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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago

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Coordinates: 42°22′06″N 87°56′19″W / 42.36833°N 87.93861°W / 42.36833; -87.93861
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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago
The Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago logo since 2021
refer to caption
The main entrance to the waterpark.
SloganChicago's Most Thrilling Water Park
LocationGurnee, Illinois, United States
Coordinates42°22′06″N 87°56′19″W / 42.36833°N 87.93861°W / 42.36833; -87.93861
ThemeCaribbean island
OwnerSix Flags
General managerJohn Krajnak
OpenedMay 28, 2005; 19 years ago (2005-05-28)
Operating seasonMay to September
StatusOperating
Area20 acres (8.1 ha)
Pools2 pools
Water slides25 water slides
Children's areas2 children's areas
WebsiteOfficial website

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago (often shortened to Hurricane Harbor Chicago) is a 20-acre (8.1 ha) water park located in Gurnee, Illinois, United States, within the Chicago metropolitan area. Owned and operated by Six Flags, the park opened on May 28, 2005. The park opened as part of a US$42 million expansion of the adjacent Six Flags Great America amusement park, and has been separately gated from the amusement park since 2021.

In the late 1990s, interest in building a water park close to Six Flags Great America were proposed, though these plans were opposed by residents of Gurnee. Another water park plan would later succeed when Gurnee officials confirmed a water park would be built in 2004, and upon its opening year in 2005, it received 1.3 million visitors. The park features one themed area named Riptide Bay and 25 water slides, including Tsunami Surge, the world's tallest water coaster; the ride received recognition from the World Waterpark Association and Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards.

History

Background

Main article: Six Flags Entertainment Village

Discussions of a water park opening near Six Flags Great America sparked in May 1996, when representatives from Six Flags met with officials of Gurnee to obtain permission to build a water park across from Interstate 94. A spokesperson for Six Flags Great America later called the plans "extremely premature," and may not actually happen.[1] These plans would later become part of a bigger plan called Six Flags Entertainment Village.[2] Announced on October 29, 1997,[3] the entertainment complex would've been built across Interstate 94 and was planned to break ground in 2000.[4] The project was opposed by Gurnee residents, and a group called the Citizens United for a Residential Village of Gurnee pushed for a referendum about the project's approval to be included in an election ballot on April 13, 1999.[5] Six Flags Entertainment Village was later derailed after more than half of Gurnee residents opposed the project following the referendum.[6][7]

2004–2005: Announcement and opening

Plans of a water park opening on Six Flags Great America's existing site were confirmed by Gurnee officials on September 10, 2004,[8][9] and Six Flags Great America officially announced the Caribbean-themed water park on September 16, 2004.[10] At its announcement, the water park was planned to feature twenty-five water slides, an entrance plaza, and admission separate from the theme park,[11] though it was later announced on January 19, 2005, that admission would be included with a regular ticket.[12] The new water park was expected to compete with local water parks in Wisconsin Dells and the Chicago metropolitan area,[13][14] and would be the biggest expansion in Six Flags Great America history.[15]

Construction on the US$42 million[16] water park began in November of that year, and the water park officially opened to the public on May 28, 2005.[17][18] The park's centerpiece attraction was the 100,000 sq ft (2.3-acre) Skull Island interactive playground, billed as the largest of its kind, with five hundred gadgets and 8 water slides.[19][20]

2006–2011: Early incidents and expansion

The Tornado water slide pictured in 2006
Tornado in 2006

Following the initial opening of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Tornado, a funnel water slide, was announced on January 14, 2006, at the American Coaster Enthusiasts "No Coaster Con" convention. It would open to riders later in the 2006 season, and would be located above the Castaway Creek lazy river.[16][21] On a Memorial Day weekend in 2006, the ride officially opened to riders.[22]

A new roller coaster was planned for the adjacent Six Flags Great America amusement park on May 26, 2011, announced at a zoning board of appeals meeting, for the site of Space Shuttle America. The roller coaster would've been Chang from the former Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, and would've been located near the entrance of the park, but the park eventually backed out of the addition.[23][24] Instead, the 4-acre Riptide Bay area was added to the park, opening on June 3, 2011,[25] which originally came with a surf simulator, 5 water slides, a Caribbean-inspired activity pool, and cabanas.[26][27]

2019–present: Separation from Six Flags Great America

refer to caption
Footers for Tsunami Surge during construction in July 2020

The park announced a new water coaster named Tsunami Surge by WhiteWater West on August 29, 2019. Billed as the tallest water coaster in the world, the attraction was expected to open for the 2020 season.[28] While Tsunami Surge broke ground in January 2020,[29] the water coaster did not open due to the park's closure and construction delays from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.[30][31] On July 20, 2020, the park re-opened with safety protocols regarding COVID-19 in place, and the name Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago was used instead of just simply Six Flags Hurricane Harbor;[32][33] attractions at Six Flags Great America stayed closed throughout the entire season.[34]

The old entrance pathway to Hurricane Harbor.

