(Last Updated April 19, 2024)
Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago is an experience to remember. It can be overwhelming as a first-time visitor to the renowned amusement park.
Six Flags Great America is renowned for its 17 thrilling roller coasters, great dining treasures, charming live entertainment, undying tribute to DC Comics & Looney Toons and more.
This vibrant Lake County amusement park is a grand experience for those of all ages. Splash, scream and soar your way into summer with an exhilarating experience at Six Flags Great America.
Here are a few tips for your first visit to this wonderous amusement park in Gurnee.
Six Flags Great America is located on I-94 at Route 132 (Grand Avenue) in Gurnee, IL.
FROM CHICAGO
Take I-94 or I-294 West. Exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located immediately on the right.
Approximate driving time: 45 minutes.
FROM MILWAUKEE
Take I-94 East. Exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located immediately on the right.
Approximate driving time: 45 minutes.
FROM WESTERN ILLINOIS AND IOWA
Take I-88 East to I-294 North in Illinois. Take I-294 North until it becomes I-94 West. Continue on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located on the right side of the street.
Approximate driving time: 3 hours.
FROM INDIANA AND MICHIGAN
Take Tri-State Hwy. 80/94 West. Continue into Illinois and take I-294 West. Stay on I-294 West until it becomes I-94 West. Continue on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located on the right side of the street.
Approximate driving time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.
OR Take the Skyway (I-90 West) through Chicago to the Dan Ryan Expressway. (I-90/94 West). Continue on I-90/94 West; it will become the Kennedy Expressway. 90/94 West near downtown Chicago. When 90/94 splits, stay on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags Great America is located on the right.
Approximate driving time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.
FROM PEORIA/BLOOMINGTON
Take I-55 North to I-294 West. Take I-294 West until it becomes I-94 West. Continue on I-94 West and exit on Grand Avenue (Rt. 132) east in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located on the right side of the street.
Approximate driving time: 3 hours.
The entrances to Six Flags Great America can get very busy in the peak summer months of July and August, especially right at park opening times (10 a.m.-11 a.m.). Try to arrive earlier in the morning to avoid back-ups.
Pace Suburban Bus provides direct service from Schaumburg and from Rosemont to Six Flags Great America on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June to Labor Day, and every Friday and Saturday in October. The schedule may vary depending on park hours. For fare and schedule information, please call (847) 364-7223.
Unless you’re taking public transportation or you’re getting dropped off, you must park in the lot. If you try to cut corners and park in the area, Gurnee’s finest will find your vehicle and you’ll either take home a hefty fine or have your car towed.
When you finally complete your trek, and you’re visiting on one Six Flags Great America day trip, it will be $35 to park your car. You will be stopped by a booth in which you will pay for before you enter. If you need a break from the park's all day festivities, you may leave your car and take the Pace Bus.
OK, now onto the cool stuff. The first thing you see as you drive up I-94 are the large steel and wood structures high up in the air. Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-charged joyride as you embark on rides lifted as high as 165 feet.
You must check out all 17 to get the full Six Flags Great America experience. Here a list of coasters the Gurnee amusement park and a couple of fun facts to match:
These rides are not coasters by any means, however a few of them carry some of the same thrills.
Six Flags Great America is known for an array of dinner/lunch options, snacks, savory dishes and sweets. As a first-timer, you must try at least one of these treats that the Gurnee amusement park is famous for.
Try a sweet funnel cake, stop by the Cold Stone for ice cream, get some Dippin' Dots from County Fair, or enjoy a snow cone and jumbo pretzel from various stalls throughout the park!
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Phone: 847-662-2700
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