Lake County, Illinois]].<ref name=":9">{{cite web |title=Sky Trek Tower |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/sky-trek-tower |access-date=September 11, 2017 |publisher=Six Flags Great America}}</ref> Also added was Southern Cross, a third gondola sky car ride which offered a round trip and a much higher view than the other two, whose station replaced the removed Gulf Coaster. A few new spinning rides were added, such as Big Top, Davy Jones' Dinghies and Hay Baler.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 3, 1977 |title=Expanded Great America opens May 7 |pages=48 |work=The Rock Island Argus via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390670/expanded-great-america-opens-may-7/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> The park's first children's section, dubbed Fort Fun, opened in the section designated the Yukon Territory in 1978, which caused the Saskatchewan Scrambler to be relocated to Hometown Square and renamed Hometown Fun Machine.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Laurie |date=June 29, 1978 |title=Acre of fun the forte of Great America's latest |pages=19 |work=Cardunal Free Press via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390862/acre-of-fun-the-forte-of-great-americas/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> Additionally, Great America's fourth roller coaster, Tidal Wave, was a Schwarzkopf [[Shuttle Loop]] that opened in 1978 in Yankee Harbor.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-25 |title=Tidal Wave |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/tidal-wave/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> The Pictorium, an [[IMAX]] theatre, opened in 1979 and claimed to have the world's largest screen, at 64.5 by 88.25 feet (19.6 × 26.9 meters).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-07-16 |title=Big Movie Zone – Six Flags Great America Pictorium |website=bigmoviezone.com |url=http://www.bigmoviezone.com/txshows/theaters/index.html?uniq=476 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716120211/http://www.bigmoviezone.com/txshows/theaters/index.html?uniq=476 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=usurped |access-date=2021-08-26}}</ref>

The Turn of the Century roller coaster closed and took on a new look in 1980. Two vertical loops were added, along with two tunnels and the "new" ride was re-themed and renamed [[Demon (roller coaster)|Demon]]. The ride featured an original theme song and new hellish theme elements, some of which were removed following a backlash from those who thought that the ride's theming was too "demonic".<ref name="SFGA">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Demon|location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=3|access-date=2022-08-15}}</ref> The [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]], a racing wooden roller coaster, opened in 1981. The tracks share a drop of {{convert|147|ft|m}} and they reach speeds of {{cvt|66|mph}}. The bottom of the first drop is built {{convert|20|ft|m}} below ground level. When the American Eagle first opened, it had the longest drop and fastest speeds of any wooden roller coaster in the world. It remains the tallest, fastest and longest twin racing wooden coaster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Eagle, Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparkjames.co.uk/theme-parks/northamerica/usa/six-flags-great-america/rides/american-eagle/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Theme Park James |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:American Eagle 01.JPG|200x200px|thumb|left|The [[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]] was added in 1981.]]

The Picnic Grove was added in 1982, allowing for more company outings and corporate events to take place at the growing theme park. No new rides were added that year, and several small rides were removed in the last years of Marriott ownership.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1982 |title=New picnic grove at Great America |pages=32 |work=Southtown Star via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99718083/1982-04-18-rethink-theme-parksjpg/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> Southern Cross was removed in 1983. That same year, The Edge, an [[Intamin]] first-generation freefall ride, was added to much fanfare. Bottoms Up, a Chance [[Wipeout (ride)|Trabant]] ride and Traffique Jam were removed at the end of the 1983 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Bottoms Up |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/bottoms-up/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Traffique Jam |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/traffique-jam/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>

The last ride Marriott added to the park was White Water Rampage in 1983, an Intamin-built rapids ride that was later renamed [[Roaring Rapids]] and remains the park's most popular water ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Timeline |url=https://www.csus.edu/indiv/s/shawg/articles/facilities/six_flags_timeline.html |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=www.csus.edu}}</ref> The ride was added to Orleans Place, which required the removal of small rides such as Traffique Jam.<ref name=":22" /> The Orleans Orbit was moved from its original Orleans Place location to Hometown Square, and became simply The Orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Orleans Orbit |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/orleans-orbit/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> By the mid-1980s, the Marriott Corporation was disappointed with the financial performance of its theme park division, with lower profits than the company expected, in part because the third and largest of its Great America parks was never realized. As a result, Marriott decided to focus on its core businesses and began searching for buyers for its two amusement parks. While California's Great America was sold to the city of Santa Clara, [[Bally Manufacturing]], then the parent company of the [[Six Flags|Six Flags Corporation]], offered to purchase the Gurnee park for $114.5 million. The deal was finalized on April 26, 1984, and as a result Six Flags also acquired the right to use the ''Looney Tunes'' characters at all of its other parks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1984-04-27 |title=Marriott to Sell Park to Bally |work=[[The New York Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/27/business/marriott-to-sell-park-to-bally.html |access-date=2022-10-27}}</ref>

===1984–1990: Acquisition by Six Flags===
[[File:Whizzer.jpg|thumb|200x200px|[[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Whizzer]] is one of only a few original Marriott rides to survive to the present day.]]
After the sale of the park to Bally Manufacturing in 1983, Great America officially became a Six Flags park. For the upcoming 1984 season, the park was re-branded as Six Flags Great America.<ref>{{cite web |last=K. |first=Jerome |title=Six Flags Great America – History |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/parkinfo/history.html |access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref> Regarding the acquisition of the park, Bally CEO Robert Mullane stated that it would be "foolish to change anything major" at the park.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/83638521/ "Bally's adds Great America to network"], ''Southern Illinoisan'', April 27, 1984.</ref> Less than a month after the purchase, a software failure caused a car on The Edge, a freefall ride, to be stalled at the top of the lift shaft before moving forward into its drop position. The car was stuck in this position for a short period of time before it dropped in the lift shaft, causing injuries to all three occupants. Despite many attempts to reopen The Edge with installation of anti-rollback devices by Intamin, the ride was never able to escape the stigma of its 1984 accident. The ride was removed in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Enstad |first=Robert |date=March 12, 1986 |title=Six Flags Dismantles The Edge |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-03-12-8601180746-story.html |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

In 1985, Six Flags added [[Flashback (roller coaster)|Z-Force]] to the County Fair area, a one-of-a-kind Intamin space diver roller coaster that closed in 1987 and was the only one ever manufactured. The site was later used for Iron Wolf, which opened in 1990. Z-Force was relocated to [[Six Flags Over Georgia]] as part of Six Flags' (now discontinued) Ride Rotation Program. At the end of 1991, the ride went to [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]], where it operated as Flashback before closing in 2003, and being demolished in 2007.<ref name="CoasterKings">{{cite web |title=Lost Coasters of California – Part 6: Flashback – The Coaster Kings |date=March 15, 2021 |url=https://www.thecoasterkings.com/lost-coasters-of-california-part-6-flashback/}}</ref> Power Dive was added in 1987 to take over the spot where The Edge had stood. Power Dive was an Intamin [[Looping Starship]] ride; it swung back and forth before eventually rotating a complete 360 degrees a few times.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Susan |date=August 5, 1987 |title=Adventure and fun are only Six Flags away |pages=58 |work=The Dispatch via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54447315/six-flags-great-america-power-dive/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref>

While operating the Six Flags chain, Bally found that the excess resources demanded and high seasonal fluctuations of the theme park business made it an unnecessary burden on its core interests. In 1987, Bally sold Six Flags to [[Wesray Capital Corporation]] and a group of Six Flags managers. Several acquisitions were re-sold or closed, while Wesray moved the company's focus from theming to major attractions. This ushered in an era of major new rides and roller coasters at Six Flags parks like Great America.<ref>Clavé, Salvador Anton. [https://books.google.com/books?id=rH-wmRzn6AcC&pg=PA107 ''The Global Theme Park Industry''], CABI, 2007.</ref>
[[File:Shockwave (Six Flags Great America) 2002 1.jpg|left|thumb|A view of Shockwave from Sky Trek Tower|200x200px]]
1988 saw the first of the new coasters, with the addition of the massive roller coaster [[Shockwave (Six Flags Great America)|Shockwave]], an [[Arrow Dynamics]] mega-looper, opening in Orleans Place section of the park on June 3. Shockwave was the world's tallest roller coaster at the time it opened and was surpassed the following year by [[Cedar Point]]'s [[Magnum XL-200]]. It also featured a record seven inversions, which was surpassed in 1995 by [[PortAventura Park]]'s [[Dragon Khan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Shockwave History |url=http://www.coastergrotto.com/review.jsp?argId=197 |access-date=2022-08-15 |publisher=coastergrotto.com }}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Broad |first=William J. |date=August 2, 1998 |title=Upside Down at 70 M.P.H.: The New Physics of Thrills |pages=Section C, 1 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/02/science/upside-down-at-70-mph-the-new-physics-of-thrills.html |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> When [[Six Flags Great Adventure]]'s [[Sarajevo Bobsled]], an Intamin [[Bobsled roller coaster]], closed in 1988, it was moved to Great America and became Rolling Thunder in 1989, also as part of the Ride Rotation Program. It was added between [[Demon (roller coaster)|Demon]] and Whizzer, where it operated until 1996. It was then relocated to [[The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor|The Great Escape]] where it operated as [[Alpine Bobsled]] until being scrapped in 2023.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Rolling Thunder|location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=494|access-date=2022-08-16|url=https://rcdb.com/494.htm}}</ref>

For 1990, [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] constructed their first ever roller coaster with [[Firebird (roller coaster)|Iron Wolf]], a compact steel [[stand-up roller coaster|stand-up coaster]], opened on Z-Force's former spot in County Fair. [[Condor (ride)|The Condor]] was added to Orleans Place in 1991, next to Shockwave.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Condor at Six Flags Great America Reviews & Info |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/guides/six-flags-great-america/condor |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Theme Park Tourist |date=January 1991 |language=en}}</ref> During the same year, the IMAX screen in the Pictorium was upgraded to allow 3D movies to be shown and fans said goodbye to Tidal Wave at the end of the season. It was relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia where it operated as Viper from 1995 to 2001, then to [[Kentucky Kingdom]] as [[Greezed Lightnin']] from 2003 to 2009.<ref name=":5" />

=== 1990s: Transition into thrill park ===
By 1990, Six Flags was on the verge of bankruptcy. [[Time Warner]], which had held a major influence at Great America since the beginning through the licensing of its ''Looney Tunes'' characters, was a minority owner in the company and it purchased an additional share of the company for a controlling interest of 50 percent. The entrance of the entertainment and communications conglomerate gave the company not only a much-needed influx of new capital, but a chance for increased usage of Time Warner properties in Six Flags parks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reference for Business – Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.|url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/21/Six-Flags-Theme-Parks-Inc.html|access-date=September 23, 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America 1.jpg|thumb|A vertical loop and wing over on Batman: The Ride|200x200px]]
The first of these collaborations between Six Flags and Time Warner came in 1992, as Bolliger & Mabillard constructed their first [[inverted roller coaster]], [[Batman: The Ride]], to replace Tidal Wave.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ravo |first=Nick |date=1993-05-09 |title=THING; Batman the Ride |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/09/style/thing-batman-the-ride.html |access-date=2022-10-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McLaurin |first=Tim |date=1993-03-07 |title=On Batman, A Scream A Second |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/07/t-magazine/on-batman-a-scream-a-second.html |access-date=2022-10-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Batman was unlike any other roller coaster at the time, as it opened as one of the first inverted roller coasters and took riders through five inversions. It was a tight fit for Yankee Harbor, but it proved so popular that lines stretched out of the ride area and across large parts of the park.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title='Batman the Ride' big draw at Six Flags Park in Gurnee |work=The Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110551355/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> The surrounding area of Yankee Harbor was re-themed after the Batman films, with The Lobster being renamed the East River Crawler, a name which it retained until it was moved to Hometown Square under its original name in 2016.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Dan |title=Moran: Great America puts the Orbit to rest, brings back the Lobster |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-moran-six-flags-great-america-lobster-st-1001-20160930-column.html |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Lake County News-Sun |date=September 30, 2016 |language=en-US}}</ref> Batman: The Ride was awarded landmark status by the [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]] (ACE) at their annual convention in 2005.<ref name="ACE">{{cite web |date=June 20, 2005 |title=Coaster Landmark Award – Batman: The Ride |url=http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=45 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107232141/http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=45 |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |access-date=January 6, 2013 |publisher=American Coaster Enthusiasts}}</ref><ref name="SFGAm">{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Batman The Ride|location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=5|access-date=January 6, 2013}}</ref>

To add to the hype around Batman from the opening of Batman: The Ride and the mega-hit film ''[[Batman Returns]]'', the ''Batman Stunt Show'' opened in 1993 in a brand-new amphitheater located past Demon; which would later come to be known as the Southwest Territory Amphitheater.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Plummer |first=Robert |date=May 20, 1993 |title=Great America adds stunt show |pages=21 |work=The Times – via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104857383/great-america-adds-stunt-show/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> Six Flags and Time Warner had debuted ''The Batman Stunt Show'' at Six Flags Great Adventure the year prior, with great success.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitehouse |first=Beth |date=June 19, 1992 |title=Batman flies to rescue 5 times a day all summer |pages=38 |work=[[Asbury Park Press]] – via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12817753/1992-ga-batman-stunt-show/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> The theater would be a popular venue with several stunt shows for years to come, before being torn down for the 2016 addition of the [[Justice League: Battle for Metropolis]] dark ride.<ref name="Six Flags Great America announces new thrill ride to save the city of Metropolis" />[[File:Space Shuttle America.jpg|left|thumb|[[Space Shuttle America]] opened in 1994, closed after the 2007 season, and was removed in December 2009.|200x200px]]
[[Space Shuttle America]], a [[motion simulator]] ride, was built in 1994 near Sky Trek Tower. In addition to its purpose-made titular film, Space Shuttle America was home to three other shows during its lifetime: ''Escape from Dino Island 2 – 3:D'', ''Stargate – SG:3000'', and ''Superstition'' during the yearly Fright Fest Event. The original Space Shuttle America film returned for the 2006 season. As of 2009, both the Space Shuttle America building and Space Shuttle themed facade have been removed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Space Shuttle America |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/oldrides/spaceshuttle/spaceshuttle.html |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref>