Beginning with the 2021 season, it was announced that Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago would open separately from Six Flags Great America on March 22, 2021.[35] A new entry gate was built for the water park in the parking lot, and a pathway between both parks would no longer be accessible to the public.[34][36] The change was made to give guests an option of whether they would want to enter the amusement park or the water park.[37] In earlier years, the park charged guests on top of their regular ticket so guests could receive access to the water park.[34] Tsunami Surge officially opened to the public on May 29, 2021.[38]

List of attractions

Tsunami Surge water slide
Tsunami Surge
Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba water slides
Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba
The Mega Wedgie, Dive Bomber and Wipeout water slides
Mega Wedgie, Dive Bomber (center) and Wipeout (right)
Name Opened Manufacturer Type Ref.
Wahoo Racer May 28, 2005 ProSlide Technology Multi-lane racer [39][40]
Hurricane Bay May 28, 2005 Aquatic Development Wave pool [41][42]
Hurricane Mountain May 28, 2005 ProSlide Water slide complex [43][44]
Castaway Creek May 28, 2005 Aquatic Development Lazy river [45]
Paradise Plunge and Riptide May 28, 2005 ProSlide Speed slide [46]
Skull Island and Buccaneer Bay May 28, 2005 ProSlide Interactive playground [47][48]
Hammerhead and Barracuda May 28, 2005 ProSlide Dual slide complex [49]
Vortex and Typhoon May 28, 2005 ProSlide Twin bowl slides [50]
Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba May 28, 2005 ProSlide Two family rafting slides [51]
Tornado May 29, 2006 ProSlide Funnel slide [22]
Riptide Bay
Surf Rider June 3, 2011 Wave Loch Surf simulator [25][52]
Monsoon Lagoon June 3, 2011 — Swimming pool [26]
Wipeout June 3, 2011 ProSlide Double funnel slide [25][53]
Mega Wedgie June 3, 2011 ProSlide Drop-launch capsule [25]
Dive Bomber June 3, 2011 ProSlide Drop-launch capsule [25]
Tsunami Surge May 29, 2021 WhiteWater West Water coaster [38]

Incidents

Main article: Incidents at Six Flags parks § Hurricane Harbor Chicago

In the opening years of the water park, multiple incidents occurred throughout the water park, such as when a man had a heart attack in Hurricane Bay and later died on June 22, 2005.[54] The following year, in 2006, a girl fell out of her raft on Tornado and received stitches.[55] In July 2011, a woman suffered cuts and torn ligaments on Wahoo Racer, suing the park for negligently operating the attraction. A court upheld $1.5 million USD in June 2017.[56]

Reception and awards

During the water park's first year of operation, it was reported 1.3 million people had attended the park, and was regarded as a "huge success" by park officials.[16] In 2006, the park's Tornado water slide placed second place for the category "Best New Water Slide," tied with Noah's Ark's Time Warp attraction on Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards.[57] In August 2021, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago, along with WhiteWater West and architecture firm Ramaker won the 2021 Leading Edge Award from the World Waterpark Association for their work on Tsunami Surge.[58][59] One month later, in September 2021, Tsunami Surge placed third place in the category “Best New Water Slide” on Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards.[60]

