Six Flags Great America Opens for the 2025 Season With New Record-Breaking Thrill Ride on the Way

With summer temperatures creeping into Chicago this Friday, the season of thrills is officially back—Six Flags Great America has reopened its gates for the 2025 season.

Located in Gurnee, the popular amusement park kicks off today, April 18, with operating hours from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend hours will continue through mid-May, with weekday operations starting May 15.

The biggest buzz this season? A jaw-dropping new roller coaster. Set to debut later this summer, "Wrath of Rakshasha" will be the steepest and most inverted dive coaster in the world. Riders will experience a terrifying 96-degree beyond-vertical drop from a height of 180 feet, along with five gravity-defying inversions. The park hasn't announced an exact opening date for the coaster, but anticipation is already sky-high.

In addition to the new ride, Six Flags is introducing a few major policy changes. The park has eliminated all designated smoking areas within its gates—including for vapes and e-cigarettes. A designated smoking area is now only available outside the park. Officials also emphasized that cannabis use is banned in all areas.

While a chaperone policy is still only required during Fright Fest, Six Flags now strongly recommends that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult during regular operating days.

Looking further ahead, the park is part of a $1 billion investment for enhancements through 2026, including an all-new kids’ area.

Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline, the snacks, or the memories, Six Flags is officially back to bring the heat.