July 13th, 2026
- Six Flags Great America opened for operation on May 29, 1976, originally as Marriott’s Great America. It was later aquired by Six Flags in 1984 and renamed to Six Flags Great America. This year, 2026, marked their 50th year in operation and they held a summer long celebration that I was able to partake in on July 13th, 2026.
- In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Six Flags Great America offered a commemorative brick program. Because the park has played such an important role in my life and my love of roller coasters, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to purchase one and leave a small, permanent piece of my own history there.
- During the summer event, Six Flags Great America hosted a Legacy Museum celebrating the park’s 50-year history, featuring old logos, uniforms, photographs, and other memorabilia from throughout the years.
- One display that really stood out to me was the section dedicated to Iron Wolf, the first roller coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) in 1990. It was a stand-up coaster with a mixed reputation, but it remained a favorite among many enthusiasts, myself included, until it was decommissioned in 2011.
Below are blueprint sections of American Eagle, a wooden racing coaster built by Intamin in 1981. At the time of its opening, it set several records and continues to hold some of them today.
Below are a few photos I captured around twilight, showcasing some great coasters in the Southwest Territory against the evening sky. What I really like about these shots is the mix of both old and new attractions. In my opinion, Six Flags Great America has one of the best coaster skylines around.
- Left Photo- Inital drop on Raging Bull, features that signature B&M pre-drop.
- Center Photo- from left to right. Viper, Raging bull, and Maxx Force.
- Right Photo- from left to right. Maxx Force, Demon (black coaster), Wrath of Rakshasa (Blue w/ yellow supports).
Six Flags Great America closed out its summer nights with a Nighttime Spectacular featuring a drone and fireworks show, live performances, and a parade. The celebration honored the park’s first 50 years while looking ahead to the next 50, making it a fitting tribute to the generations of guests who have made the park special.