In 1995, construction began on a new themed area for the park. The Southwest Territory was originally intended to be added to the park in 1979, with the Southern Cross ride intended to bring guests to it. The first ride built for the new area was [[Viper (Six Flags Great America)|Viper]], a wooden roller coaster based on the [[Coney Island Cyclone]] and themed after a snake oil salesman. Although smaller in stature than American Eagle, this twister-style coaster features many more instances of airtime during the ride. It was built next to Rolling Thunder, which was removed later the same year to make room for the new area.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 1, 1995 |title=Great America features new coaster |pages=11 |work=The Times-Press via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109393014/great-america-features-new-coaster/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> The ride was relocated to The Great Escape in [[New York (state)|New York]], where it operated as Alpine Bobsled until 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Six Flags Great America (Timeline)|url=http://www.rcdb.com/4530.htm?t=308|publisher=Roller Coaster Database (rcdb)|access-date=September 13, 2010|archive-date=May 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511014002/http://rcdb.com/4530.htm?t=308|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Southwest Territory (Six Flags Great America)|Southwest Territory]] opened in 1996, with a desert theme based on the [[American frontier|Old West]]. Three new rides were added: River Rocker, a [[pirate ship (ride)|pirate ship]] ride; Chubasco, a teacup ride; and Trail Blazer, a [[Zamperla]] Joker. The Big Top was moved in from County Fair and renamed Ricochet.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Marc |date=May 26, 1996 |title=Six Flags makes its mark on Lake County |pages=447–448 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109391320/six-flags/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> Viper's entrance, which had previously been located in Hometown Square, was moved to Southwest Territory entrance. To add to the excitement surrounding the new area, the amphitheater that has previously been home to the ''Batman Stunt Show'' was named the "Southwest Territory Amphitheater", and an all-new show, the ''Warner Bros. Western Stunt Show'', debuted. This show followed the misadventures of three outlaws as they tangled with characters from Western films such as [[Maverick (film)|''Maverick'']], ''[[Blazing Saddles]]'' and ''[[F Troop]]''. The Western Stunt Show ran for three seasons and was replaced in 1999 by the ''[[Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid]]'' Stunt Show.<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America – Part 3: The Great Southwest (in the Midwest). |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/05/04/six-flags-great-america-03 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Themerica |date=May 4, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite news |last=Westhoff |first=Jeffery |date=June 28, 1996 |title=Great America goes Western with new attraction |pages=87 |work=Northwest Herald via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109391422/great-america-goes-western-with-new-attr/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharos |first=David |date=May 31, 1999 |title=Just for fun |pages=53 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109391575/just-for-fun/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> [[Giant Drop (Six Flags Great America)|Giant Drop]], an Intamin second-generation drop tower and Dare Devil Dive, a skycoaster, were added in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |last=Behrens |first=Bill |date=1997-04-18 |title=Merry-Go-Roundup  |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-04-18-9704180430-story.html |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> Giant Drop was placed on the southwest side of Southwest Territory across from the mission, and was themed to be an ore excavator in the fictional Loco Diablo Mine.<ref name="Beyers 9">{{Cite news |last=Beyers |first=Jennifer |date=1997-04-17 |title=Great America ride not for the faint of heart |pages=9 |work=The Times-Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110604415/great-america-ride-not-for-the-faint-of/ |access-date=2022-10-02}}</ref> Dare Devil Dive opened in County Fair.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Daredevil Dive |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/flatrides/daredevildive/daredevildive.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref>

Time Warner sold 50% of its stake in Six Flags in 1995, and in 1998, [[Six Flags#History of Premier Parks|Premier Parks]] had its [[Initial public offering|IPO]] and became the parent company of Six Flags Theme Parks after purchasing the remaining stake from Time Warner as well as the other 50% that had previously been sold off to holding companies. Premier Parks opted to follow the trend set by Bally's and began acquiring more properties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Premier Parks rides high after acquisitions |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/06/28/premier-parks-rides-high-after-acquisitions/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> Plans for expansion outside the amusement park started in the fall of 1997 with the planning of [[Six Flags Entertainment Village]], an [[entertainment complex]] that would've been located across [[Interstate 94]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stark |first=Steven J. |date=February 12, 1998 |title=New Entertainment Village at Six Flags still in works despite sale |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-02-12-9802120317-story.html |access-date=August 26, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":110">{{Cite web |last=Grano |first=Laurie |date=November 16, 1998 |title=Great America expansion not amusing to all |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-11-16-9811160099-story.html |access-date=December 24, 2021 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Raging Bull - Flickr - basheertome.jpg|thumb|200x200px|Added in 1999, Raging Bull is still the park's tallest and longest roller coaster.]]
1998 saw many family-friendly additions. Yukon Territory welcomed Camp Cartoon Network, with five new rides, including [[Spacely's Sprocket Rockets]] (a Vekoma junior roller coaster), ''[[Scooby-Doo]]''{{'}}s Mystery Machine, [[Yogi Bear|Yogi]]'s Yahoo River, Rocky Road's Rescue Service and Bedrock Boulder Roller. [[Bugs Bunny]] Land was renamed [[Looney Tunes]] National Park and included the Looney Tooter Choo Choo Train, the Waddaview Charter, Porky's Buzzy Beez, Petunia's Lady Bugz, Looney Tunes Lodge Foam Ball Factory, Pepe Le Pew's Peak and the Nature Trail.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1998 |title=What's new at Six Flags Great America |pages=89 |work=Southtown Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109393136/whats-new-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> Opposition for Six Flags Entertainment Village arose in November 1998 with the citizens group Citizens United for a Residential Village of Gurnee (CURV) forming, with the concern of road congestion and rising tax prices.<ref name=":110" />

Bolliger & Mabillard constructed [[Raging Bull (roller coaster)|Raging Bull]] in 1999, a hyper-twister coaster that was added to Southwest Territory. This {{convert|202|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}}, {{convert|73|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|5057|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} ride was built on the former lot used by Rolling Thunder.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1999-04-30 |title=No bull, this roller coaster is fast |pages=19 |work=Kenosha News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66310953/no-bull-this-roller-coaster-is-fast/ |access-date=2022-08-16}}</ref> In late October, the park had officially cancelled their Entertainment Village project.<ref name=":72">{{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Mark |date=1999-10-04 |title=Lake County tourism tidbits |work=Daily Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111373144/}}</ref>

=== 2000s: Rapid growth and expansion ===
The park celebrated its silver (25th) season in 2000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 11, 2000 |title=Great America features new show, event lineup |pages=87 |work=Southtown Star | via= Newspaper.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109206940/great-amercia-features-new-show-event-l/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> This was the last year for the Sky Whirl, as well as the Hay Baler ride. Since the removal of Sky Whirl after the 2000 season, Six Flags Great America has continued to operate without a Ferris wheel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Craig |date=October 18, 2000 |title=Six Flags gets OK for new roller coaster |pages=148 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59082872/six-flags-gets-ok-for-new-roller-coaster/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> That same year, an accident involving a guest occurred on the [[Cajun Cliffhanger]] ride, which led to its eventual removal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2 Girls Injured on Great America Ride|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-07-20-0007200374-story.html |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=July 20, 2000 }}</ref>
[[File:Vertical velocity.jpg|left|thumb|Riders on V2: Vertical Velocity|267x267px]]
In 2001, two inverted shuttle coasters were added: an Intamin [[Launched roller coaster|impulse coaster]] named [[The Flash: Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great America)|Vertical Velocity]], stylized as V<sup>2</sup>; and [[Giant Inverted Boomerang|Déjà Vu]], a [[Vekoma]] Giant Inverted Boomerang ride to replace Sky Whirl and ''Hay Baler''.<ref name="Announcement">{{cite web |title=Six Flags Great America To Elevate Thrills This Season |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/march01/stories/031201_01.shtml |publisher=Ultimate Rollercoaster}}</ref> Vertical Velocity was added to Yankee Harbor, with the swing ride Whirligig moving closer to the lift hill of Batman: The Ride to make room.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Super-Villains Swing™ {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/whirligig |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Whirligig |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/whirligig/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>

At the beginning of the 2002 season, there were no major changes to the park. The Pictorium's original IMAX film, ''To Fly'', was once again shown.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 7, 2002 |title=Get on track |pages=7–1 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109442765/get-on-track/ |access-date=September 12, 2022}}</ref> In the summer, plans were announced to remove the Whizzer, which would offer its final rides on August 11. The announcement confirmed existing rumors. The plan to remove the coaster, which was one of only two operating Schwarzkopf Speedracers in the world, an original ride from the park's first season and a popular family-friendly attraction, was met with outrage from the public, particularly because the intended replacement was a major thrill ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Whizzer  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/whizzer |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref> The backlash led to Six Flags deciding on August 3 to cancel their plans to replace Whizzer, and instead elected to replace Shockwave.<ref name=":28">{{Cite web |date=2012-08-10 |title=Whizzer at Six Flags Great America named landmark coaster by American Coaster Enthusiasts |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120810/news/708109691/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2019-02-12 |title=Top 5 Coasters at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2019/02/12/top-five-coasters-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref> Power Dive was also removed, due to maintenance problems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Power Dive – Coasterpedia – The Roller Coaster and Flat Ride Wiki |url=https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Power_Dive |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=coasterpedia.net}}</ref>

[[File:Superman Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Great America 1.jpg|thumb|Passengers aboard [[Superman: Ultimate Flight]]|200x200px]]

In 2003, Bolliger & Mabillard constructed Superman: Ultimate Flight in Orleans Place, on the plot of land where Shockwave stood. It was the Midwest's second [[flying roller coaster]], the first being [[Firehawk (roller coaster)|X-Flight]] at [[Geauga Lake]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wieczorkiewicz |first=Craig |date=May 23, 2003 |title=Superman the newest ride at Great America |pages=37 |work=The Times via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109392474/superman-the-newest-ride-at-great-americ/ |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> The layout of the ride is identical to versions of the ride at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia. Shockwave had partially stood in the parking lot, and for Superman, the entire landscaping of the ride area was redone.<ref name="RCDB Shockwave">{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Shockwave|location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=4|access-date=January 27, 2013}}</ref> Additionally, the historic [[Ameri-Go-Round]] in County Fair was removed at the end of the 2003 season.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Sykora |first=Angela D. |date=2004-01-22 |title=New rides have Mardi Gras flavor |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-110D626E962B0C80.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125150942/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-110D626E962B0C80.html |archive-date=2013-01-25 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=}}</ref>

Mardi Gras, a new themed area and an extension of Orleans Place, was added in 2004. It was built in the area where Power Dive and Cajun Cliffhanger had stood. A spinning wild mouse coaster named [[Ragin' Cajun (roller coaster)|Ragin' Cajun]] was added, along with a [[HUSS Maschinenfabrik|HUSS]] Top-Spin model named King Chaos, Zamperla Rockin' Tug named Jester's Wild Ride and a Zamperla Balloon Race named Big Easy Balloons.<ref name=":7" /> The same year, the removed Ameri-Go-Round from County Fair was replaced by ''Revolution'', a HUSS ''Frisbee'' ride taken from Six Flags Great Adventure.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-13 |title=Ameri-Go-Round |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/ameri-go-round/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> On September 17, 2004, the [[Six Flags Hurricane Harbor]] [[water park]] was officially announced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 17, 2004 |title=Six Flags plans large water park |pages=7 |work=The Pantagraph via Newspapers.com |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102537488/six-flags-plans-large-water-park/}}</ref> It would become the seventh Hurricane Harbor water park to open, and would be built on a parking lot behind Raging Bull and [[Viper]]. The water park would feature Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba, Hurricane Bay, a wave pool, among other attractions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Masse |first=Ryan |date=2005-04-28 |title=Dells owners express little concern with Six Flags park |url=https://badgerherald.com/news/2005/04/28/dells-owners-express/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=The Badger Herald}}</ref> Groundbreaking began in November 2004, with grand opening on May 28, 2005.<ref name=":52">{{Cite news |date=June 2, 2005 |title=Great America opens Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park |pages=78 |work=Southtown Star via Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109641225/great-america-opens-six-flags-hurricane/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref>

In December 2005, stockholders approved a plan offered by [[Daniel Snyder]] of Red Zone, LLC to take over management of Six Flags, Inc., following a fierce stockholder revolt due to rising financial concerns. Snyder appointed former [[ESPN]] executive [[Mark Shapiro (media executive)|Mark Shapiro]] as the new [[CEO]] of Six Flags, after Kieran Burke was ousted from the company. Snyder and Shapiro's plan of action was to move Six Flags away from Premier Parks' thrill-heavy focus and move more toward a family-friendly environment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McKenna |first=Dave |date=2021-01-04 |title=Let's Remember Dan Snyder's Six Flags Disaster |url=https://defector.com/lets-remember-dan-snyders-six-flags-disaster/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Defector |language=en}}</ref> During the 2006 season, Six Flags Great America celebrated its 30th anniversary. The classic Triple Play ride in Hometown Square was dismantled prior to the start of the season because [[Six Flags Over Texas]] had received a similar HUSS Troika that had been damaged during the hasty demolition of [[Six Flags AstroWorld]], and so a part was needed from the Great America ride for the ride to operate. Triple Play returned for 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Triple Play at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/six_flags_great_america/triple_play/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref>

{{Multiple images
| direction         = vertical
| total_width       = 220
| image1            = Six Flags Great America 2006 old sign.JPG
| caption2          = Great America's new I-94 sign erected in December 2006
| caption1          = Great America's original sign stood next to Interstate 94 for 30 years until it was replaced in 2006
| image2            = Six Flags Great America 2006 new sign.JPG
}}

Also in 2006, Six Flags announced it would replace its sign that sits along [[Interstate 94]] during the off season. The sign, which had been standing since the park opened in 1976, was replaced with a smaller one featuring an LED screen. The new sign went up within a week after the old one was taken down in December 2006, and uses the old sign's post.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}

2007 marked the introduction of the electronic Flash Pass [[virtual queue]] system to Six Flags parks, including Great America. For an additional fee, guests can purchase a Flash Pass and wait in line for a ride without actually standing in line. The system, themed after the [[Flash (comics)|DC Comics character]], replaced an existing punch card system that was used at the park.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Flash Pass |url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/tickets/flashpass.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718152217/http://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/tickets/flashpass.aspx |archive-date=July 18, 2007 |access-date=September 12, 2010 |publisher=Six Flags Entertainment Corporation}}</ref>

As part of the new focus on entertainment, Six Flags introduced a new stunt show, ''Operation SpyGirl'', in the Southwest Territory Amphitheater for the 2007 season. ''Operation SpyGirl'' was an original live-action production created by [[Joel Surnow]], co-creator of the Fox television series ''[[24 (TV series)|24]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Filas |first=Lee |date=November 10, 2006 |title=Viper, Demon, Bauer? |pages=110 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110609725/viper-demon-bauer/}}</ref> ''Operation SpyGirl'' debuted in May, and closed for the season in August. The show marked several new ventures for Six Flags, including pre-show entertainment in the waiting area, which set up the storyline that the evil archvillain Max Condor had stolen the "Super Viper Rocket" from the agency for which SpyGirl works{{snd}}as well as a merchandise cart outside selling "SpyGirl" themed merchandise. ''Operation SpyGirl'' did not return in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lake County men find glory, careers in Medieval Times castle |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-medieval-county-knight-st-0208-20160207-story.html |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=February 7, 2016 }}</ref><ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Wischnowsky |first=Dave |date=January 17, 2007 |title=Six Flags gives kids plenty of Wiggle room |pages=2 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110609523/six-flags-gives-kids-plenty-of-wiggle-ro/}}</ref> Other new shows introduced for the 2007 season were "Spirit of America" at the reflection pond in front of the Columbia Carousel, and "Show Stoppin'" in the Grand Music Hall.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 29, 2010 |title=Youth |pages=25 |work=Herald and Review |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110552486/youth/}}</ref>

The tented area in front of the American Eagle was converted into ''[[Wiggles World]]'' in 2007, a third children's area themed after the [[Wiggles]]. Wiggles World featured five new rides, Henry's Splash Fountain, the USS Feathersword Play Area, the Yummy Yummy Cafe and the Get Ready to Wiggle Stage show. American Eagle's entrance was relocated to the right of the tent, utilizing part of the entrance building for the adjacent Dare Devil Dive skycoaster, to accommodate the Wiggles area.<ref name=":16">{{cite web |date=2007-05-04 |title=Wiggles World at Six Flags Great America to Open Saturday |url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20070504_01.shtml |access-date=2022-08-15 |publisher=Ultimate Rollercoaster}}</ref>

