Six Flags Great America Vacations

Six Flags Great America featuring rides
Six Flags Great America featuring 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.

Plan a trip to see Six Flags Great America

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The Emily Hotel
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Park Hyatt Chicago

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Best Lodging Options Near Six Flags Great America

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Gurnee

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Gurnee

3 out of 5
5688 Northridge Rd, Gurnee, IL
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Gurnee
Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

3 out of 5
1440 S White Oak Dr, Waukegan, IL
Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

3 out of 5
3800 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL
Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
Hotel Indigo Chicago-Vernon Hills by IHG

Hotel Indigo Chicago-Vernon Hills by IHG

3.5 out of 5
450 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL
Hotel Indigo Chicago-Vernon Hills by IHG
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn-Deerfield

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn-Deerfield

3 out of 5
2000 South Lakeside Dr, Deerfield, IL
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn-Deerfield
Hyatt Regency Deerfield

Hyatt Regency Deerfield

4 out of 5
1750 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL
Hyatt Regency Deerfield
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield

4 out of 5
1445 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield
Chicago Marriott Suites Deerfield

Chicago Marriott Suites Deerfield

4 out of 5
2 Parkway N, Deerfield, IL
Chicago Marriott Suites Deerfield
The Westin Chicago North Shore

The Westin Chicago North Shore

4 out of 5
601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL
The Westin Chicago North Shore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Six Flags Great America

At Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, visitors can enjoy thrilling roller coasters and a vibrant amusement park atmosphere. Nearby, you can explore live music events, engaging theatre performances, and even try your hand at birdwatching. Don't miss other attractions like Dollywood and local golf courses, offering a variety of entertainment options for all ages to experience during your vacation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Gurnee Mills, located 3.2km away, offering a variety of stores and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, situated 16.1km away, for more extensive shopping experiences.

Recreation

Pleasant Prairie RecPlex, 17.7km away, offers wellness and relaxation vibes with various fitness classes and spa services. Bonnie Brook Golf Course, 8.0km away, provides a scenic outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts. Chain 'O Lakes State Park, 22.5km away, features beautiful trails for a rejuvenating nature escape.

Adventure

Experience the excitement of Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, a family-friendly waterpark located 1.6km away, perfect for splashing fun. For outdoor enthusiasts, Millennium Trail Trailhead, 13.2km away, offers scenic hiking trails, while Jet Funn, 20.9km away, provides thrilling water sports adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Six Flags Great America! Enjoy a captivating show at the Genesee Theater, try your luck at The Temporary casino, or unleash your adventurous spirit at Jump America arcade, all offering unique vibes for an unforgettable evening.

Find the best attractions near Six Flags Great America

When visiting Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, you'll find a variety of attractions to suit every type of traveller. From modern colleges and universities to scenic urban parks and nearby beaches, there's plenty to explore. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or a vibrant city experience, the area offers an abundance of options to make your vacation enjoyable and memorable.

  • Waukegan SportsPark: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Waukegan SportsPark, an entertainment facility perfect for family outings. With various activities and events, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy some quality time with loved ones just 6.4km from Six Flags.
  • Illinois Beach State Park: Relax and unwind at Illinois Beach State Park, located 11.3km away. This stunning beach offers beautiful views and a tranquil environment, making it a great place for sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely stroll along the shore.
  • Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science: Discover the modern architecture and vibrant city atmosphere at Rosalind Franklin University, located 9.7km from Six Flags. This institution fosters innovation and offers a unique glimpse into the world of medicine and science.

Best time to go to Six Flags Great America

The best time to visit Six Flags Great America is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

For a budget-friendly trip to Six Flags Great America, consider visiting from December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Explore nearby free attractions like Gurnee Mills and Illinois Beach State Park. Use Expedia to find the best deals by sorting prices from lowest to highest and consider package deals that combine flights and hotels. Look out for ticket savings and flexible cancellation policies to maximise your savings while enjoying your visit.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Six Flags Great America hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.