Six Flags Great America
A premier amusement park in Illinois, featuring over 100 rides, including a world-class collection of thrilling roller coasters and family attractions...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Six Flags Great America
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier amusement park in Illinois, featuring over 100 rides, including a world-class collection of thrilling roller coasters and family attractions.
"Great park with GREAT coasters. All employees were super nice and friendly!"
🎯 Unlimited Dining Pass
Seriously worth it! Eat and drink all day for one price. Keep track of your 90-min intervals.
📱 Download the App
Check wait times, show schedules, and park map. Essential for planning your day!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Goliath
American Eagle section
A thrilling steel hypercoaster offering intense drops and high speeds. A must-ride for coaster enthusiasts!
The Joker
County Fair section
Experience a unique 4D free-fly coaster with inversions and thrilling spins. Prepare for a wild ride!
X-Flight
County Fair section
Soar through the air on this wing coaster, featuring inversions and a unique flight experience. It even passes through an airplane control tower!
Raging Bull
County Fair section
This hyper-twister coaster delivers impressive airtime and a smooth ride. A classic thrill at the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Budgeting for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Unlimited Dining Pass
Seriously worth it! Eat and drink all day for one price. Keep track of your 90-min intervals. +1
📱 Download the App
Check wait times, show schedules, and park map. Essential for planning your day!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Prioritize comfort for a full day of fun.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle or get the drink pass. Illinois summers can be hot!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Unlimited Dining Pass
Seriously worth it! Eat and drink all day for one price. Keep track of your 90-min intervals. +1
📱 Download the App
Check wait times, show schedules, and park map. Essential for planning your day!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Prioritize comfort for a full day of fun.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle or get the drink pass. Illinois summers can be hot!
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing tickets and season passes in advance.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider parking further away if the main lots are full; it might be a longer walk but can save time.
🎢 Flash Pass
If your budget allows, a Flash Pass significantly reduces wait times, especially on busy days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally have a positive experience at Six Flags Great America, praising its thrilling coasters and nostalgic atmosphere. Many highlight the value of the unlimited dining pass and the convenience of the park's layout. However, some note that food and drink prices can be high, and occasional issues with ticketing or ride operations can occur.
"Great time with family and new friends! I didn't stay all day or go on all the rides, but I enjoyed my time walking around, spending time with family and was pretty surprised that there weren't more people when I was there... 😁👍 It was pretty clean and brought back some good memories from when I was younger and enjoying the park that's in California. Might have to take my son to the Florida location in the near future."
Benjamin Mois
"This was my first time visiting the park in at least 20 years but as soon as I walked in I felt the nostalgia and all of the memories of those prior visits when my mom would take my brothers and I. This was my first time taking my own kids so I was super excited to create some new memories.
The park was smaller than I remembered, but that turned out to be a good thing. Our hotel was directly across the street so we were able to get there almost right at opening time. We were able to ride all of the coasters that we wanted to, aside from the 2 that were closed. I mentioned the size of the park because we're used to going to Cedar Point, which is larger than Great America, which means more area to cover, which means faster fatigue. At Great America, I felt comfortable walking around the park all day and the rides were placed in a manner that seemed like you can get to the other side of the park in a few minutes.
We went on a Saturday in July and the wait times were reasonable. The longest wait time for the most popular rides were listed as 60 minutes on the app, but it wasn't always accurate. We ordered all of our tickets, extras, and parking ahead of time through the website and the app. If you can, spring for the unlimited dining pass. Generally, two people can split a meal or snack every 90 minutes with drink refills every 15 minutes. We ate good and stayed hydrated. I definitely recommend that option.
I had a wonderful time and if you plan it out properly, you will too. I look forward to my next visit."
deluise krueger
"I’ve been to a lot of fall and Halloween events, but this place really knows how to put on a show. From the second you walk through the gates, the atmosphere grabs you — fog rolling across the walkways, creepy music echoing through the park, and costumed scare actors lurking in just the right spots to make you jump when you least expect it.
The haunted houses were well-designed and full of great special effects. Each one had its own personality — from eerie asylum vibes to full-blown zombie chaos. The makeup and costumes on the actors were impressive; you can tell the staff puts serious effort into making each scene believable and spine-tingling. Even walking around between rides, the themed zones kept the energy high. There’s something thrilling about riding a roller coaster at night with flashing lights and the sound of screams in the background!
I also appreciated that the event felt organized despite the huge crowds. The park staff kept things moving, and most of the lines moved faster than expected for a big Halloween weekend. Security was visible but friendly, and I noticed plenty of sanitation and rest areas, which made a long night more enjoyable.
That said, the food and drink prices were outrageous .We’re talking $15+ for a burger and fries, $6-$8 for bottled water or soda, and desserts that cost almost as much as a meal. I completely understand that theme parks mark up their food, but this felt excessive even by those standards. My advice: grab a meal before you go or plan for a splurge if you want to snack inside.
Still, overall, Fright Fest is a must-see if you love Halloween thrills. The park goes all-in with its decorations, live shows, and creepy characters. Between the haunted mazes, the night rides, and the electric atmosphere, it’s worth the trip — just pack your own food and water.