Great America added [[The Dark Knight (Six Flags Great America)|The Dark Knight Coaster]] in 2008, an indoor [[Mack Rides|Mack]] wild mouse roller coaster themed after [[The Dark Knight|the film]] and located in Orleans Place. The ride is [[List of enclosed roller coasters|located indoors]], mostly in the dark, and has a storyline based around [[Batman]] and [[Joker (comics)|The Joker]]. The Theater Royale was converted into a queue building for the ride, which features a preshow starring [[Aaron Eckhart]], reprising his role as Harvey Dent from the film.<ref name="RCDB GAm">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Dark Knight|location=Six Flags Great America|rcdb_number=4046|access-date=2022-08-15}}</ref> Additionally, Splashwater Falls closed for the 2007 season early on, and was removed in March 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Worker killed in fall off Great America ride |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-03-12-0803110834-story.html |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=March 12, 2008 }}</ref> For 2009, Six Flags replaced Déjà Vu with Buccaneer Battle, a pirate-themed boat ride in County Fair designed by Mack Rides. The ride consists of 14 eight-passenger boats navigating a channel {{convert|450|ft|m}} long. During the ride, there are numerous interactive water elements that can be controlled by passersby.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-08 |title=Rumor – Popular Water Ride To Be Removed At Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20220808/32820/rumor-popular-water-ride-be-removed-six-flags-great-america |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Theme Park Tourist |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2010–2020: Breaking records ===
Six Flags officially emerged from bankruptcy protection on May 3, 2010, and announced plans to issue new stock on the New York Stock Exchange.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hals |first=Tom |title=Six Flags emerges from bankruptcy |publisher=Reuters |date=May 3, 2010 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0319739720100503|access-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref> Amid suspected disagreements regarding the future of the company with the board, Shapiro left the company and Al Weber Jr. was brought in as interim president and CEO.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seetharaman |first=Deepa |title=Six Flags abruptly names interim CEO; Shapiro out |publisher=Reuters |date=May 12, 2010 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1219047320100512 |access-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref> Six Flags announced that [[Jim Reid-Anderson]] would replace Weber and become chairman, president, and CEO on August 13, 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |title=James Reid-Anderson Named Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation |website=PR Newswire |date=August 13, 2010 |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/james-reid-anderson-named-chairman-president-and-chief-executive-officer-of-six-flags-entertainment-corporation-100615754.html |access-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref> In 2010, Great America acquired the [[Little Dipper (Six Flags Great America)|Little Dipper]], a "kiddie" wooden roller coaster that had previously operated at [[Kiddieland Amusement Park]] in [[Melrose Park, Illinois|Melrose Park]], a western suburb of Chicago, from 1950 until 2009. It was placed outside Bugs Bunny National Park and opened to the public on May 27, 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Filas |first=Lee |title=Kiddieland classic coaster finds new life at Great America |newspaper=Daily Herald |date=May 27, 2010 |url=http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=384041 |access-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref> The park also introduced the ''[[Glow in the Park Parade]]'', which was already featured at other Six Flags parks,<ref>{{cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Introduces "Glow In The Park" – A New Nighttime Parade |url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/info/News_Glow2010.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928034523/http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/info/News_Glow2010.aspx |archive-date=2009-09-28 |access-date=September 12, 2010 |publisher=Six Flags Entertainment Corporation}}</ref> and [[MagiQuest]] was added to the County Fair Games Gallery in place of the Wii Experience.<ref>{{cite web |title=MagiQuest |url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/tickets/magiquest.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828034231/https://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/tickets/magiquest.aspx |archive-date=August 28, 2010 |access-date=September 12, 2010 |publisher=Six Flags Entertainment Corporation}}</ref>
[[File:Former SSA Site- May 2010.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The former site of [[Space Shuttle America]] (May 2010) and site for Riptide Bay water park expansion]]

Space Shuttle America, the park's motion simulator ride that had been closed for two years, was removed during the 2010 season. On May 26, 2010, Great America filed a petition with the Village of Gurnee seeking to exceed the village's {{convert|125|ft|m|2}} height limit. Six Flags was considering installing [[Green Lantern (Six Flags Great Adventure)|Chang]], a roller coaster moved after the closure of Kentucky Kingdom, in place of the shuttle.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Filas |first1=Lee |title=Six Flags seeks OK for super-sized coaster |url=http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=388538 |access-date=8 December 2024 |work=Daily Herald |date=June 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824223339/http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=388538 |archive-date=August 24, 2010}}</ref> However, the park confirmed it was abandoning those plans in July 2010<ref>{{cite news |last1=Susnjara |first1=Bob |title=Six Flags pulls plans for new roller coaster |url=http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=393014 |access-date=8 December 2024 |work=Daily Herald |date=July 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813214050/http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=393014 |archive-date=August 13, 2010}}</ref> and that the space would instead be used for Riptide Bay, a {{convert|3|acre|m2 ft2|2|adj=on}} addition to the Hurricane Harbor water park.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Susnjara |first1=Bob |title=Great America plans to expand water park -- Daily Herald |url=http://prev.dailyherald.com/story/?id=405433 |access-date=8 December 2024 |work=Daily Herald |date=September 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110093351/http://prev.dailyherald.com/story/?id=405433 |archive-date=November 10, 2014}}</ref>

In late 2010, Six Flags began removing some licensed properties from concessions and attractions, with Wiggles World being renamed [[Kidzopolis]] and having Wiggles branding and theming removed for 2011. MagiQuest closed due to a lack of popularity and Great America Raceway, an original ride from 1976, was closed and removed.<ref>{{cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Brady |title=Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 25, 2010 |url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-six-flags-retheme-20101122,0,3267615.story |access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/rides/KidsRides.aspx|title=Kids Rides |access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref> At the end of the 2011 season, [[Apocalypse (Six Flags America)|Iron Wolf]] was closed and removed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.223595934344554.50439.120136621357153&saved#!/SFGreatAmerica/posts/10150252058661356|title=2k11 Best Six Flags Park |via=Facebook|access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref> It was relocated to [[Six Flags America]], rebranded as Apocalypse, before it was converted into a floorless roller coaster and renamed Firebird in the 2019 season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barron |first=Christina |date=2021-05-18 |title=Six Flags America previews its new coaster, Apocalypse |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/six-flags-america-previews-its-new-coaster-apocalypse/2012/05/17/gIQA1NDZYU_story.html |access-date=2022-09-28}}</ref> For 2012, the former sites of Splashwater Falls and the Great America Raceway in County Fair were taken over by a new [[Wing Coaster|wing coaster]] from Bolliger & Mabillard with 5 inversions, a 12-story drop and speeds of up to 55&nbsp;mph. [[X-Flight (Six Flags Great America)|X-Flight]] was the second roller coaster of its type in North America and the fourth in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last=Filas |first=Lee |title=X-Flight coming to Six Flags Great America |date=September 1, 2011 |newspaper=The Daily Herald |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/01/six-flags-great-america-t_n_945350.html |access-date=September 14, 2011}}</ref>

The Glow in the Park parade was replaced in 2013 with [[IgNight – Grand Finale]] to the park. IgNight was held in Hometown Square, in front of the Hometown Station. Six Flags announced that 2013 would be the "Season of Backwards" at Great America, with Batman: The Ride, Viper and the Blue Train on American Eagle all running backwards for some part of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/info/news_SeasonOfBackwards.aspx|title=Newsroom |access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref> At the end of the season, ''Ragin' Cajun'' closed and was relocated to Six Flags America in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ragin' Cajun |url=http://www.coastergallery.com/SF/Six_Flags_America105.html |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=www.coastergallery.com}}</ref> For 2014, the park received [[Goliath (Six Flags Great America)|Goliath]], a {{Convert|165|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} wooden roller coaster built by [[Rocky Mountain Construction]]. The ride broke world records for the steepest drop, fastest speed and longest drop on a wooden coaster, and was built on the plot of land where Iron Wolf formerly stood.<ref>{{cite web|title=Six Flags America's New for 2014|url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/|date=August 29, 2013|access-date=August 29, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901054320/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/|archive-date=September 1, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Three former kiddie rides were reinstalled in the all-new Hometown Park children's area in 2015, located in Hometown Square. That year, the park held the "40 Seasons of Thrills" celebration, a festival which celebrated the park's history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-28 |title=Remember when: Six Flags Great America gears up to celebrate 40 seasons of thrills |url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/remember-when-six-flags-great-america-gears-up-to-celebrate-40-seasons-of-thrills |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=FOX 6 Now Milwaukee |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Goliath at Six Flags Great America (14883548835).jpg|thumb|Main climb of Goliath|267x267px]]

In 2016, Great America introduced Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, a 4D interactive dark ride, alongside a new themed area: Metropolis Plaza. The area is themed after the city of Metropolis from DC Comics, and is located between Southwest Territory and County Fair.<ref name="Six Flags Great America announces new thrill ride to save the city of Metropolis">{{Cite press release |title=Six Flags Introduces Justice League: Battle for Metropolis |date=September 3, 2015 |publisher=Six Flags |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/new-2016/news-release |access-date=September 3, 2015}}</ref> Six Flags also announced plans to add [[virtual reality headset]]s to Raging Bull by the end of that season,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sixflags.com//greatamerica/attractions/vr/overview|title=Virtual Reality Coaster – Raging Bull {{!}}|website=sixflags.com|access-date=June 15, 2016}}</ref> but Demon received the VR headsets instead, creating a new 'Rage of the Gargoyles' ride experience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/vr/overview|title=Rage of the Gargoyles Virtual Reality|website=sixflags.com|access-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref> The Orbit, an original 1976 attraction, closed on August 6, 2016. At the end of the season, The Jester's Wild Ride was also removed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2016-10-26 |title=Six Flags Great America Fright Fest 2016 |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2016/10/26/six-flags-great-america-fright-fest-2016/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[The Joker (S&S Worldwide)|The Joker]], an S&S 4D Free Spin roller coaster, was added to Yankee Harbor for the 2017 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newfor2017.sixflags.com/greatamerica/|title=New For 2017|access-date=November 6, 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828071710/http://newfor2017.sixflags.com/greatamerica/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The park also announced that The Orbit would not return, and East River Crawler was relocated to the former site of The Orbit and its name returned to The Lobster, the original name for the ride.<ref name=":21" /> For the first month of the season, VR headsets were added to Giant Drop, which became the "Drop of Doom".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://abc7chicago.com/society/new-virtual-reality-ride-cooming-to-at-six-flags-great-america/1812891/|title=New virtual reality ride coming to at Six Flags Great America|date=March 22, 2017|access-date=December 20, 2017}}</ref>

[[Mardi Gras Hangover]], a [[Fire Ball|fire ball]] attraction, was added in 2018. The attraction is a {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} looping flat ride which at the time was the largest of its kind in the world. King Chaos closed on August 26, 2017, to make way for the new ride.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/08/31/worlds-largest-loop-coaster-six-flags-great-america/|title='Worlds Largest Loop Coaster' To Debut At Six Flags Great America In 2018|date=August 31, 2017|publisher=WBBM-TV|access-date=September 11, 2017}}</ref> On April 11, Six Flags Great America announced that Holiday in the Park would also debut at the park November 23, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Special Events at Six Flags Great America {{!}} Six Flags Great America|url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/events|access-date=2021-08-26|website=Six Flags}}</ref> On April 27, the park confirmed via their official Twitter account that Pictorium would be demolished to make way for new thrills.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=SFGreat_America |number=990006232487481348 |date=April 27, 2018 |title=Saying bye to an old friend, to make room for new thrills. ❤️👋 |access-date=2018-05-02}}</ref> The Pictorium was mainly used for a hypnotist show during Fright Fest and also hosted the "Screams and Dreams" series about the park's history. On August 30, 2018, the park announced that [[Maxx Force]] would open in 2019 replacing the Pictorium. It is manufactured by [[S&S Worldwide]], and is an air launch roller coaster that breaks three world records and features the fastest acceleration in North America.<ref name="Maxx Force – Tribune">{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-lns-great-america-announcement-st-0830-story.html|title=Faster and higher: Six Flags Great America touts plans for 'record-breaking' launch coaster|last=Moran|first=Dan|date=August 30, 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=August 31, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Maxx Force – CoasterCritic">{{cite web|url=http://www.coastercritic.com/2018/08/maxx-force-coming-six-flags-great-america-2019/|title='Maxx Force' coming to Six Flags Great America in 2019|date=August 30, 2018|publisher=Coaster Critic|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217173457/https://coastercritic.com/2018/08/maxx-force-coming-six-flags-great-america-2019/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 9, 2018, the Rockford Park District announced a potential lease agreement with Six Flags Great America for the park to operate [[Magic Waters]] (now Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford). On December 11, 2018, the lease deal was made official and Six Flags took control of the water park on April 1, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Set to Dive In to Magic Waters Waterpark |url=https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/blog-archive/six-flags-set-to-dive-in-to-magic-waters-waterpark |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Rockford Park District |language=en-US |archive-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024030718/https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/blog-archive/six-flags-set-to-dive-in-to-magic-waters-waterpark |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 2020–present: Transformation into family park ===
[[File:Thermal imaging at Six Flags Great America 2020.jpg|thumb|267x267px|Tents outside the entrance of the park used for thermal imaging, used throughout the 2020 and 2021 seasons.]]

