Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America which includes rides
Six Flags Great America showing rides as well as a large group of people
Six Flags Great America which includes rides
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America featuring rides


Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Locals and visitors come to Six Flags Great America to escape the heat during Milwaukee’s summer months. The theme park has almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) of roller coaster track alongside a host of other family attractions and entertainment set over a sprawling area close to the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.

The park was opened in 1976 during the American Bicentennial and still retains a home-grown Americana atmosphere with themed areas such as Yankee Harbor and Mardi Gras.

The thrill rides are the biggest attraction,with alluring names such as “Dare Devil Dive”, “King Chaos” and “Raging Bull”. Experience a 12-story free-fall, or ride a “hyper twister” coaster. Try to get your roller coaster fix early in the day or after 6 p.m. to avoid the worst of the waiting lines. Less frenetic activities perfect for younger visitors include classic bumper cars, a scenic railway and the grand carousel. 

To pass the time between rides, kids can get close to their favorite Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo characters, who roam the park’s grounds. The Kidzopolis zone is the place for little ones to run wild with an array of kid-friendly rides and games.

Spend time at Hurricane Harbor for a cool respite from Milwaukee’s hot summers. This is an inviting water park where you can bomb down near-vertical water slides, go surfing or white water rafting, or simply go with the flow, drifting along the Lazy River.

Six Flags Great America is just off the I-94 freeway, midway between Milwaukee and Chicago. There’s no public transport from Milwaukee, but you’ll find plenty of on-site parking.

The park is open during the summer between May and October. Buy tickets online to receive special offers and discounts. Pay more for a Flash Pass, which lets you schedule ride times in advance to skip waiting lines.

Popular places to visit


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Things to do near Six Flags Great America

At Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, visitors can enjoy an array of thrilling rides that promise an adrenaline rush, alongside vibrant live music and captivating theatre performances. For those seeking a memorable stay, the park also offers opportunities for birdwatching and experiencing the local nightlife, ensuring a well-rounded adventure that caters to all tastes and preferences.

Shopping

Gurnee Mills, located 3.2km from Six Flags Great America, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, Alpaca Art, 25.7km away, provides unique gifts and souvenirs to cherish your visit.

Recreation

Par-King Skill Golf offers a delightful mini-golf experience with a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a fun-filled day. Ravinia Green Country Club provides a luxurious retreat with beautiful landscapes, while Pleasant Prairie RecPlex focuses on wellness and relaxation, featuring various recreational activities to rejuvenate your spirit.

Adventure

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, located 1.6km from Six Flags Great America, offers thrilling water attractions and family-friendly activities. For those seeking outdoor adventure, Jet Funn, 20.9km away, provides exhilarating water sports. Additionally, the Millennium Trail Trailhead, 19.3km distant, boasts scenic hiking experiences in nature.

Nightlife

At Six Flags Great America, the nightlife offers a blend of excitement and entertainment. The Genesee Theater, just 8.0km away, showcases captivating performances, while Launch Family Entertainment and The People's Choice Family Fun Center, both within 1 and 6.4km respectively, provide thrilling family-friendly arcade adventures.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Six Flags Great America

Visitors to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, can enjoy a variety of attractions, including urban parks, modern universities, and nearby beaches. This destination caters to families seeking outdoor adventures and vibrant city experiences. Don't miss the excitement of the Six Flags theme park itself, and consider exploring local points of interest for a well-rounded vacation. With a blend of thrilling rides and serene landscapes, there's something for every traveller to enjoy.

  • MainStreet Libertyville: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of MainStreet Libertyville, a charming street lined with boutique shops, cafes, and local eateries. This lively area offers a perfect blend of city vibes, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and people-watching.
  • Adler Arts Center: Immerse yourself in culture at the Adler Arts Center, a venue showcasing diverse art exhibitions and community events. You’ll find a hub of entertainment and creativity, set against an engaging backdrop that reflects the local spirit.
  • Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve: Explore the natural beauty of the Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve, where eco-friendly trails await you. This outdoor oasis is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the serenity of nature, offering a refreshing adventure.

Best time to go to Six Flags Great America

The best time to visit Six Flags Great America can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Six Flags Great America falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Six Flags Great America falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Six Flags Great America

To save money on your trip to Six Flags Great America, consider visiting between December and February, as prices are lower during these months. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help you avoid peak rates that occur on Saturdays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by budget and type, such as eco-certified options, and explore package deals that combine flights and accommodation for additional savings. Public transport is a cost-effective way to get around, and taking advantage of free activities in the area can further enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Six Flags Great America are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Six Flags Great America is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Six Flags Great America is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Six Flags Great America with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.