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Marriott's Great America first opened in Gurnee, Illinois, on May 29, 1976. Located midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, it was the second of two Marriott Corporation theme parks. Great America was created to be a place where families could have fun together while gaining an appreciation for United States history. The park's five authentically themed areas based on America's past included the best in family and thrill rides, restaurants, specialty shops, artisans, and games. First-rate live entertainment included Broadway-style musicals, bands, parades, a circus, and the Warner Bros. characters featuring Bugs Bunny. In 1984, the park became Six Flags Great America when it joined the Six Flags family of theme parks. Since then, the park has continued to innovate and expand. Today, including its 20-acre Hurricane Harbor water park, Six Flags Great America is one of the country's finest theme parks. Since 1976, the park has entertained more than 100 million guests.
About the author
Steven W. Wilson is a lifelong amusement park and theme park enthusiast, photographer, and historian. He created the web site GREATAMERICAparks.com to celebrate the history of the two parks built as Marriott's Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, and Santa Clara, California. A former employee of the Illinois park, he has previously authored California's Great America with Arcadia.