In March 2020, the park announced the delay of the opening for the 2020 season due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], and was ordered to stay closed until the "Phase 5" of Illinois' phased re-opening plan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-27 |title=Six Flags Great America visitors can expect capacity control, extensive cleaning when amusement park reopens |url=https://abc7chicago.com/six-flags-chicago-great-america-gurnee-illinois/6215425/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Unveils Reopening Plan; Management Says It Could Open Safely Today |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/six-flags-great-america-stay-at-home-order-reopen/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=CBS News |date=May 26, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> The attached water park re-opened to the public on July 20, 2020, with safety protocols in place, using the name Hurricane Harbor Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-09 |title=Hurricane Harbor Chicago Announces Reopening Date, Changes |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/hurricane-harbor-chicago-announces-reopening-date-changes/2302425/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> Although the full re-opening of the park was deemed "unlikely" by the Lake County Health Department,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-13 |title=Six Flags Great America return in 2020 'unlikely,' health officials say |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/entlife/20201013/six-flags-great-america-return-in-2020-unlikely-health-officials-say |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> the park did open with Holiday in the Park Lights, a [[Christmas lights|holiday lights]] event, along with Holiday in the Park Lights Drive-Thru, a [[drive-through]] holiday event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veness |first=Susan and Simon |date=2020-10-16 |title=Six Flags Great America's 'Holiday in the Park Lights' returns as 'Holiday Light Experience' |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/six-flags-great-america-holiday-light-experience/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Attractions Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":19" />

On March 22, 2021, the connected Hurricane Harbor park, now officially named [[Hurricane Harbor Chicago]], was announced to become the 27th park in the Six Flags chain, becoming a separate park.<ref name="Announces Reopening">{{Cite web |date=2021-03-22 |title=Six Flags Announces Reopening of Six Flags Great America Parks |website=Businesswire |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210322005240/en/Six-Flags-Announces-Reopening-of-Six-Flags-Great-America-Parks |access-date=2021-03-22}}</ref> In the following month on April 24, 2021, the park reopened at 25% capacity under Illinois order, with safety protocols in place, including a [[computer reservation system]], [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|mask mandates]], [[Social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic|social distancing]], and [[Thermography|thermal imaging for temperature checks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luc |first=Karie Angell |date=April 26, 2021 |title=Six Flags Great America opens at COVID-reduced capacity. 'With the year we've had, this is just a welcome escape.' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-six-flags-opens-st-0427-20210426-cm7cxncjzrdjfj252ytluxwgni-story.html |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ison |first=Brandon |date=2021-03-19 |title=Six Flags Great America set to open April 24 for 2021 season |url=https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/six-flags-great-america-set-to-open-april-24-for-2021-season |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=WBBM Newsradio |language=en}}</ref> On May 13, 2021, Illinois state governor [[J. B. Pritzker]], with the park, announced that they would be giving away 50,000 admission tickets; an estimated total value of $4,000,000, for Illinois residents that have been newly vaccinated with the [[COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=D'Onofrio |first1=Jessica |last2=Schulte |first2=Sarah |date=2021-05-13 |title=Illinois announces free Six Flags tickets for newly vaccinated; 1,918 COVID-19 cases, 35 deaths |newspaper=Abc7 Chicago |url=https://abc7chicago.com/10626682/ |access-date=2021-05-14 |publisher=WLS-TV}}</ref> Expanded capacity started on May 14, 2021, with 60% capacity afterwards as part of the "Bridge" reopening plan.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Graham|first=Doug T.|date=March 18, 2021|title=Six Flags Great America announces April 24 opening|work=Daily Herald|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20210318/six-flags-great-america-announces-april-24-opening|access-date=March 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Illinois COVID Bridge Phase to Begin Friday, Pritzker Confirms |date=May 13, 2021 |publisher=WMAQ-TV |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-covid-bridge-phase-to-begin-friday-pritzker-confirms/2509522/ |access-date=2021-05-14}}</ref> The park opened at full capacity on June 11, 2021, and all mask mandates were dropped.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drabek |first=Paul B. |title=Six Flags Great America Theme Park |url=https://negative-g.com/six-flags-great-america/2021/june/six-flags-great-america-2021.htm |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=negative-g.com |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1403336334887079937|user=SFGreat_America|title=NEW: An update on our safety protocols.|author=Six Flags Great America|date=2021-06-11|access-date=2022-09-29}}</ref>[[File:DC Universe SFGAm.jpg|left|thumb|DC Universe's plaza area seen during soft opening of the area|200x200px]]On March 24, 2022, the park announced [[DC Universe (themed area)|DC Universe]], a [[DC Comics]] themed area. The area is a re-theme of Yankee Harbor. It would feature 3 "re-imagined" rides, The Flash: Vertical Velocity, a re-theme of Vertical Velocity, DC Super-Villains Swing, a re-theme of Whirligig and Aquaman Splashdown, a re-theme of Yankee Clipper.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Espana |first=Melissa |date=2022-03-24 |title=DC Universe coming to Six Flags Great America |url=https://wgntv.com/news/dc-universe-coming-to-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> Opening day of DC Universe was slated for April 15, 2022, when the park opened, but due to "excessive rain and supply chain issues," the area would open later in spring.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Erdenekhuyag |first=Enji |title=Six Flags Great America to Open This Weekend, But Debut of DC Universe Rides Delayed |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-to-debut-dc-universe-rides-this-weekend/2805286/ |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=[[NBC Chicago]] |date=April 12, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2022 |title=ACE – Western Great Lakes |url=https://www.facebook.com/102055614853837/posts/508672530858808/?d=n |access-date=April 13, 2022 |website=via Facebook}}</ref> DC Universe opened on April 23, 2022.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1614360539211399168|user=aceonlineorg|title=Recap & updates for @SFGreat_America during @ACEWGLR #NoCoasterCon – #RideWithACE|author=American Coaster Enthusiasts|date=January 14, 2023|access-date=January 15, 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Kinetic - Six Flags Great America.jpg|thumb|200x200px|A stunt and song performance at ''Kinetic'']]
Additionally, in 2022, the [[Stunt Show|stunt show]] ''Kinetic'' premiered on June 25, 2022, and ended on August 7, 2022, in the Grand Music Hall. Running for 30 minutes in total, ''Kinetic'' is set in an [[Urban area|urbanized]]-[[Skatepark|skate park]] setting and was produced and directed by entertainment manager David Major. The park had cast both local talent and entertainers from a New York entertainment group. Stunts during the show included [[BMX]], [[kick scooter]] and [[trampoline]] acts. Along with the stunts, ''Kinetic'' also featured song and dance performances and featured multiple instances of [[Fourth wall|audience interaction]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-10 |title=Six Flags unveils annual pass program, events lineup |url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/six-flags-annual-pass-events |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=FOX 6 Now Milwaukee |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Kinetic'' was in development since 2020, being the first summer production at the park since 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valadez |first=Eloise Marie |date=2022-08-04 |title='Kinetic' stars at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/theatre/kinetic-stars-at-six-flags-great-america/article_1d229e04-d738-5eff-9e18-ea96319ced60.html |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=NWI Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanchez Olsen |first=Yadira |date=2022-07-15 |title=Six Flags summer show features acrobats, stunts and music; 'I love ... bringing the audience to an immersive experience' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-six-flags-summer-show-st-0716-20220715-4grax4x7zjgllecmm4lsjvq2ea-story.html |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

In 2023, the park confirmed that Dare Devil Dive and Buccaneer Battle would be permanently closed, following removal from the park map.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=LeShock |first=Marcus |date=2023-04-21 |title=Six Flags Great America opening for 2023 season with park improvements and new events |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/six-flags-great-america-opening-for-2023-season-with-park-improvements-and-new-events/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> On August 30, 2023, the park announced that Sky Striker, a large [[pendulum ride]], would open in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swidler |first=Francie |date=2023-08-30 |title=The 'tallest pendulum thrill ride' in the Midwest is coming to Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-sky-striker-roller-coaster-opening-date/3217990/ |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> At the end of the 2023 season, the park announced that Revolution and Mardi Gras Hangover would be closed permanently.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-24 |title=Six Flags Great America closing two attractions, preparing for 'future expansion' |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/six-flags-great-america-closing-two-attractions-preparing-for-future-expansion/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> Both rides were subsequently bought and relocated to [[Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World]], where they remain in storage.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-02-08|title=Fans of Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World 🎢|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/2821620261436728/posts/3480369378895143/|access-date=2024-02-25|website=[[Facebook]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

On August 15, 2024, the park announced the construction of a B&M [[Dive Coaster]] on the former site of Buccaneer Battle for the 2025 season called [[Wrath of Rakshasa]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 | title=Six Flags Great America to build new roller coaster Wrath of Rakshasa with beyond vertical drop | url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/flags-great-america-gurnee-unveils-plans-new-roller-coaster-wrath-rakshasa-171-foot-beyond-vertical-drop/15188661/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> The new coaster will set records for steepest drop (96 degrees) and most inversions (five) on a dive coaster.

In early November 2024, it was announced that Six Flags Great America would receive a new kids area for the 2026 season.<ref>{{cite web | title=Six Flags Great America is getting a huge investment. Here's how the park will use it | website=NBC Chicago | date=November 14, 2024 | url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/six-flags-great-america-is-getting-a-huge-investment-heres-how-the-park-will-use-it/3601380/ | access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=Michael | title=Six Flags Great America receiving enhancements for 50th anniversary season in 2026, parent company announces | website=WGN-TV | date=November 14, 2024 | url=https://wgntv.com/business/six-flags-great-america-receiving-enhancements-for-50th-anniversary-season-in-2026-parent-company-announces/ | access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref>

==Areas and attractions==
{{See also|List of former Six Flags Great America attractions}}
{{OSM Location map
 | coord={{coord|42.36769840446294|-87.93414089675781}} | zoom=16
 | width=360 | height=400
 | caption=Themed areas within Six Flags Great America

 | label1 =Carousel Plaza
 | mark-coord1 ={{coord|42.36942754360675|-87.93534164393266}}
 | label-pos1 =top

 | label2 =Orleans Place
 | mark-coord2 ={{coord|42.37003228367836|-87.9342753220846}}
 | label-pos2 =top

 | label3 =Mardi Gras
 | mark-coord3 ={{coord|42.369347|-87.933169}}
 | label-pos3 =right

 | label4 =DC Universe
 | mark-coord4 ={{coord|42.368135|-87.93326}}
 | label-pos4 =top

 | label5 =Yukon Territory
 | mark-coord5 ={{coord|42.36717597776517|-87.93257209832231}}
 | label-pos5 =bottom

 | label6 =Camp Cartoon
 | mark-coord6 ={{coord|42.36713593027125|-87.93133479797012}}
 | label-pos6 =top

 | label7 =County Fair
 | mark-coord7 ={{coord|42.36633770592295|-87.93354146263589}}
 | label-pos7 =top

 | label8 =Hometown Square
 | mark-coord8 ={{coord|42.36855910418388|-87.93475420622141}}
 | label-pos8 =top

 | label9 =Kidzopolis
 | mark-coord9 ={{coord|42.36516117619783|-87.93233596573735}}
 | label-pos9 =top

 | label10 =Metropolis Plaza
 | mark-coord10 ={{coord|42.36552316457675|-87.93497695237151}}
 | label-pos10 =top

 | label11 =Southwest Territory
 | mark-coord11 ={{coord|42.366133533262854|-87.9362658264014}}
 | label-pos11 =top

 | label12 =Hometown Park
 | mark-coord12 ={{coord|42.36727156357599|-87.93443612949251}}
 | label-pos12 =top
 }}

The overall layout of Six Flags Great America has remained mostly unchanged from the original design that was created for Marriott. The park's designer, Randall Duell, followed the pattern of his trademark "Duell loop", creating a series of themed areas around a path which winds around the park circularly, allowing space for employees and maintenance workers to work out of sight of guests in the middle.<ref name="arcadia" />

When the park opened in 1976, it had five original areas:<ref name=":2" />
* Hometown Square, which resembled an American town in the 1920s.
* The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition and County Fair, which represented a [[Agricultural show|county fair]] in the 20th century.
* Yukon Territory, representing the Klondike Gold Rush.
* Yankee Harbor, representing a New England harbor.
* Orleans Place, which represented New Orleans in the 1850s.

Six Flags Great America, in total, features twelve themed areas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelleher |first=Suzanne Rowan |title=3 Injured In Drive-By Shooting At Six Flags Theme Park |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2022/08/15/drive-by-shooting-six-flags-theme-park/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> From the park's main entrance, entering into Carousel Plaza; proceeding counterclockwise, the themed areas are:
* Carousel Plaza, the entrance plaza to Six Flags Great America.<ref name=":40" />
* Hometown Square, representing an American town.<ref name=":2" />
* Hometown Park, a small kids area within Hometown Square featuring three original rides opening in 2015, placed near its former spot in 1976.<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2015-06-13 |title=Six Flags Great America 2015 Update |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2015/06/13/six-flags-great-america-2015-update/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* County Fair, originally The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition and County Fair, now shortened to County Fair.<ref name=":14" />
* [[Kidzopolis]], a themed area for kids (formerly [[The Wiggles|Wiggles]] World from 2007 to 2010).<ref name=":16" />
* [[Southwest Territory (Six Flags Great America)|Southwest Territory]], a themed area representing a Wild West town opening in 1996<ref name=":20" /> (a portion was cut off into Metropolis Plaza).
* Metropolis Plaza, a [[DC Comics]] themed mini-area representing the fictional DC Comics city [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], which holds Justice League: Battle for Metropolis (formerly Southwest Territory Amphitheater).<ref name=":42" />
* Yukon Territory, representing the Klondike Gold Rush.<ref name=":2" />
* Camp Cartoon, a cartoon-themed area for kids<ref name=":8" /> (formerly Camp [[Cartoon Network]] from 1990s to 2018).
* [[DC Universe (themed area)|DC Universe]], a DC Comics themed area<ref name=":1" /> (formerly Yankee Harbor from 1976 to 2021).
* Mardi Gras, formerly a section from Orleans Place, the area is themed to the [[Mardi Gras]] holiday.<ref name=":7" />
* Orleans Place, a Southern themed area closely based on the French Quarter<ref name=":2" /> (part of the section was broken into Mardi Gras).

===Carousel Plaza===
The front entrance area to the park. In addition to the rides, there are shops and food kiosks themed to the area.<ref name=":40" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|[[Columbia Carousel]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Columbia Carousel flowers 6FGrAmIL 2006 Jr.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Chance Rides]] <br /> (Double-decker carousel)
|At a height of {{cvt|100|ft}}, the carousel is the world's second-tallest, surpassed only by its twin, the ''Carousel Columbia''. The horses and other animals were furnished by Bradley & Kaye, based on reproduced antique molds.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Columbia Carousel |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/flatrides/columbia/columbia.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref>
|-
|[[Maxx Force]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Maxx Force Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2019
|[[S&S – Sansei Technologies|S&S]]
(Air-launch coaster)
|This triple-record breaking {{cvt|175|ft}} tall compressed air launch roller coaster from S&S features the world's tallest double inversion, fastest inversion ({{cvt|60|mph}}), and the fastest acceleration in North America (0-{{cvt|78|mph}} in under 2 seconds).
|Max
|<ref name="Maxx Force – CoasterCritic" /><ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Maxx Force|rcdb_number=16586|location=Six Flags Great America|url=https://rcdb.com/16586.htm|access-date=2022-10-07}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sky Trek Tower]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Great America - Chicago - USA.jpg|120px]]
|1977
|[[Intamin]] <br /> ([[gyro tower|Gyro]] 1200)
|The {{convert|330|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} tower is the tallest freestanding structure in [[Lake County, Illinois]], and carries riders to a height of {{convert|285|ft|m|abbr=on}}. On a clear day, [[Lake Michigan]] and the [[Chicago]] skyline can be seen from the top of the tower.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1977 |title=Up and away! The view is spectacular |pages=92 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109390545/sky-trek-tower-construction/ |access-date=2022-11-12}}</ref>
|}

===Orleans Place===
[[File:Bourbon Street Cafe - Six Flags Great America.jpg|thumb|Bourbon Street Cafe, a restaurant in Orleans Place]]
Orleans Place is themed around New Orleans in the late 1800s, specifically the historic French Quarter. The area opened as an original area in 1976, and part of the area was later divided into Mardi Gras in 2004, connecting thematically to the area.<ref name=":7" />

Rue Le Dodge is the last original ride from 1976 in the themed area. Other original attractions from the parks' opening placed in the area were removed, such as Gulf Coaster, a kids coaster placed in the area which is now occupied by Mardi Gras, which closed in 1977 due to multiple fires which plagued the ride.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Gulf Coaster |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/gulf-coaster/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>

Some other removed attractions would also include The Edge, which was removed in 1986,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=The Edge |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/the-edge/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> Traffique Jam and Orleans Orbit, which were both removed to make way for White Water Rampage.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Traffique Jam |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/traffique-jam/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> The latter was later moved to Hometown Square, before its removal in 2016 to make way for The Lobster, an original ride from Yankee Harbor.<ref name=":21" />

