For anyone looking to take a family vacation in Illinois, there’s no shortage of fun things to see and do in the area. From Illinois State Beach Park to a myriad of different forest reserves, your itinerary will always be full. However, for avid RV-goers seeking adventures and thrills, all that and more awaits at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.
Six Flags Gurnee is an expansive 304-acre amusement park packed full of roller coasters, attractions, and more than 100 rides. It’s open from spring to winter in the heart of Illinois and sees millions of visitors annually.
The park has been a valuable asset to the Gurnee community since 1976, and it continually ranks as one of the top amusement parks in North America. It’s also home to a 20-acre water park called Hurricane Harbor, which is a popular attraction for anyone who spends a day at the park.
Alongside rides for all ages, Six Flags in Gurnee also boasts a midwestern-themed hometown square, a wild west town, a county fair area, a children’s space, and a themed territory that draws inspiration from northwest Canada. No two sections within Six Flags Great America are ever the same, which is what makes this attraction so magical.
The village of Gurnee and wider Illinois welcome you with open arms, not only to visit the amusement park but to check out the many other attractions in the area. Start your vacation with a bang by booking your tickets and driving to Six Flags Great America.
The tickets for a family trip to Six Flags Great America can depend on how much of a die-hard amusement park fan you are. If you plan on visiting other Six Flags amusement parks, such as Six Flags Magic Mountain or Six Flags Over Texas, then a membership or season pass could prove suitable. Pricing for membership can be as low as $7 per month, or upward of $80 per season pass. For anyone passing through, a single-day ticket starts at about $80.
Gurnee is a small village in Chicago, Illinois which borders Waukegan in the Chicago metropolitan area. Travelers on a tight schedule may like to leave their starting point extra early, guided by a local traffic aid, for over 26 million descend upon Gurnee annually, which can lead to delays.
Follow the Tri-State Tollway toll road from the direction of Wisconsin or Chicago, or US-132 from Rockford to get to Six Flags Great America at 1 Great America Parkway.
Anyone with a motorhome, be it a Class A, Airstream, or pop-up, will enjoy the convenience of being able to park it at Six Flags Gurnee, for their day of fun. Two expansive parking lots are available for visitors, with access to large vehicle parking from Six Flags Drive. Visitors must purchase a parking pass in advance or upon arrival, and Six Flags officials recommend arriving early in the day to avoid parking delays.
Travelers who would prefer to leave their motorhome at an RV campground near Six Flags Great America can revel in the convenience of public transportation options to get to the amusement park.
A bus service has often run at set times throughout the year from Schaumburg and Rosemont. There is also a train service to get to the bus pick-up and drop-off times. Alternatively, visitors to Chicago can also rely on rideshare services and taxis.
It would be every child’s dream to stay overnight at an amusement park, but instead, RV campgrounds near Six Flags in Gurnee are ready for visitors. Fortunately, there is no shortage of options, with some as close as 15 miles from the amusement park. During the busy season, it pays to book weeks in advance to avoid missing out on local camping.
There are plenty of RV campgrounds in and around Gurnee, Illinois, to satisfy RV travelers who want quick and easy access to Six Flags Great America. Go camping, hiking, and fishing at Illinois Beach State Park near Lake Michigan, or why not stay at one of the RV campgrounds recommended by Six Flags, like Fish Lake Beach?
Those who don’t mind traveling a little further out to access a luxury RV campground may also like to stay at Chicago Northwest KOA, 40 miles from Gurnee on the way to Rockford.
Upon arriving at Six Flags Great America, visitors will realize there’s an expansive area to cover. Arm yourself with a park map to familiarize yourself with each area, which can make it far easier to navigate the grounds on foot. Fortunately, all rides, shops, and guest areas are well-marked for convenience.
It can be a challenge to know what to pack for an RV vacation to Chicago, Illinois. For travelers who will be visiting natural attractions like Moraine Hills State Park, weather-appropriate outdoor gear will be paramount. During a visit to Six Flags Great America, park officials recommend casual, tidy attire and no loose garments. Zip pockets are also recommended.
Visiting an amusement park offers many fun opportunities to go on rides, but carrying a lot of gear can impact the experience. Any traveler that brings in a backpack or purse may like to store it and other loose items in lockers or temporary storage areas by each ride (usually for a small fee). Waist packs can prove convenient for money, cell phones, and other small items. Aim to leave non-essential items in a locked motorhome before entering Six Flags Great America.
With thousands of visitors all in one place and a lot of rides and movement, visitors need to have their wits about them at all times. Be aware of your surroundings and take breaks when needed. Sun safety is also important, and visitors can purchase sunscreen at several park retail locations. Six Flags Great America is a smoke-free venue, but there are blue benches in dedicated areas for smokers and E-cigarette users.
Camping prep can take a lot of the hard work out of preparing a meal on the road, but isn’t new experiences all part of the adventure? Travelers who will be relying on their onboard kitchen appliances or grill can pick up supplies from a grocer within a two-mile drive of Six Flags Great America. Cooking rules can differ from one RV campground to the next, so find out your host’s preferred option before you haul out the charcoal grill.
While food options are plentiful at Six Flags Gurnee, a meal out in the village can also be quite memorable. Within a ten-mile radius of Six Flags, RV-goers can be treated to a wide variety of cuisine options. Skip dinner and go straight for dessert, or why not indulge in a hearty pasta meal at an Italian restaurant? Even Japanese cuisine is an option within a short driving distance of the amusement park.
It’s easy to work up a hunger and thirst while riding thrilling rollercoasters, so stop for a bite to eat at one of the many delightful eateries at Six Flags Great America. ATMs are dotted around the Park, and vendors accept cash and credit. Food options include pizza, fries, hamburgers, chicken, salads, ice cream, and much more. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, so treat yourself once inside the amusement park.
With millions of visitors annually, Six Flags Great America officials take security seriously. Weapons, chairs, coolers, food, beverages, inappropriate clothing, drones, and glass will be turned away at the gate.
Anyone who plans to exit and re-enter will need a hand stamp, even travelers with a season pass. Speed up the screening process by leaving non-essential items in your locked motorhome, with valuables hidden from view.
Illinois has a humid continental climate, which means summer is hot and humid, and winter is either cool or cold. The best time of year to visit Six Flags Great America is during the warmer months, and it’s open from spring to late fall.
Tune into your local weather service to find out what to expect on your travels. RV-goers may also like to check all heating and cooling units for the trip to ensure they are in great working condition.
During travels around Gurnee and surrounding areas like Evanston and Kenosha, it can be straightforward to access medical care if necessary. There is a hospital within 20 miles of Six Flags Great America and a pharmacy within one mile. Help is also on-hand at Six Flags in Gurnee, with first-aid rooms at central locations in the park. Locate an official to help lead the way, but in an emergency, dial 911.