See also

References

  1. ^ Warmbir, Steve (May 18, 1996). "Six Flags, Gurnee discuss water park". Daily Herald. p. 8. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  2. ^ Silvestri, Scott (November 4, 1997). "Gurnee creates committee to keep tabs on Six Flags Plan". Daily Herald – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Flink, John (October 29, 1997). "Residents view plans for huge resort 'village' near Six Flags". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Silvestri, Scott (December 9, 1998). "Gurnee moves on to next entertainment phase Village approves plans for Six Flags project". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  5. ^ Silvestri, Scott (March 22, 1999). "Gurnee group, officials debate what vote on Six Flags village will mean". Daily Herald. p. 1. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  6. ^ Spencer, Mark (October 4, 1999). "Lake County tourism tidbits". Daily Herald – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ Bukro, Casey; Beeler, Amanda (April 14, 1999). "Forest preserve request wins; school vote mixed". Chicago Tribune – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Susnjara, Bob (September 14, 2004). "Great America plans not seen as a threat Municipal water parks don't expect to lose business". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  9. ^ "Is the water park race on?". Daily Herald. September 11, 2004. p. 1. Village officials said Friday that besides the first proposed park, Six Flags Great America is ready to dive in, too.
  10. ^ "Six Flags plans large water park". The Pantagraph. Associated Press. September 17, 2004. p. 7. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Making a splash". Antioch News. September 17, 2022. pp. C6. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Internet Archive.
  12. ^ "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 (Press release). January 19, 2005. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  13. ^ Masse, Ryan (April 28, 2005). "Dells owners express little concern with Six Flags park". The Badger Herald. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  14. ^ Tsouderos, Trine (April 18, 2005). "Water parks aim to saturate market". Chicago Tribune. p. 1. Retrieved November 26, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Online Hurricane Harbor auction to benefit Super Jake Foundation". Daily Herald. May 20, 2005. pp. S5-3.
  16. ^ a b c Filas, Lee (January 15, 2006). "Tornado to swirl into Gurnee". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  17. ^ "Great America opens Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park". Southtown Star. June 2, 2005. p. 78. Retrieved September 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Feeling light-headed". Chicago Tribune. May 18, 2005. pp. 2–3. Retrieved November 26, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ Susnjara, Bob (September 16, 2004). "Water park to have Caribbean theme". Daily Herald. pp. S1-5. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  20. ^ "Great America joins waterpark wars". Capital Times. April 23, 2005. pp. 1D. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  21. ^ "Six Flags Great America Adds Giant Tornado Attraction To Hurricane Harbor Water Park". Ultimate Waterpark. January 14, 2006. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  22. ^ a b Pang, Kevin (August 3, 2006). "It's the Tornado! 1st clue is a fast cool-off". Chicago Tribune. pp. 5A–6. Retrieved September 16, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ John (July 11, 2010). "No Chang for Six Flags Great America". Coaster101. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  24. ^ "Six Flags to expand water park". Daily Herald. September 3, 2010. p. 1. Retrieved December 10, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  25. ^ a b c d e "Waterparks: Riptide Bay Debuts at Six Flags Great America". Blooloop. June 3, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Craig, Megan (April 28, 2011). "'Mega Wedgie,' more coming to Great America". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ Kunzer, Jami (June 23, 2011). "American Eagle celebra logro". Northwest Herald (in Spanish). p. 3. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ Newton, Jim (August 29, 2019). "Tsunami Surge: Six Flags Great America plans new 86-foot-tall water ride in Gurnee". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  29. ^ Marcus Leshock of WGN-TV [@marcusleshock] (January 18, 2020). "Construction began on Tsunami Surge a few weeks ago at @SFGreat_America. Here are some pictures, it will be located right next to Maxx Force. Opening this summer" (Tweet). Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ Coleman, Emily K. (June 2, 2022). "Hurricane Harbor may reopen soon, but Six Flags Great America still questionable". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  31. ^ Baldwin, Tim (July 8, 2021). "Hurricane Harbor anchored by WhiteWater West's Tsunami Surge". Amusement Today. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  32. ^ Luc, Karie Angell (June 21, 2020). "Hurricane Harbor opens in Gurnee with coronavirus measures in place". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  33. ^ Valade, Paul (June 20, 2020). "Hurricane Harbor's reopening in Gurnee makes a splash". Daily Herald. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  34. ^ a b c Graham, Doug T. (April 9, 2021). "Six Flags Hurricane Harbor to open May with world's tallest water coaster". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  35. ^ "Hurricane Harbor to Open This Spring Separate From Six Flags". NBC Chicago. April 2, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  36. ^ Graham, Doug T. (April 8, 2021). "You'll need separate tickets for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Great America this summer". Daily Herald. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  37. ^ Alleman, Annie (April 14, 2021). "They're back! Six Flags Great America opens April 24 and Hurricane Harbor opens May 29". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  38. ^ a b Tuttle, Brittani (May 29, 2021). "World's tallest water coaster Tsunami Surge now open at Hurricane Harbor Chicago". Attractions Magazine. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  39. ^ "Wahoo Racer". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  40. ^ Filas, Lee (May 26, 2005). "Six Flags expects a big splash New Hurricane Harbor water park will officially open Saturday morning". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 9, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  41. ^ Tsouderos, Trine (June 16, 2005). "H2oh!". Chicago Tribune. pp. 5A-1, 5A-12. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ "Hurricane Bay". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  43. ^ "Water park under construction at Six Flags". Rock Island Argus. Associated Press. April 24, 2005. p. 9. Retrieved December 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Hurricane Mountain". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  45. ^ "Castaway Creek". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  46. ^ "Paradise Plunge and Riptide". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  47. ^ "Skull Island". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  48. ^ "Buccaneer Bay". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  49. ^ "Hammerhead and Barracuda". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  50. ^ "Vortex and Typhoon". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  51. ^ George, Doug (June 9, 2013). "Get ready for Great America". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  52. ^ "Surf Rider". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  53. ^ "Wipeout". Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  54. ^ "Chicago man dies at water park". Chicago Sun-Times. June 30, 2005. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  55. ^ "Girl gets stitches after ride fall at Six Flags". Chicago Tribune. June 10, 2006. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  56. ^ McCoppin, Rober (June 2, 2017). "Court upholds $1.5M judgement for Six Flags Great America waterslide injury". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 23, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  57. ^ Baldwin, Tim (2006). "Amusement Today's 2006 Golden Ticket Awards" (PDF). Amusement Today. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  58. ^ Coates, Charlotte (October 27, 2021). "WhiteWater recognised with three WWA Leading Edge Awards". Blooloop. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  59. ^ Whittaker, Adam (November 4, 2021). "WWA Show returns to form with trade show and awards". Blooloop. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  60. ^ "Golden Ticket Awards 2021". Amusement Today. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
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