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|Condor 
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Condor at Great America 2005.jpg|120px]]
|1991
|[[HUSS Rides]]<br />([[Condor (ride)|Condor]])
|Opened in 1991, after being relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure, the ride rotates riders and alternates between fast and slow rotations. During Fright Fest, the ride is renamed “The Birds” and runs a different cycle where the arms stop spinning briefly at the top while the cars continue to spin.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Condor At Six Flags Great Adventure |url=https://www.greatadventurehistory.com/Condor.htm |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.greatadventurehistory.com}}</ref>
|-
|Rue Le Dodge
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Rue Le Dodge - Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px| ]]
|1976
|Soli<br />(Bumper Cars)
|A bumper car ride that features the world's largest bumper car floor.
|Moderate
|<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |title=Rue Le Dodge  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/rue-le-dodge |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[Superman: Ultimate Flight]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Superman Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Great America 12.jpg|120px]]
|2003
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
([[Flying Coaster]])
|Suspended beneath a steel track, riders experience banked turns, 2 inversions and sweeping drops at {{convert|60|mph|km/h}} while harnessed in a prone flying position. Built on the former site of Shockwave.
|Max
|<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Superman – Ultimate Flight|rcdb_number=1977}}</ref>
|-
|[[The Dark Knight Coaster]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:The Dark Knight Coaster entrance - Six Flags Great America.JPG|120px]]
|2008
|[[Mack Rides]]<br />(Wild Mouse)
|A [[Wild Mouse roller coaster|Wild Mouse]] coaster housed within a dark, enclosed building.
|Moderate
|<ref name="RCDB GAm" />
|}

===Mardi Gras===
[[File:Mardi Gras entrance - Six Flags Great America.jpg|thumb|The entrance to Mardi Gras from DC Universe]]
One of the park's newest themed areas, it opened in 2004, after being converted from part of Orleans Place. The area's theme comes from the Mardi Gras holiday and specifically the [[Mardi Gras in New Orleans|famous celebration]] of the holiday in New Orleans.<ref name=":7" />

When Mardi Gras opened, it featured four rides: Big Easy Balloons, a Zamperla "Balloon Race" attraction; King Chaos, a top spin attraction;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America To Say Goodbye To King Chaos For New 2018 Addition |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/six-flags-great-america-king-chaos-new-thrills/ |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=[[CBS News]] |date=August 22, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref> Jester's Wild Ride, a "Rockin' Tug" attraction;<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – The Jester's Wild Ride |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/flatrides/jesters/jesters.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref> and Roaring Rapids, an Intamin [[river rapids ride]] which originally opened in Orleans Place in 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roaring Rapids  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/roaring-rapids |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>

Changes for the area started in 2016 when the park announced The Joker. The original covered bridge used for entry to the former Yankee Harbor was moved to make way for the new attraction. Additionally, Jester's Wild Ride was removed for the attraction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2016-10-24 |title=Joker Construction at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2016/10/24/joker-construction-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref> The next change came the following year, in 2017, when King Chaos was announced to be closed to build [[Mardi Gras Hangover]], an attraction in which was the tallest Larson Loop in the world, although the park claimed it was the tallest "loop coaster."<ref name=":30">{{Cite web |title=Moran: Demise of King Chaos sparks forecasts for Great America's next big thing |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-moran-six-flags-great-america-new-ride-st-0823-20170822-story.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=August 22, 2017 }}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Villano |first=Matt |date=2022-05-25 |title=Six Flags debuts Mardi Gras Hangover ride |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/mardi-gras-hangover-six-flags-illinois/index.html |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> Mardi Gras Hangover was removed after the 2023 season.<ref name=":11" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|Big Easy Balloons
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Big Easy Balloons Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2004
|[[Zamperla]]<br />(Balloon Race)
|A twirling balloon ride.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big Easy Balloons {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/big-easy-balloons |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[Roaring Rapids]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Roaring Rapids Sign Great America.jpg|120px]]
|1984
|[[Intamin]]<br />([[River rapids ride]])
|Originally known as "White Water Rampage", this was Marriott's last major addition to the park before it was sold. The location formerly hosted Traffique Jam, an antique car ride until it was removed in 1983. The ride was closed for the 2021 season for re-tracking and renovation purposes, and reopened later in the 2022 season.
|Moderate
|<ref name=":24" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-08 |title=Rumor – Popular Water Ride To Be Removed At Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20220808/32820/rumor-popular-water-ride-be-removed-six-flags-great-america |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Theme Park Tourist |language=en}}</ref>
|}

===DC Universe===
{{See also|DC Universe (themed area)}}{{multiple image
| width             = 200
| image1            = DC Universe at Six Flags Great America.jpg
| image2            = DC Universe and Yukon Territory entrance.jpg
| footer            = 
| caption1          = The main entrance portal to DC Universe
| caption2          = The Yukon Territory entrance to DC Universe
| direction         = horizontal
}}

DC Universe opened as Yankee Harbor in 1976, a 19th-century New England themed town, closely based on Cape Cod. Yankee Harbor, throughout the year, had changed more than the other original themed areas, with the removal of multiple original attractions, and a focus on more DC Comics themed rides.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America – Part 2: The Original Lands. |url=https://www.themerica.org/blog/2019/04/22/six-flags-great-america-02 |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Themerica |date=April 22, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The area changed in 2022, when it became DC Universe, a DC Comics themed area. The area re-used attraction names from other Six Flags parks for the re-theme of some of the original non-DC themed rides.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America embraces the DC Universe; 'Superheroes are what get people excited right now' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-six-flags-new-ride-st-0528-20220526-5z3tm45ourdfvfj6s65bggi7eu-story.html |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=May 26, 2022 }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|Aquaman Splashdown
|{{N/A|}}[[File:AQUAMAN Splashdown (End) - Six Flags Great America, June 4, 2022.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]<br /> (Hydroflume)
|Original ride, themed after the superhero [[Aquaman]]. Water ride with twin flumes. Between 2001 and 2005, the park had a corporate sponsorship with [[Nestlé]] and the ride was temporarily renamed [[Ice Mountain (water)|Ice Mountain]] Splash. Formerly ''Yankee Clipper.''
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America embraces the DC Universe; 'Superheroes are what get people excited right now' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-six-flags-new-ride-st-0528-20220526-5z3tm45ourdfvfj6s65bggi7eu-story.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=May 26, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SFGAmWorld – Aquaman Splashdown |url=https://sfgamworld.com/rides/ride.php?recordID=38 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=SFGAmWorld}}</ref>
|- 
|[[Batman: The Ride]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America 1.jpg|120px]]
|1992
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]] <br /> ([[Inverted roller coaster|inverted looping coaster]])
|Themed after the superhero [[Batman]], this Ace Landmark Coaster is the world's first inverted, outside looping coaster. It features a drop height of {{convert|109|ft|m}}, a top speed of {{convert|50|mph|km/h}} and 5 inversions. Built on the former site of "Tidal Wave".
|Max
|<ref name=":2" /><ref name="SFGAm" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tidal Wave – Marriott's Great America |url=https://www.angelfire.com/oh4/tk173/tidalwave.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Angelfire}}</ref>
|-
|DC Super-Villains Swing
|{{N/A|}}[[File:DC Super Villains Swing Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Zierer]]<br />([[Swing ride|Wave Swinger]])
|Themed after many of the DC Comics super-villains, originally located in County Fair, it was moved to DC Universe (under Yankee Harbor) and then moved again within the area to make room for The Flash: Vertical Velocity (under Vertical Velocity). Riders rise higher and higher and the speed increases. As the chairs spin faster, they swing out to the sides in a full 360-degree orbit around the revolving centerpiece for a very wild ride. Formerly ''Whirligig.''
|Moderate
|<ref name=":39" /><ref name=":26">{{Cite web |title=New DC UNIVERSE Themed Area Coming to Six Flags Great America in 2022 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008000408/https://www.yahoo.com/now/dc-universe-themed-area-coming-150000723.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|[[The Flash: Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great America)|The Flash: Vertical Velocity]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:TFV2 Entrance Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2001
|[[Intamin]]<br />(launched steel suspended coaster)
|Themed after the superhero [[The Flash]]. Floorless coaches suspended beneath an overhead track traverse the track forward and in reverse. Launches riders 0-70&nbsp;mph in less than 4 seconds. Formerly ''V2: Vertical Velocity.''
|Max
|<ref name=":26" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/vertical-velocity |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[The Joker (S&S Worldwide)|The Joker]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Joker (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|2017
|[[S&S Worldwide]]
|Themed after the super-villain the [[Joker (character)|Joker]]. 4D "Free Spin" Roller Coaster, which took the former places of the East River Crawler and Jester's Wild Ride in Mardi Gras.
|Max
|<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":25" />
|}

===Yukon Territory===
{{multiple image
| width             = 200
| image1            = Yukon Territory - County Fair (Six Flags Great America).jpg
| image2            = DC - Yukon - Six Flags Great America.jpg
| footer            = 
| caption1          = The County Fair entrance to Yukon Territory
| caption2          = The DC Universe entrance to Yukon Territory
| direction         = horizontal
}}

This area is themed around the famous forests and mountains in northwest Canada, with references to logging, prospecting and [[gold panning]], specifically the [[Klondike Gold Rush]].<ref name=":14" />

Yukon Territory formerly held ''Bugs Bunny National Park'' that opened in 1998, but was fully replaced with Winner's Circle Go Karts, an upcharge attraction, in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winner's Circle Go Karts  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/winners-circle-go-karts |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref> Many buildings in the area that originally opened are now closed, and most props in the area have been removed.<ref name=":14" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|- 
|[[Little Dipper (Six Flags Great America)|Little Dipper]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Little Dipper May-2010.jpg|120px]]
|2010
|[[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]]<br />(wooden roller coaster)
|Built in 1950, this junior roller coaster has been honored with the "American Coaster Enthusiasts Coaster Classic" Award. This roller coaster was purchased by Six Flags Great America from [[Kiddieland Amusement Park]] in [[Melrose Park, Illinois]], in 2009. Six Flags Great America opened "Little Dipper" in 2010 as the park's 14th roller coaster.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=ACE Coaster Classic |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Classic |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=ACE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2016-12-05 |title=A-Z Coaster of the Week: Little Dipper at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2016/12/05/z-coaster-week-little-dipper-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Logger's Run
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Logger's Run (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]<br />([[Log flume (ride)|log flume]])
|Original ride. Water attraction with twin flumes.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-25 |title=Loggers Run |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/loggers-run/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Winner's Circle Go Karts
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Winner's Circle Go Karts 1.jpg|120px]]
|1999
|
|These go carts originally opened in 1999 in Carousel Plaza. The go karts were relocated to Yukon Territory in 2012. The ride requires an additional fee.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=SFGAmWorld : Carousel Plaza |url=https://www.sfgamworld.com/flatrides/Carousel_Plaza/index.php |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=SFGAmWorld}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Winner's Circle Go Karts  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/winners-circle-go-karts |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

====Camp Cartoon====
[[File:Camp Cartoon entrance - Six Flags Great America, 2022.jpg|thumb|The entrance portal to Camp Cartoon]]
This is a sub-section of Yukon Territory. It was known as ''Camp Cartoon Network'' when first added in 1998. Despite the former name, the rides were themed to [[Hanna-Barbera]] properties and not Cartoon Network ones.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Stacey Cara |date=1998-06-18 |title=Having a Looney Tune time |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110567282/having-a-looney-tune-time/}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|Crazy Bus
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Crazy Bus at Great America.jpg|133x133px]]
|1998
|[[Zamperla]] <br />(Crazy Bus)
| Formerly known as ''Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine'' (1998-2018). It was closed for the 2023 and 2024 seasons for refurbishment.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crazy Bus Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/scooby-doos-mystery-machine |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Sprocket Rockets
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Six Flags Great America 027.jpg|120px]]
|1998
|[[Vekoma]] <br /> (Junior roller coaster)
|{{Convert|27|ft|m|adj=on}} kids roller coaster. Formerly known as ''Spacely's Sprocket Rockets'' (1998-2018).
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sprocket Rockets (Gurnee, Illinois, United States) |url=https://rcdb.com/488.htm |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=rcdb.com}}</ref>
|-
|Yahoo River
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Yahoo River at Great America.jpg|133x133px]]
|1998
| Thiel<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yahoo River  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/yogis-yahoo-river |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|Water kiddie ride. Formerly known as ''Yogi's Yahoo River'' (1998-2018).
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yogi's Yahoo River at Six Flags Great America Reviews & Info |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/guides/six-flags-great-america/yogis-yahoo-river |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Theme Park Tourist |date=January 1998 |language=en}}</ref>
|}

===Metropolis Plaza===
The smallest themed area of the park, based on DC Comics characters. It replaced the Southwest Amphitheater in 2016.<ref name=":42">{{Cite news |last=DeVore |first=Sheryl |date=2016-06-02 |title=Great America breaks out Justice League |work=Sun-Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110653238/great-america-breaks-out-justice-league/}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|[[Justice League: Battle for Metropolis]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Justice League - Battle for Metropolis Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2016
|[[Sally Corporation]]
|An interactive 2D [[dark ride]].
|Moderate
|<ref name=":41">{{Cite web |title=Justice League: Battle for Metropolis {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/justice-league-battle-fore-metropolis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002024309/https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/justice-league-battle-fore-metropolis |archive-date=2022-10-02 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=Six Flags}}</ref>
|}

===County Fair===
[[File:County Fair entrance - Six Flags Great America.jpg|thumb|The entrance to County Fair|180x180px]]
''The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition at County Fair'', almost always known simply as County Fair, is an original themed area located in back of the park, and is the largest themed area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-01 |title=Six Flags Great America: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting – The Family Vacation Guide |url=https://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/illinois/six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.thefamilyvacationguide.com |language=en-US}}</ref> There are many shops, stalls and attractions set in a theme based on a rural [[county fair]]. The area also features a food court<ref>{{Cite web |title=County Fair Food Court at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/six_flags_great_america/county_fair_food_court/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> and a gallery of carnival games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cross |first=Robert |date=1976-05-16 |title=They're expecting more than 2.5 million of us to visit Yukon Territory, Yankee Harbor, and a neighborhood of New Orleans this summer – all outside Chicago |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110652824/county-fair/}}</ref>

Some former attractions located in County Fair includes Ameri-Go-Round, a smaller carousel which was replaced with Revolution in 2003,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-13 |title=Ameri-Go-Round |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/ameri-go-round/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> Barney Oldfield Speedway, a car attraction named after American racer [[Barney Oldfield]], which was later replaced with X-Flight,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-15 |title=Barney Oldfield Speedway |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/barney-oldfield-speedway/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> and the Sky Whirl, which was a triple-arm Ferris wheel, which was removed to make way for Déjà Vu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Sky Whirl |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/sky-whirl/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> Both Buccaneer Battle and Dare Devil Dive were marked as permanently closed in 2023.<ref name=":10" />