🎃 9/10 for scares"
Cyndi Martz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Six Flags Great America is located in Gurnee, IL, about an hour north of Chicago. You can drive, which is the most common method, or take public transportation. Metra's Union Pacific North Line goes to the area, but you'll likely need a taxi or rideshare from the nearest station to the park.
Yes, Six Flags Great America offers ample parking. However, parking fees can be substantial, and on busy days, you might need to park in overflow lots further from the entrance, requiring a shuttle or a longer walk.
Several hotels are located very close to the park in Gurnee, IL, making it convenient for early entry or late departures. Popular options include Great Wolf Lodge, Holiday Inn, and other chain hotels.
While direct public transport is limited, you can take the Metra UP-N line to the Fox Lake station and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare to the park. Driving is generally more convenient.
Absolutely! Six Flags Great America is easily accessible by car via I-94. The park is located at 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Six Flags Great America tickets online through the official Six Flags website for the best prices and to avoid lines at the gate. Tickets are also available at the park entrance, but may be more expensive.
Look for online deals, especially if purchasing in advance or as part of a package. Season passes can also offer great value if you plan to visit multiple times.
A Flash Pass is an add-on that allows you to skip the regular lines on many rides. It comes in different tiers and can be expensive, but it's highly recommended for busy days to maximize ride time.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted, except for small snacks for infants or those with dietary restrictions. The park offers various dining options, and the unlimited dining pass is a popular choice.
Park hours vary seasonally and by day of the week. It's best to check the official Six Flags Great America website for the most up-to-date operating hours for your planned visit date.
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
Top coasters include Goliath, Raging Bull, X-Flight, and The Joker. For 2025, the new dive coaster Wrath of Rakshasa is highly anticipated. 
Yes, Six Flags Great America has several areas and rides designed for younger guests, including Kidz-A-Round and other family-friendly attractions.
Hurricane Harbor is the adjacent water park at Six Flags Great America, offering water slides, a wave pool, and lazy river. It typically requires a separate ticket or a park hopper pass.
Many visitors rave about the park's flat rides, with The Joker being a standout for its unique 4D experience. Other popular options offer thrilling spins and drops.
Yes, the park hosts seasonal events like Fright Fest in the fall, which transforms the park with haunted attractions and spooky entertainment. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many visitors find the unlimited dining pass to be a great value, allowing for multiple meals and snacks throughout the day, plus drink refills. It's recommended to plan your meals to maximize its use.
The park offers typical amusement park fare, including burgers, pizza, hot dogs, and snacks. You can also find specialty items like turkey legs.
While options can be limited, you can usually find some vegetarian choices like salads or fries. It's advisable to check with individual food stands for specific dietary accommodations.
Food and drink prices at Six Flags Great America can be on the higher side, which is why the dining pass is often recommended. Individual meals can range from $15-$25.
Yes, you can bring an empty, reusable water bottle. There are water fountains throughout the park where you can refill it for free.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic coasters like Goliath, Raging Bull, and X-Flight offer dramatic backdrops. The unique theming of rides like The Joker also makes for great shots.
Higher vantage points on certain rides or elevated walkways can offer good views of the park's layout and skyline. The Ferris wheel, if operational, also provides great views.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. Night rides on coasters can also provide unique photographic opportunities with the park lights.
Most parks, including Six Flags Great America, prohibit the use of phones and cameras on roller coasters for safety reasons. Check specific ride rules.
The airplane control tower that X-Flight passes through is a unique element. Also, keep an eye out for themed areas and character meet-and-greets for fun photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park is known for its intense rides, don't overlook the Hurricane Harbor water park for a fun way to cool off and entertain kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
🎢 Thrill Seekers
+4 Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated Wrath of Rakshasa opening in 2025. +1 Consider investing in a Flash Pass to minimize wait times and maximize your coaster count, especially if visiting on a busy day. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Coasters
+4Raging Bull is another fan favorite, a classic hypercoaster known for its smooth ride and significant airtime, making it a must-ride for many. The park is also set to introduce Wrath of Rakshasa in 2025, a record-breaking dive coaster that promises even more extreme thrills.
+3 With a variety of steel and wooden coasters, Six Flags Great America consistently ranks high for coaster enthusiasts. When planning your visit, consider using a Flash Pass if your budget allows, as it can significantly reduce wait times for these popular rides, especially on weekends or during peak season. Arriving early and heading straight to the most in-demand coasters is also a smart strategy to experience more rides with less waiting.
Beyond the Coasters: Other Attractions
The park also has areas and rides specifically designed for younger guests, ensuring that families with children can have a fun-filled day. These include gentler rides and themed zones.
Even if you're not a hardcore coaster fan, the park's atmosphere, live entertainment, and diverse dining options can make for an enjoyable day. Walking around and soaking in the park's energy is part of the experience, and many visitors find the park to be well-maintained and nostalgic.
Navigating Food and Budget
Beyond the dining pass, consider bringing an empty reusable water bottle. There are water fountains located throughout the park where you can refill it for free, helping you stay hydrated without constant purchases.
When it comes to tickets, purchasing them online in advance is almost always the most cost-effective option. Look for deals and promotions, especially if you're planning a visit during the off-peak season or considering a season pass for multiple visits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit