Categories: Chicago Architecture
Six Flags Great America
Author: Rachel Azark
If the city isn't thrilling enough for you, get your vocal cords ready to scream and head out to Six Flags Great America located in Gurnee, Illinois. They host over 75 rides and attractions including 13 exhilarating roller coasters. Their newest section is Hurricane Harbor, a water park with 10 different pools, slides, and water attractions – a perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
Six Flags Great America
If you're ready to scream, then ride some of the world's record-breaking roller coasters. Start at American Eagle, the oldest wooden roller coaster at the park, and fly at 66 mph on side-by-side tracks. The American Eagle still holds records as being the fastest, longest, and largest drop on any racing wooden roller coaster.
If you want the experience of flying like a superhero try the Superman – Ultimate flight, a roller coaster that tips you over so you lie face-down and soar into a twisted steel track and a pretzel-shaped inverted loop. If you want to try the one of the faster roller coasters at the park, go to Vertical Velocity, a U-shaped track with a spiral first tower and a brake on the second tower to “hold” the train for a moment before dropping. You'll be going 70 mph in less than four seconds. Hang on!
Perhaps you want to take a break from the heart-stopping twists and turns. King Chaos, a moderate level ride, is an “intense rolling adventure” that flips you head over heels in a large swing-like structure. The Whirligig was inspired by one of history's first rides, and is a big carousel with swings hanging down that spins the riders around. A mild option for the whole family is the Scenic Railway, Great America's very own railroad that makes a mile-long trip around the park in 15 minutes. It's a nice way to see the whole park. Make sure to ride the most popular rides in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid any extremely long lines.
Hurricane Harbor Waterpark
If you're ready to get wet and wild, grab your bathing suit and sunscreen and head on over to the newest addition to the park, Hurricane Harbor, where you'll find fun for the whole family. If you have little ones in your group you can head to Buccaneer Bay where there are bubbling fountains, spray jets, tipping buckets, and a zero-depth Buccaneer Bay . If you're letting your heart rate slow down from riding roller coasters all day, you can head to Hurricane Mountain to take an inner tube through a wide open course on their four-story mountain or walk over to Skull Island, which at 100,000 square feet, is the largest interactive water playground in the world.
Perhaps you're still seeking thrills, in which case you'll want to take a trip down Paradise Plunge and Riptide, sky scraping towers of water slides that shoot you into the pool at speeds up to 40 miles an hour. Or ride down Tornado, a family friendly slide that stands six stories high. If you're looking for a Midwest ocean experience go to Hurricane Bay , a gigantic, half-million gallon wave pool that dips you in gentle swells and crashing surf.
Hours
Sunday-Saturday
Park open: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hurricane Harbor: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Starting July 2nd:
Park is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hurricane Harbor : 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Starting August 20th:
Park: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hurricane Harbor : Noon to 6 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets at the park: $54.99
Tickets online: $44.99
Children under 54”: $34.99
3 and under: Free
Hurricane Harbor is included free with admission prices.
847-249-INFO (4636)
www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica
Check out places of interest near Six Flags Great America:
Carlucci
1801 Butterfield Rd.,
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. There are two Chicago locations: Downers Grove and Rosemont. Fresh, plentiful Italian cuisine, comfortable atmosphere, and gracious service remind one of an evening at home with family and friends.
Carlucci
6111 N. River Rd.,
Rosemont, IL 60018
Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. There are two Chicago locations: Downers Grove and Rosemont. Fresh, plentiful Italian cuisine, comfortable atmosphere, and gracious service remind one of an evening at home with family and friends.
Navy Pier
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Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd.,
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A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.