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|[[American Eagle (roller coaster)|American Eagle]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:American Eagle 01.JPG|120px]]
|1981
|[[Intamin]]<br />(wooden racing coaster)
|With a drop of {{cvt|147|ft}}, a top speed of {{cvt|66|mph}}, and a track length of {{convert|4,650|ft|km|abbr=on}}, the American Eagle has remained the tallest, fastest and longest racing roller coaster in the world since it opened in 1981. The coaster is renamed Black Widow during Fright Fest.
|Max
|<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=American Eagle|rcdb_number=9|location=Six Flags Great America}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |last=Krivsky |first=Andrew |date=2019-08-21 |title=REVIEW: American Eagle – Intamin Wooden Coaster at Six Flags Great America |url=https://limitlesspark.com/2019/08/21/review-american-eagle-intamin-wooden-coaster-at-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Limitless Park |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-21 |title=The American Eagle soars above Great America: part 7 of our look at the world's tallest roller coasters |url=https://parkvault.net/2021/02/21/the-american-eagle-soars-above-great-america-part-7-of-our-look-at-the-worlds-tallest-roller-coasters/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=ParkVault |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{Cite web |title=American Eagle {{!}} Thrill Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/american-eagle |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[Demon (roller coaster)|Demon]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Demon Roller Coaster.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Arrow Dynamics]] <br /> (looping coaster)
|Originally known as Turn of the Century when it opened with the park in 1976, two [[Roller coaster elements|vertical loops]] were added to the ride in 1980 in addition to its two clockwise [[Roller coaster elements|corkscrews]] and it was renamed and rethemed as Demon.
|Max
|<ref name="SFGA" />
|- 
|Fiddler's Fling
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Fiddler's Fling SFGAm.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|Anton Schwarzkopf<br />(Calypso 3)
|Original ride. Has 25 cars for a total capacity of 50 passengers, spinning riders in a swift speed. During Fright Fest, the ride had its name changed to Valhalla Fyre and also Fiddler’s Flung with the ride running a faster program. In 2024, the ride was named “fling of fear” during fright fest.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fiddler's Fling {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/fiddlers-fling |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[Goliath (Six Flags Great America)|Goliath]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Goliath at Six Flags Great America (14696979368).jpg|120px]]
|2014
|[[Rocky Mountain Construction]] <br /> (wooden roller coaster)
|Wooden roller coaster, built on the site formerly occupied by "Iron Wolf." Also currently holds the records for the tallest drop on a wooden roller coaster, and is currently the world's tallest, steepest, and fastest looping wooden roller coaster. Goliath was also the first roller coaster in the world to feature a [[zero-g stall]].
|Max
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goliath: Six Flags Great America – Roller Coasters America |url=https://sites.psu.edu/rollercoastersusa/2019/02/21/goliath-six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=sites.psu.edu}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=2015-05-03 |title=Six Flags Great America's Goliath earns 3 Guinness World Record titles |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-goliath-records-st-0504-20150503-story.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zero-g stall – Coasterpedia – The Roller Coaster and Flat Ride Wiki |url=https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Zero-g_stall |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=coasterpedia.net}}</ref>
|-
|Great America Scenic Railway
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Great America CF Station.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|Custom Fabricators, Inc.<br />(train)
|{{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} [[Narrow gauge railways|narrow gauge]] train ride around the park. Also has a station in the Hometown Square section of the park. The railway did not operate from 2019 until 2021 due to [[Maxx Force]] and [[Tsunami Surge]] construction.
|Mild
|<ref name="railway">{{cite web |title=Great America Parks • View topic – Santa Clara Train...where is it now? |url=http://www.greatamericaparks.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=158 |access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":31">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Great America Scenic Railway |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/scenic-railway/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{Cite tweet|number=1218568757771108355|user=marcusleshock|title=Construction began on Tsunami Surge a few weeks ago...|author=Marcus LeShock of [[WGN-TV]]|date=January 18, 2020|access-date=October 3, 2022}}</ref>
|-
|Sky Striker
|
|2024
|Zamperla (Giga Discovery)
|Large swinging pendulum ride reaching a height of {{convert|172|ft|m}} and speeds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h}}.
|Max
|<ref name=":11" />
<ref>{{Cite web |title=ALL NEW FOR 2024! Sky Striker |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/sky-striker |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref>
|-
|[[X-Flight (Six Flags Great America)|X-Flight]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Train going through the "Keyhole" on X-Flight at Six Flags Great America.jpg|120px]]
|2012
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]]<br />(wing coaster)
|Second [[Wing Coaster]] to be built in the United States. {{convert|3000|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=mid|-long}} twisted steel track, complete with intense drops, five inversions, a barrel roll, and a zero-g roll.
|Max
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Glenn |title=Construction Underway For Six Flags 'Wing Coaster' |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/construction-begins-for/1943063/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=NBC Chicago |date=January 31, 2012 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[Wrath of Rakshasa]]
|
|2025
|Bolliger & Mabillard (dive coaster)
|The steepest (96 degrees) dive roller coaster that reaches 180 feet (55 m), maximum speed of  67 (108 km/h), and features five [[Roller coaster inversion|inversions]], the most of any dive coaster. It also has the second demonic knot to appear on a roller coaster and an immelman, dive loop, and lastly, a zero g roll that is also an underflip. 
|Max
|
|}

====Kidzopolis====
{{See also|Kidzopolis}}
A children's-specific area of County Fair, located in front of the American Eagle entrance.<ref name=":33" /> Originally known as Wiggles World, the area was added for 2007.<ref name=":29" /> The Wiggles theming was removed after the 2010 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=reporter |first1=Brady MacDonald Brady MacDonald is a freelance |last2=Latimes.com |first2=Former Senior Producer for |date=2010-11-25 |title=Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-six-flags-retheme-20101122-story.html |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-  
|Bouncer
|{{N/A|}}
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]<br />(Jumpin' Star)
|Originally named Bouncin' With Wags, this ride shoots riders into the air and goes up and down multiple times.
|Mild
|<ref name=":34">{{Cite web |title=Get Your Wiggle on at Six Flags Travel Families.com |url=https://www.families.com/get-your-wiggle-on-at-six-flags |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=www.families.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bouncer Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/bouncer |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-  
|Krazy Kars
|{{N/A|}}
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]<br />(Convoy)
|Originally named Big Red Cars, this is a controlled car ride that concourses through track, themed to a [[road trip]].
|Mild
|<ref name=":34" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Krazy Kars Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/krazy-kars |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Krazy Kups
|{{N/A|}}
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]<br />(Mini Tea Cup)
|Originally named Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cups, this is a classic teacup ride.
|Mild
|<ref name=":34" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Krazy Kups Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/krazy-kups |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Up, Up & Away
|{{N/A|}}
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]<br />(Samba Tower)
|Originally named Yummy Yummy Fruit Salad, riders enter through fruit-themed cars and go up.
|Mild
|<ref name=":34" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Up, Up & Away  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/up-up-away |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|ZoomJets
|{{N/A|}}
|2007
|[[Zamperla]]<br />(Aero Top Jet)
|Originally named Big Red Planes, the ride is a controlled flying plane attraction.
|Mild
|<ref name=":34" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=ZoomJets  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/zoomjets |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

===Hometown Square===
[[File:Hometown Square - Six Flags Great America (overview).jpg|thumb|An overview of Hometown Square]]
One of the park's original areas, themed after a small midwestern town around the turn of the century. Guests walk through many shops and stalls and can ride many classic carnival-style rides.<ref name=":2" />

Whizzer, a Schwarzkopf spiral-lift coaster, is one of the last of its kind in the world. Hometown Square includes two [[Theater (structure)|show venues]] – the Grand Music Hall, an indoor theater, which at the park's opening, featured 1,600 seats,<ref name=":18" /> and the Hometown Square Stage, a stage on the Scenic Railway Station.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2022 |title=Six Flags Great America Park Map 2022 |url=https://static.sixflags.com/website/files/sfgam_park-map.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908021108/https://static.sixflags.com/website/files/sfgam_park-map.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=[[Six Flags]]}}</ref>

Attractions that once stood in Hometown Square includes Bottoms Up, a Chance Rides trabant ride which was an original ride near [[Demon]] before it was removed in 1983,<ref name="Bottoms Up">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Bottoms Up |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/bottoms-up/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref> and The Orbit. The Orbit was a [[Anton Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]] enterprise ride which was also an original ride, originally in Orleans Place, before it was moved into Hometown Square, replacing Bottoms Up.<ref name="Bottoms Up"/> The Orbit was removed in 2016 to make way for The Lobster, which was being moved from Yankee Harbor to make way for The Joker.<ref name=":21" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|Great America Scenic Railway
|{{N/A|[[File:Scenic Railway Station - Six Flags Great America, 2022.jpg|120px]]}}
|1976
|Custom Fabricators, Inc.<br />(Train)
|{{RailGauge|3ft}} narrow gauge train ride around the park. Also has a station in the County Fair section of the park. The railway did not operate from 2019 until 2021 due to [[Maxx Force]] and [[Tsunami Surge]] construction.
|Mild
|<ref name="railway" /><ref name=":31" /><ref name=":32" />
|-
|Hometown Fun Machine
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Hometown Fun Machine.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Eli Bridge]]<br />([[Twist (ride)|Scrambler]])
|Opened in 1976 as Saskatchewan Scrambler in Yukon Territory. Relocated to Hometown Square as Hometown Fun Machine in 1977. Spinning scrambler ride that follows the path of a star. The ride is renamed Reactor Core during Fright Fest.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=1976-08-13 |title=A fun-worshiper's guide to amusement parks |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110667298/saskatchewan-scrambler/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hometown Fun Machine {{!}} Family Ride {{!}} Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/hometown-fun-machine |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|The Lobster
|{{N/A|}}[[File:The Lobster SFGAm.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Anton Schwarzkopf]] (Monster III)
|Opened in 1976 as "The Lobster" in Yankee Harbor (now [[DC Universe (themed area)|DC Universe]]). Rethemed, renamed "East River Crawler" and repainted in 1992 to match the new Batman: The Ride. East River Crawler was removed for refurbishment for the 2012 season and returned to service in 2013. Moved to Hometown Square in 2017 and renamed The Lobster, replacing The Orbit. Prior to being relocated to Hometown Square, during Fright Fest, the ride was renamed Monster Mash and later East River Kraken.
|Max
|<ref name=":30" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite tweet|number=194568713381490689|user=SFGreat_America|title=@Jon_Grundl Yes, this is correct.  The East River Crawler will be down for the 2012 season for refurbishment<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. -->|date=23 April 2012}}</ref>
|-
|Triple Play
|{{N/A|}}
|1976
|[[HUSS Rides]]<br />([[Troika (ride)|Troika]])
|Original ride. As speed increases, all 21 cars turn in different directions. The arms start to rise up, lifting riders up on a 49º plane. The forceful arms twist around and around, pull inward, extend outward, and rise and fall dramatically as the cars continue to spin wildly.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America Ride Information – Triple Play |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/flatrides/tripleplay/tripleplay.html |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref>
|-
|[[Whizzer (roller coaster)|Whizzer]]
|[[File:Whizzer.jpg|120px]]
|1976
|[[Anton Schwarzkopf]]<br />(Speedracer)
|This classic ACE Coaster Landmark is one of the last "Speedracer" roller coaster models ever built. Originally named "Willard's Whizzer" after [[J. Willard Marriott]]. An electric motor begins pushing the car to the top of a {{convert|70|ft|m|adj=on}} spiral lift hill. At the top of the peak, the train disengages from the electric rail and gravity takes over, pushing the car around {{convert|3100|ft|m}} of twists, turns, and drops at {{convert|45|mph|km/h}}. During Fright Fest, the ride originally was renamed Swamp Thing before later being called Biohazard.
|Moderate
|<ref name=":28" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Whizzer |url=https://www.greatamericaparks.com/great-america-rides/whizzer/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Great America Parks |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Whizzer  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/whizzer |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

====Hometown Park====
This area is a sub-section of Hometown Square.<ref name=":33" /> This section previously existed from the park's opening in 1976 until the rides were removed after the 2001 season. In 2015, three of the original rides returned as part of the park's 40th season celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America restores 3 kids' rides in Hometown Park area (with video) |url=https://www.shawlocal.com/2015/06/10/six-flags-great-america-restores-3-kids-rides-in-hometown-park-area-with-video/avhrh1k/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Shaw Local |date=June 11, 2015 |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|Lady Bugs
|{{N/A|}}
|1976 (opened); 2015 (Re-opened)
|S.B Ramagosa (Kiddie Lady Bugs)
|Lady bug cars which goes around multiple times.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lady Bugs |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/lady-bugs |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-  
|Red Baron
|{{N/A|}}
|1976 (opened); 2015 (Re-opened)
|Chance (Kiddie Planes)
|Flying plane attraction.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red Baron |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/red-baron |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Tot's Livery
|{{N/A|}}
|1976 (opened); 2015 (Re-opened)
|Hampton (Kiddie Surrey Carriages)
|A carriage ride which goes around multiple times.
|Mild
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tot's Livery|url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/tots-livery |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

===Southwest Territory===
{{Main|Southwest Territory (Six Flags Great America)}}
Originally intended to be built in 1979 as The Great Southwest, the area, themed around an old [[Wild West]] town, was built in 1996.<ref name=":20" /> The area is outside of the park's loop, connected to both Hometown Square and County Fair.<ref name=":27" /> It also had the primary connection to Hurricane Harbor Chicago prior to the parks separating admission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor |url=https://northsidechicago.macaronikid.com/articles/60ff9b8ffe9d5533b1ff83f9/six-flags-great-america-and-hurricane-harbor |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Macaroni KID Chicago Northside |language=en}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Picture
!Year opened
!Manufacturer<br />(Model)
!Description
!Rating
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|Chubasco
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Southwest Territory Mission Building.jpg|120px]]
|1996
|[[Zamperla]]
|A spinning [[Teacups|teacup ride]], housed in a building based on a [[Spanish missions in the Americas|Spanish mission]].
|Moderate
|<ref name=":27" />
|-
|[[Giant Drop (Six Flags Great America)|Giant Drop]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Six Flags Great America drop tower.JPG|120px]]
|1997
|[[Intamin]] <br /> (Giant Drop/Multi Drop)
|A {{convert|227|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} drop tower, themed around an ore excavator at the "Loco Diablo mine”. During Fright Fest, the ride is renamed Giant Drop of Doom and runs a different program where ride vehicles drop randomly one at a time rather than all at once. 
Originally, it was set to be called ''"[[Wile E Coyote|Wile E. Coyote]]'s Giant Drop"''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Giant Drop at Six Flags Great America website |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/giant-drop |website=Giant Drop at Six Flags Great America website}}</ref>
|Max
|<ref name="Beyers 9"/>
|-
|[[Raging Bull (roller coaster)|Raging Bull]]
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Raging Bull (Six Flags Great America) 01.JPG|120px]]
|1999
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]] <br /> (Hypercoaster)
|The tallest roller coaster at Great America, with a drop height of {{cvt|208|ft}}, as well as top speeds of {{cvt|73|mph}}. It was advertised as the [[Hypercoaster|"world's first Hyper-Twister"]].
|Max
|<ref name="RB">{{cite web |title=Raging Bull |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/raging-bull |access-date=2019-09-09 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Westhoff |first=Jeffery |date=1999-05-28 |title=Reach for the Stars: Raging Bull coasts toward farthest horizons |pages=80 |work=Northwest Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110604804/reach-for-the-stars-raging-bull-coasts/ |access-date=2022-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Secor |first=John |date=1999-07-11 |title=Great expectations: Northern Illinois' Six Flags amusement park is ideal for family fun in the summer |pages=6 |work=The Daily Chronicle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110604804/reach-for-the-stars-raging-bull-coasts/ |access-date=2022-10-02}}</ref>
|- 
|Ricochet
|{{N/A|}}[[File:Ricochet (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|1977
|[[HUSS Rides]]
|A swinging ride painted with cow spots. Originally named Big Top and located in County Fair, the ride moved to the new Southwest Territory area in 1996 and its former location was replaced with Dare Devil Dive. During Fright Fest, the ride is renamed Ricoslay.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ricochet  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/ricochet |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|River Rocker
|{{N/A|}}[[File:River Rocker (Six Flags Great America) 1.jpg|120px]]
|1996
|[[Zamperla]]
|A swinging [[pirate ship (ride)|pirate ship]] ride. At full speed, the Canoe swings through a 180-degree arc, with riders experiencing both swinging and free-falling sensations throughout.
|Moderate
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=River Rocker  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/river-rocker |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Six Flags |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|[[Viper (Six Flags Great America)|Viper]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:Viper (Six Flags Great America).jpg|120px]]
|1995
|[[Six Flags]] <br /> (wooden coaster)
|Opened before the rest of the Southwest Territory area, Viper is the only rollercoaster ever constructed in-house by Six Flags. The ride is an identical mirror image of the [[Coney Island Cyclone]], like similar rides at other Six Flags parks.
|Max
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Lynn |date=1995-06-01 |title=Great America features new coaster |pages=11 |work=The Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109393014/great-america-features-new-coaster/ |access-date=2022-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mallham Jr. |first=Howell J. |date=1995-06-01 |title=Great America adds thrills |pages=130 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110603700/great-america-adds-thrills/ |access-date=2022-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Westhoff |first=Jefferey |date=1995-05-05 |title=Great America takes old-fashioned route for newest roller coaster |pages=43 |work=Northwest Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110603363/great-america-takes-old-fashioned-route/ |access-date=2022-10-02}}</ref>
|}

