More actions
| |
| Location |  |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | May 28, 2005 |
| Operator | Six Flags |
| General manager | John Krajak |
| Operating season | May-September |
| Slogan | Chicago's Most Thrilling Water Park |
| Website | https://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborchicago |
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago is a Six Flags water park in the Chicago metropolitan area, located in Gurnee, Illinois, USA.
History
In May of 1996, Six Flags planned to build a water park across from Interstate 94. However, when Six Flags representatives requested a permit, Richard Welton, who was Gurnee's mayor at the time, told Six Flags representatives that he "needs more details."[1] Plans eventually evolved into Six Flags Entertainment Village, which was an entertainment complex that would have been built across Interstate 94.[2] A few highlights of the proposed entertainment complex include a water park, a 8,000-12,000 seat stadium, a movie theater, a theater, a 500-room hotel, a 25-acre (10 ha) conservation area, and a pond.[2][3][4][5][6][7] The entertainment complex was announced on October 29, 1997 and Six Flags planned to begin construction in 2000.[2][3] Due to an abundance of backlash from Gurnee residents, the plans were overall cancelled.[8]
On September 16, 2004, the park was announced and was planned to open with separate admission.[9] In January of 2005, the park announced that admission would actually be included with a normal ticket to the dry park.[10] After 6 months of construction, the park opened on May 28, 2005.[11]
On January 14, 2006, Tornado was announced at the American Coaster Enthusiasts' No Coaster Con.[12] The ride opened on Memorial Day weekend of that year.[13]
The Riptide Bay expansion opened to the public on June 3, 2011.[14] It added five water slides, a surfing simulator, and an activity pool.[15]
Tsunami Surge was announced in 2019 as opening in 2020.[16] The ride was delayed following the pandemic.[17] A new entrance to the water park was constructed in the parking lot and the path that previously connected the dry park and the main park, while still being open to explore, did not let you enter the water park anymore. Tsunami Surge finally opened on May 29, 2021.[16] Later in the 2023 Season, the gates that previously led to the water park were closed and a sign was placed over them informing visitors of the new entrance.
During the 2024 Season, a sign appeared in front of Dive Bomber and Mega Wedgie informing visitors that the slides were closed so that the park could "make way for new thrills."
Water Slides
Operating
| Name | Manufacturer | Class | Type | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahama Mama | ProSlide Technology | Tube | N/A | May 28, 2005 |
| Barracuda | ProSlide Technology | Tube | N/A | May 28, 2005 |
| Bubba Tubba | ProSlide Technology | Tube | N/A | May 28, 2005 |
| Buccaneer Bay | ProSlide Technology | Body | Water Play Structure | May 28, 2005 |
| Hammerhead | ProSlide Technology | Tube | N/A | May 28, 2005 |
| Hurricane Mountain | ProSlide Technology | Body | N/A | May 28, 2005 |
| Paradise Plunge | ProSlide Technology | Body | Speed Slide | May 28, 2005 |
| Riptide | ProSlide Technology | Body | Speed Slide | May 28, 2005 |
| Skull Island | ProSlide Technology | Body | Water Play Structure | May 28, 2005 |
| Tornado | ProSlide Technology | Tube | Funnel | May 28, 2005 |
| Tsunami Surge | WhiteWater West | Tube | Water Coaster | May 29, 2021 |
| Typhoon | ProSlide Technology | Tube | Bowl | May 28, 2005 |
| Vortex | ProSlide Technology | Tube | Bowl | May 28, 2005 |
| Wahoo Racer | ProSlide Technology | Mat | Racer | May 28, 2005 |
| Wipeout | ProSlide Technology | Tube | Funnel | June 3, 2011 |
Defunct
| Name | Manufacturer | Class | Type | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dive Bomber | ProSlide Technology | Body | Trapdoor capsule | June 3, 2011 | 2024 |
| Mega Wedgie | ProSlide Technology | Body | Trapdoor capsule | June 3, 2011 | 2024 |
References
- ↑ "Six Flags, Gurnee discuss water park - Document - Gale OneFile: News". go.gale.com. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Silvestri, Scott (December 9, 1998). "Gurnee moves on to next entertainment phase Village approves plans for Six Flags project". go.gale.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Article clipped from Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. 1997-10-29. p. 166. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ "Article clipped from Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. 1998-08-20. p. 168. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ Tribune, Chicago (1998-12-28). "SIX FLAGS FACES ROLLER-COASTER RIDE OVER PLAN". Chicago Tribune (in English). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ "Article clipped from The Daily Herald". The Daily Herald. 1998-06-18. p. 433. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ Tribune, Chicago (1998-02-12). "NEW ENTERTAINMENT VILLAGE AT SIX FLAGS STILL IN WORKS DESPITE SALE". Chicago Tribune (in English). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ "Article clipped from Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. 1999-04-14. p. 173. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ Antioch News 09/17/2004 (in English).
- ↑ "New Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park Will Be Free With Six Flags Great America Theme Park Admission! It's two great parks for one great price!". PR Newswire (in English). 2005-01-19.
- ↑ "Article clipped from Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. 2005-05-18. pp. 2–3. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ "Tornado to swirl into Gurnee - Document - Gale OneFile: News". go.gale.com. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ "It's the Tornado!". Chicago Tribune. 2006-08-03. pp. 5A–6. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ Blooloop (2011-06-03). "Waterparks: Riptide Bay Debuts at Six Flags Great America". Blooloop (in British English). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ "Article clipped from Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. 2011-04-28. pp. 0–3. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Interest in 'world's largest water coaster' at Hurricane Harbor surges". Shaw Local (in English). 2021-07-08. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ↑ Coleman, Emily K. (2020-07-02). "Hurricane Harbor may reopen soon, but Six Flags Great America still questionable". Chicago Tribune (in English). Retrieved 2024-04-25.