===Hurricane Harbor Chicago===
{{Main|Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago}}
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago is a {{Convert|20|acre|ha|adj=on}} water park located adjacent to Six Flags Great America that originally opened in 2005 under the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor naming. The water park features 25 water slides and attractions throughout the water park.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-27 |title=World's Tallest Water Coaster Tsunami Surge Makes a Splash at Hurricane Harbor Chicago |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210527005158/en/World%E2%80%99s-Tallest-Water-Coaster-Tsunami-Surge-Makes-a-Splash-at-Hurricane-Harbor-Chicago |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Business Wire |language=en |agency=(press release)}}</ref> On March 22, 2021, the water park was announced to be separately gated from the amusement park.<ref name="Announces Reopening" />

== Annual events ==

=== Fright Fest ===
{{Further|Six Flags Fright Fest}}
[[File:Manslaughter Manor - Six Flags Great America.jpg|alt=The Manslaughter Manor haunted house|left|thumb|240x240px|Manslaughter Manor is one of many haunted houses at Six Flags Great America.]]
On weekends in September and October, Six Flags Great America features its annual Halloween event "Fright Fest". The event started small in the early nineties and has expanded significantly since then. During the event the park is decorated into several different "Scare Zones" featuring haunted houses, frightening street characters, Halloween themed shows, as well as transformed rides.<ref>{{Cite news |first= |date=August 10, 2021 |title=It's back! Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest set to return |work=[[WGN-TV]] |url=https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/its-back-six-flags-great-americas-fright-fest-set-to-return/ |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> Fright Fest features haunted houses, which are usually an additional fee.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Swidler |first=Francie |title=Everything We Know About This Year's Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/everything-we-know-about-this-years-fright-fest-at-six-flags-great-america/2935572/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=NBC Chicago |date=September 9, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Some haunted houses include "Condemned," a haunted house introduced in 2021, based on an underground laboratory and "Bloodshed," which is based on an evil lumberjack. Some other haunted houses include Big Top Terror, Gates of Hell, the 13th Order and Manslaughter Manor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alleman |first=Annie |date=September 8, 2021 |title=Six Flags Great America Fright Fest returns for its 30th anniversary |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-ent-six-flags-fright-fest-st-0917-20210908-ab63uphc25h5lpc7o2z2gz65ea-story.html |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Many of the park's rides receive special theming and operate differently than usual. Chubasco, the park's teacup ride, is transformed into Terror Twister 2: A Turn for the Worse, in which the ride building is enclosed and a custom lighting design matched with a custom club style music mix is played.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review: Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest 2014 |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201410/4267/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> Condor, one of the park's flat rides, is renamed during the event as The Birds and The Pit and runs a different cycle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Park Information |url=http://sfgamworld.com/section.php?page=parkinfo |access-date=March 2, 2013 |website=SFGAmWorld}}</ref>

Fright Fest also features shows and performances throughout the park. ''Love at First Fright'' has been presented in the Grand Music Hall every year since the event's inception and follows the story of a couple on a dare to spend the night in a cemetery who get caught up in crazy antics when several classic Halloween creatures rise from the grave.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scalf |first=Abby |date=2003-10-11 |title=Halloween thrills and chills |pages=194 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110551243/halloween-thrils-and-chills/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> The show often plays to capacity audiences during the event, and it is known for changing the show each year to include various pop culture and newsworthy references.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Love at First Fright  |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/show/love-at-first-fright-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908020932/https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/show/love-at-first-fright-3 |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Six Flags Great America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Snyder |first=Liz |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Fright Fest is back at Six Flags Great America |work=Kenosha News |url=https://www.kenoshanews.com/fright-fest-is-back-at-six-flags-great-america/article_ea5b1497-556d-5641-a262-bf0a64f8191e.html |access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> The show has [[#Awards|won multiple awards]] from the [[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions]] for Best Overall Production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Anthony |date=2009-10-06 |title=Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200910/1453/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> Another show, ''The Ringmaster's Cabaret'', is described as a "freak show" which mixes in illusions with singing and dancing, and is also presented at the Grand Music Hall.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alleman |first=Annie |date=September 8, 2021 |title=Six Flags Great America Fright Fest returns for its 30th anniversary |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-ent-six-flags-fright-fest-st-0917-20210908-ab63uphc25h5lpc7o2z2gz65ea-story.html |access-date=September 8, 2022 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spooky Cabaret Shows |url=https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ringmasters-cabaret |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=TrendHunter.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Clark |first=Alex |title=Ranking the Six Flags Fright Fest Haunted Houses |url=https://www.lhsdoi.com/22860/opinion/ranking-the-six-flags-fright-fest-haunted-houses/ |access-date=2022-09-18}}</ref> Past shows include ''Susan Rosan''{{Snd}}featuring a hypnotist who performed in the event for many years until 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Performer: Obsessed fan has '22 guns, seven assault rifles' – Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada |url=https://www.lacsn.org/who-we-are/legal-aid-in-the-news/performer-obsessed-fan-has-22-guns-seven-assault-rifles |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=www.lacsn.org |language=en}}</ref> ''Mundaka'', a show held in the former Theatre Royale and ''The Damsel and the Warlock'', in the Snowshoe Saloon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1992-10-09 |title=What's Brewing at Great America? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110551139/attractions/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=Northwest Herald via Newspapers.com}}</ref>  For several years a third party called JPM Productions provided street characters and haunted house actors for the event.<ref>{{cite web |title=Halloween Production Services |url=http://www.jpmproductions.com/halloween.htm |access-date=March 2, 2013 |publisher=JPM Productions |archive-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806061847/http://www.jpmproductions.com/halloween.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> While the company was praised for its costumes and makeup, in 2010 Six Flags moved the entire production in-house for greater creative control.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohr |first=Loreen |date=September 27, 2011 |title=Auditions for Ghost Tours of Kemper Center set for Oct. 1 |url=https://journaltimes.com/auditions-for-ghost-tours-of-kemper-center-set-for-oct-1/article_0d52a1b2-e908-11e0-9d23-001cc4c002e0.html |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=Journal Times |language=en}}</ref>

=== Holiday in the Park ===
{{Further|Holiday in the Park}}
In 2015, Jim Reid-Anderson had teased the arrival of Holiday in the Park, a [[Christmas]]-oriented event. Anderson stated that Six Flags would "see if [Holiday in the Park] makes sense" at the park.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moran |first=Dan |date=2015-10-01 |title=From fright to frosty? |pages=1–12 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110552332/from-fright-to-frosty/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}</ref> A promotion for the announcement of Holiday in the Park started in April 2018, and was called the 4-1-1.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=983844061042937856|user=SFGreat_America|title=HEY! The 4-1-1 is coming!|author=Six Flags Great America}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=2018-04-11 |title=Six Flags Great America Announces Holiday in the Park Event |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2018/04/11/six-flags-great-america-announces-holiday-in-the-park/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref> The new event began on November 23, 2018, and ran weekends through December 23, 2018, and ran daily December 26 through December 31, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-11 |title=Six Flags to stay open until NYE this year |url=https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/six-flags-great-america-will-stay-open-until-new-years-eve-this-year |access-date=2021-08-26 |publisher=WTMJ-TV}}</ref> Holiday in the Park was developed and produced by RWS Entertainment Group, creating multiple light shows throughout the park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America |url=https://experiencerws.com/case-study/six-flags-great-america/ |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=RWS Entertainment Group |language=en-US |archive-date=October 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011002443/https://experiencerws.com/case-study/six-flags-great-america/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>[[File:Columbia Carousel Holiday in the Park.jpg|thumb|The Columbia Carousel was decorated with holiday lights during Holiday in the Park, and features the light show ''Elegance''.]]
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 at that time, rides could not operate.<ref name="reopen with Holiday in the Park Lights">{{Cite web |date=2020-10-15 |title=Six Flags Great America to reopen with Holiday in the Park Lights this November |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/six-flags-great-america-to-reopen-with-holiday-in-the-park-lights-this-november/ |access-date=2020-11-05 |publisher=WGN-TV}}</ref> In 2021, though, the park 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 for both the 2020 and 2021 season, operating weekdays, while the regular Holiday in the Park Lights event ran on weekends.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-09 |title=Six Flags Great America Announces Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2020/12/09/six-flags-great-america-announces-holiday-in-the-park-drive-thru/ |access-date=2020-12-09 |website=Coaster101}}</ref> The park removed Holiday in the Park from their event lineup for the 2022 season,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=John |date=2023-01-24 |title=Six Flags Great America sets April 22 opening date for 2023 season |url=https://www.themeparktribune.com/six-flags-great-america-sets-april-22-opening-date-for-2023-season/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Theme Park Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> and the park closed for the rest of winter.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 12, 2022 |title=Fire out at Six Flags Great America maintenance building |work=CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/fire-six-flags-great-america-maintenance-building/ |access-date=December 12, 2022}}</ref>

Holiday in the Park featured multiple shows, one of which were ''A Wonderland at the Grand,'' a holiday-themed musical held in the Grand Music Hall.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |title=Six Flags opens a winter wonderland |url=https://digitaledition.chicagotribune.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=218cdae5-2cf1-4066-8b79-e6fd4e1d6b84 |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=Chicago Tribune / Sun-Times}}</ref> During the 2020 season, the show was re-imagined as ''Wonderland'', and was held outdoors at the Hometown Square Stage. Other shows included ''The Holidays Bake Me Crazy'', a show based on baking for the holidays.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Holiday in the Park Lights at Six Flags Great America – Visit Lake County – Official Travel Site |url=http://www.visitlakecounty.org/holiday-in-the-park-lights |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=Visit Lake County, Illinois |language=english}}</ref> Holiday carolers named ''The MistleTones'' also walked around the park, singing holiday songs.<ref name=":13" /> One of the main features were the holiday lights. The light show ''Kalightoscope'' was held at Southwest Territory (also named ''Kalightoscope''), on both the Chubasco mission building and Giant Drop.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America opens 'the most thrilling holiday event in the entire Midwest' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-great-america-holiday-in-the-park-st-1122-story.html |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=November 21, 2018 }}</ref> ''Elegance'' was another light show and was shown on the Columbia Carousel. Over 2,500,000 lights were strung up each season on park buildings and trees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-15 |title=Six Flags Great America to reopen with Holiday in the Park Lights this November |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/six-flags-great-america-to-reopen-with-holiday-in-the-park-lights-this-november/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref>

The different themed areas of the park were renamed during the event and certain rides operated in the years the event was active.

<u><big>Elegance (Carousel Plaza)</big></u>
*Columbia Carousel (2018, 2019, and 2021)

<u><big>Jingle Bell Jazz (Front half of Orleans Place)</big></u>
* Rue Le Dodge (2018 and 2019). The ride was renamed Snowflake Lane with the addition of Christmas music and snowflakes projected on the floor.

<u><big>Snowman City (back half of Orleans Place)</big> </u>
* Superman: Ultimate Flight (2018 only)
* The Dark Knight Coaster (2018, 2019, and 2021)

<u><big>Merry Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras)</big></u>
* Mardi Gras Hangover (2019 only) [Now defunct]
* Big Easy Balloons (2019 and 2021)

<u><big>Jolly Lane (DC Universe)</big></u>

Note: The area was still Yankee Harbor from 2018-2021 but it had no holiday re-theme the first year the event took place. 
* The Flash: Vertical Velocity (2018 and 2019)
* Batman: The Ride (2018 and 2019)
* The Joker: Free Fly Coaster (2018 only)

<u><big>Home for the Holidays (Yukon Territory)</big></u>

Camp Cartoon: (2018 and 2019)
*Sprocket Rockets
*Crazy Bus

<u><big>Merry Market Place (front half of County Fair)</big></u>
*X-Flight (2018 and 2019)

<u><big>The North Pole (back half of County Fair)</big></u>

Kidzopolis (2021 only):
*Zoomjets
*Krazy Kups
*Bouncer
*Up Up & Away

<u><big>Kalightoscope (Southwest Territory and Metropolis Plaza combined)</big></u>
* Raging Bull (2018 and 2019)
* Justice League: Battle for Metropolis (2018, 2019, and 2021)
* River Rocker (2018 and 2019)
* Chubasco (2018, 2019, and 2021). The ride was renamed Peppermint Swirl. Similar to its Fright Fest overlay, Terror Twister 2, the building is boarded up and the ride ran in darkness with the addition of strobe lights and fog. Christmas music however played.

<u><big>Holiday Square (Hometown Square)</big></u>
*Lobster (2018, 2019, and 2021)
*Triple Play (2021 only)
*Hometown Fun Machine (2018 only)
Hometown Park (2018, 2019 and 2021):
*Red Baron
*Lady Bugs
*Tot's Livery

== Attendance ==

=== Marriott operation ===
Under operation of the [[Marriott Corporation]], Marriott had expected 2.5 million visitors for the 1976 season. The Marriott Corporation had also expected 25,000 to 30,000 guests to visit daily.<ref name=":6" /> Due to the close radius of [[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]], [[Rockford, Illinois]] and [[Milwaukee|Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], it was estimated that the park could draw 6 million to 7 million guests within the area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Frank |first=Mark D. |date=1980-07-05 |title=No rough ride at theme parks during the rescession |pages=24 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110952929/}}</ref> Marriott had closely reached its attendance goal of 2.5 million guests, with 2.35 million guests in 1976 and 2.4 million guests in the following year, 1977.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1977-06-15 |title=50 million head for theme parks |pages=5 |work=The Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110953342/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1978-06-11 |title=Great America booming in Gurnee, may expand |pages=312 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110953145/}}</ref> With the rising attendance of the amusement park, it had also affected the attendance of neighboring amusement parks, including [[Old Chicago]], in which guest numbers plummeted and later led to the closure of the shopping mall and amusement park in 1980 after the opening of Marriott's Great America.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |last2= |date=2013-08-13 |title=Classic photos: Old Chicago |url=http://galleries.apps.chicagotribune.com/chi-classic-photos-old-chicago-20130806/ |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

=== Six Flags operation ===
Under park policy, Six Flags Great America does not release attendance figures. However, the [[Themed Entertainment Association]] (TEA)  estimates attendance numbers for the amusement park.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-28 |title=Six Flags Great America back on track after pandemic lull, documents suggest |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20220228/six-flags-great-america-back-on-track-after-pandemic-lull-documents-suggest |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> The park reached 100 million overall guests in 2013.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J6Oi7w2Rys |title=#SFRewind - 1976 |date=2013-07-08 |last=Six Flags Great America |access-date=2025-06-28 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Year
!Attendance
(millions)
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|2006
|2.62
|<ref name="2006 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2007 |title=TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2006 |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2006_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|2.63
|<ref name="2007 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=TEA/ERA Attraction Attendance Report 2007 |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2007_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|2.67
|<ref name="2008 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2009 |title=Themed Entertainment Association/Economics Research Associates' Attraction Attendance Report 2008 |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2008_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|2.50
|<ref name="2009 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2010 |title=2009 Theme Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2009_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|2.70
|<ref name="2010 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=TEA/AECOM 2010 Theme Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2010_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2011–2015
|No data
|{{Efn|TEA did not report attendance figures from 2011 through 2015 because the park was not in the top 20 most attended North American parks those years.|group=note}}
|-
|2016
|2.95
|<ref name="2016 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=TEA/AECOM 2016 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|3.04
|<ref name="2017 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=TEA/AECOM 2017 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|3.11
|<ref name="2018 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Theme-Index-2018-5-1.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|3.17
|<ref name="2019 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=TEA/AECOM 2019 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2019.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|0
|{{Efn|The park was not open in 2020 due to the effects of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. This number does not account for Hurricane Harbor Chicago's attendance.|group=note}}<ref name="2020 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=TEA/AECOM 2020 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2021
|2.68
|<ref name="2021 attendance">{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=TEA/AECOM 2021 Theme Index and Museum Index |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2021.pdf |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=[[Themed Entertainment Association]]}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|2.54
|<ref name="2022 attendance">{{Cite web |title=Adobe Acrobat |url=https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:bcfc7503-92ff-3bfa-8938-93c321fe6008 |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=acrobat.adobe.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Events & News |url=https://www.teaconnect.org/tea-theme--museum-index.html |website=Themed Entertainment Association |access-date=24 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2023
|3.00
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theme Index Amusement Index 2023 |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf}}</ref>
|}

==Records and awards==
[[File:Maxx Force 2.jpg|thumb|Maxx Force holds three world records, including fastest acceleration in North America, fastest inversion, and tallest double inversion]]
[[File:Goliath at Six Flags Great America (14696982188).jpg|thumb|Goliath holds the world record for the fastest and the tallest drop on a wooden roller coaster.]]

=== Records ===
Multiple Six Flags Great America attractions broke records and first-of-its-kinds when it opened in various categories. The first of these were American Eagle, opening as the tallest, fastest and longest wooden [[Dual-tracked roller coaster#Racing roller coaster|racing roller coaster]] in the world when it opened in 1981.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /><ref name=":37" /> The next one was Shockwave, opening in 1988, which, at the time, was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, along with breaking the world record for [[List of roller coaster rankings#Inversion rankings|most inversions on a roller coaster]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America – Shockwave |url=http://www.coasterchild.com/oldrides/shockwave/shockwave.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=www.coasterchild.com}}</ref> Batman: The Ride opened in 1992 as the first inverted roller coaster in the world, which was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaster Tech: An Insider's look at inverted coasters |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201405/4014/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref>

Goliath claimed three [[Guinness World Records]] at its opening in 2014, as the steepest wooden roller coaster, longest drop on a wooden roller coaster and fastest{{Efn|[[Lightning Rod (roller coaster)|Lightning Rod]] had held the record of fastest wooden roller coaster from June 2016 until September 2020, before it was converted into a [[hybrid roller coaster]].<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Lightning Rod|location=Dollywood|rcdb_number=13369|access-date=October 3, 2022}}</ref>|group=note}} wooden roller coaster in the world; retaining the latter two.<ref name=":38" /> [[Mardi Gras Hangover]] opened to the public on May 25, 2018, as the tallest fire ball attraction in the world.<ref name=":17" /> The following year, Maxx Force opened with three record breakers with having the fastest acceleration in North America from 0 to {{Convert|78|mph|km/h}} in 1.8 seconds, fastest inversion ([[heartline roll]]) in the world at {{Convert|60|mph|km/h}} and tallest double inversion in the world at {{Convert|175|ft|m}}.<ref name="Maxx Force – CoasterCritic" />

=== Awards ===
Some of Six Flags Great America's roller coasters have appeared on ''[[Amusement Today]]''<nowiki/>'s annual [[Golden Ticket Awards]] multiple times, with the ride ranking the highest on the Golden Ticket Awards being Raging Bull placing 9th in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Golden Ticket Awards |url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/issuearchive/2005gta/2005gta.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019224730/http://www.goldenticketawards.com/issuearchive/2005gta/2005gta.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-19 |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=[[Amusement Today]]}}</ref> For American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) awards, three roller coasters at Six Flags Great America have been designated as [[American Coaster Enthusiasts#Coaster Landmark|Coaster Landmark]] status, an award reserved for rides of significance to [[amusement parks]]. The first of these were Batman: The Ride, which was awarded the Coaster Landmark status on June 20, 2005, for its significance as the first inverted roller coaster to open to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-01-07 |title=Coaster Awards |url=http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=45 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107232141/http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=45 |archive-date=2014-01-07 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts}}</ref> The next award was given to Whizzer on August 10, 2012, for the parks preservation of the attraction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaster Awards |url=http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=83 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107231851/http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/details.aspx?id=83 |archive-date=2014-01-07 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts}}</ref> It was then given to American Eagle on June 16, 2025, for being Intamin’s first wooden roller coaster and for being the tallest and fastest racing coaster in the world. It is one of two parks to have three ACE Landmark roller coasters, alongside [[Kennywood]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leshock |first=Marcus |date=June 16, 2025 |title=American Eagle officially named a roller coaster landmark at Six Flags Great America |url=https://wgntv.com/podcasts/coastin-the-country/american-eagle-officially-named-a-roller-coaster-landmark-at-six-flags-great-america |url-status=live |website=WGN News}}</ref> Additionally, Little Dipper was granted the [[American Coaster Enthusiasts#ACE Coaster Classics|ACE Coaster Classic]] award, an award for historic roller coasters that has been well maintained similarly to its original form.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaster Classic Awards – American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Classic |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=[[American Coaster Enthusiasts]]}}</ref>

The Fright Fest show ''Love at First Fright'' has won multiple International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) awards. In 2005, 2007 and 2008, the show won the IAAPA Big E! Award for "Best Overall Production: $25,000 or less." Additionally in 2008, the show ''Show Stoppin''' won the Big E! Award in the category "Best Overall Production: $25,001–50,000."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blooloop |date=2008-11-24 |title=IAAPA Announces 2008 Big E Award Winners Who Exemplify Excellence in Attractions Industry Entertainment |url=https://blooloop.com/uncategorised/news/iaapa-announces-2008-big-e-award-winners-who-exemplify-excellence-in-attractions-industry-entertainment/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Blooloop |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IAAPA 2005: Big-E Awards announced – CoasterBuzz |url=https://coasterbuzz.com/News/iaapa-2005-big-e-awards-announced |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=coasterbuzz.com}}</ref> In 2010, 2013 and 2014, ''Love at First Fright'' won the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards in the category "Best Overall Production: $50,001–100,000."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kleiman |first=Joe |date=2013-11-21 |title=2013 Brass Ring Awards Presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo |url=https://www.inparkmagazine.com/2013-brass-ring-awards-presented-at-iaapa-attractions-expo/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=InPark Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kleiman |first=Joe |date=2014-11-19 |title=2014 Brass Ring Awardees Named at IAAPA Attractions Expo |url=https://www.inparkmagazine.com/2014-brass-ring-awards/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=InPark Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-10-16 |title=Scott And Carol Present: Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America |url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2012/10/scott-and-carol-present-fright-fest-at.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref> On ''[[USA Today]]''<nowiki/>'s Readers' Choice Awards, Goliath ranked number 4 in the category "Best Roller Coasters in the Country" in 2018 and Maxx Force ranked number 8 in the category "Best New Amusement Park Attraction" the following year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-08 |title=The 10 best new theme park attractions, per readers |url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/10best/awards/2020/02/08/seaworld-six-flags-busch-gardens-best-new-theme-park-attractions/4591938002/ |access-date=2022-08-17 |website=[[USA Today]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-03 |title=Six Flags Parks and Coasters Voted the Best by USA Today Readers |url=https://businessviewmagazine.com/six-flags-parks-coasters-voted-best-usa-today-readers/ |access-date=2022-08-17 |website=Business View Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

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]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023–2024 |title=IAAPA Honors Awards 2023-2024 |url=https://iaapa-hosted-files.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Awards/2023+2024+IAAPA+Honors+Awards.pdf |access-date=2024-12-16}}</ref>

== Incidents and accidents ==
{{Main|Incidents at Six Flags parks#Six Flags Great America}}
There were multiple instances of incidents and accidents taking place at Six Flags Great America. The [[U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]] (CPSC) had revealed that in two separate instances, a total of 31 guests had been injured on Whizzer in an investigation in 1980. These injuries were not reported to CPSC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1980-08-29 |title=Commission Files Complaints Following Fatal Accidents On Amusement Park Rides |url=http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml80/80032.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815105458/http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml80/80032.html |archive-date=2007-08-15 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]]}}</ref> During a private event rented out by [[U.S. Steel]], Demon had stalled on a [[vertical loop]] on April 19, 1998, and had required an aerial fire apparatus to release stranded riders.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1998-04-19 |title=Roller coaster stuck in loop at Six Flags |work=The Telegraph-Herald |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JDpFAAAAIBAJ&dq=demon%20great-america&pg=6613%2C4120790}}</ref> A drive-by shooting occurred on August 14, 2022, injuring three people, which caused an evacuation of the entire park.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Amanda |last2=Wolfe |first2=Elizabeth |date=2022-08-15 |title=Three injured in shooting at Six Flags Great America in Illinois |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/14/us/six-flags-shooting-gurnee-illinois/index.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

As of May 4, 2023, five people have lost their lives in reported accidents at Six Flags Great America.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Legal |date=2023-04-11 |title=Deaths At Six Flags [2023] |url=https://www.thedoanlawfirm.com/deaths-at-six-flags/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=The Doan Law Firm |language=en-US}}</ref> Three of the deaths occurring at the theme park were determined to have been caused by pre-existing medical conditions or natural causes. One theme park employee suffered fatal injuries when he fell from Splashwater Falls during the ride's demolition in 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=Splashwater Falls (Six Flags Great America) – Coasterpedia – The Roller Coaster and Flat Ride Wiki |url=https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Splashwater_Falls_(Six_Flags_Great_America) |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=coasterpedia.net |language=en}}</ref> and a second employee was struck and killed by the Ragin' Cajun roller coaster the day after it first opened.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America worker dies weeks after being hit by ride – CoasterBuzz |url=https://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Topic/six-flags-great-america-worker-dies-weeks-after-being-hit-by-ride |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=coasterbuzz.com}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
In the late 1970s, two [[Television special|TV specials]] were produced to feature the Marriott theme park in Gurnee, Illinois, both produced by [[WLS-TV|WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago)]]. To celebrate the opening of Marriott's Great America (now Six Flags), ''Celebration At Great America'' first aired on July 2, 1976,<ref>{{cite news |title='Celebration at Great America' Premiere |page=50 |date=July 2, 1976 |website=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79897946/celebration-at-great-america-premiere/ |access-date=June 20, 2021 }}</ref> and again on August 21.<ref>{{cite news |title='Celebration at Great America' Repeat |website=Kenosha News |page=49 |date=August 21, 1976 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898065/celebration-at-great-america-repeat/ |access-date=June 20, 2021 }}</ref> The special starred [[Steve Edwards (talk show host)|Steve Edwards]] and [[Sandi Freeman]] of WLS-TV. Celebrity Guests included [[Mel Blanc]] as Bugs Bunny (and other Looney Tunes characters), [[Jo Anne Worley]], [[Forrest Tucker]], [[Jerry Stiller]], [[Roger Perry]] and the Cast Members of Great America. Although in poor quality, the special can be found on YouTube.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=The Opening of Great America in Gurnee Ill, 1976 |via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxCElyycAWA  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/KxCElyycAWA |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|access-date=April 24, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Another special, titled ''You're Never Too Old,'' first aired on September 8, 1979,<ref>{{cite news |title='You're Never Too Old' Premiere |website=Chicago Tribune |page=77 |date=September 8, 1979 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898366/youre-never-too-old-premiere/ |access-date=June 20, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='You're Never Too Old' Premiere Advertisement |date=September 8, 1979 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=67 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898319/youre-never-too-old-premiere-advertis/ |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> and again on April 26, 1980;<ref>{{cite news |title='You're Never Too Old' Repeat |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=19 |date=April 26, 1980 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79898452/youre-never-too-old-repeat/ |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> hosted by actress [[Lisa Hartman]].

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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-12 |title=1977 – Circus Home Movies – Marriott's Great America – Circus Arena – 1977 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cmd-4h_t4s |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=YouTube}}</ref> In 1994, Iron Wolf was featured in the movie ''[[Richie Rich (film)|Richie Rich]]'' and was showcased as a backyard coaster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Flags Great America's lost attractions |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-six-flags-great-america-roller-coasters-history-20150311-photogallery.html |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=September 27, 2017 }}</ref> On August 26, 2009, the park was featured on ''[[Dinner: Impossible]]'' where host [[Robert Irvine]] creates a meal for coaster enthusiasts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Raging Bull.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dinner: Impossible – Season 7 Ep 3 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/dinner-impossible/season-7/episode-3-amusement-park-adventure |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 12, 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upside Down Under |url=https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/insane-coaster-wars-world-domination/episodes/upside-down-under |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Travel Channel |language=en}}</ref> In that same year, the park was featured in the Hindi movie ''[[Dhoom: 3]].''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-09-10 |title=Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan enjoy roller-coaster ride |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/aamir-khan-abhishek-bachchan-enjoy-roller-coaster-ride/story-m6LhLQy3EMb8IoC7pNB0gL.html |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> In July 2015, [[BTS]] filmed an episode of their variety show [[Run BTS]] in the park and the members rode various rides during their time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run BTS! 2015 EP.3 - 놀이공원 |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=do0jqiIJ3lPT3CEi&v=HMG7jim0Bqc&feature=youtu.be |website=Youtube| date=December 21, 2022 }}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group=note}}
;References
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=Steven W |title=Six Flags Great America (Images of Modern America) |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |year=2017 |isbn=978-1540226020}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Chicago|Illinois
}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Six Flags Great America}}
* {{Official website|https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica}}
* {{RCDB|4530}}

{{Six Flags}}
{{Six Flags Great America rides}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Six Flags Great America| ]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Illinois]]
[[Category:Six Flags amusement parks|Great America]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:Gurnee, Illinois]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1976]]