Six Flags Great America in Gurnee in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Whizzer Roller Coaster

ACE Roller Coaster Landmark

Photographed by Sean Flynn, September 13, 2026

1. Ace Roller Coaster Landmark Marker

Inscription. American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes Whizzer at Six Flags Great America as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance. Designed by engineer Werner Stengel (1936- ) and manufactured by the legendary Anton Schwarzkopf (1926-2001), Whizzer is the last remaining large, steel, custom-built Schwarzkopf "Speedracer” coaster in North America. Originally named Willard’s Whizzer after Marriott founder J. Willard Marriott when the park opened as Marriot's Great America on May 29, 1976, it was one of two identical rides to open that same year. The other ride, which had opened earlier on March 20, 1976, was located at Marriott's Great America in Santa Clara, California. In the 1980s, the names of both coasters were shortened to just Whizzer. Unfortunately, the coaster in California was removed in 1988, only a few years after both parks were sold to different owners.

Featuring an unusual electric lift system with the motors built within the ride's toboggan-style vehicles, the trains ascend 70 feet to the top of the spiral lift hill. Riders then experience strong, positive G-forces

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as the four-car, 24-passenger trains plummet down steep drops into tight, heavily banked turns, reaching speeds up to 45 mph along the 3,100 feet of winding drops and turns.

ACE commends Six Flags Great America for preserving and maintaining Whizzer. While other parks have retired similar coasters to make way for new rides, Whizzer continues to thrill new generations of riders well into the 21st century.

Erected 2012 by American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 29, 1976.

Location. 42° 22.093′ N, 87° 56.095′ W. Marker is in Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. It is in Six Flags Great America. It can be reached from Great America Parkway. Located inside Six Flags Great America, next to the entrance to the Whizzer. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gurnee IL 60031, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, June 12, 2022

2. Ace Roller Coaster Landmark Marker

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Whizzer (here, next to this marker); Hometown Fun Machine (within shouting distance of this marker); Triple Play (within shouting distance of this marker); Great America Scenic Railway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lobster (about 300 feet away); Hometown Park (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Hometown Park (about 300 feet away); Columbia Carousel (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gurnee.

Regarding Whizzer Roller Coaster. The Whizzer was one of the original roller coasters when Great America opened in 1976.

Also see . . .
1. Whizzer. The Whizzer's official page from Six Flags.

Excerpt: "The Whizzer has a lot of historic recognition. This classic family-friendly coaster opened with the park’s premiere
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 13, 2026

3. Whizzer
in 1976. Since then, it has become a guest favorite for all ages. As an ACE Coaster Landmark, The Whizzer is honored it for its unique history and exceptional preservation. It was one of the last “Speedracer” coaster models ever built."

(Submitted on July 16, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks. From American Coaster Enthusiasts, a list of the 54 roller coasters that have been deemed ACE landmarks as of September 2026. Three landmark coasters are at Six Flags Great America in Illinois: The Whizzer, American Eagle and Batman the Ride. (Submitted on July 16, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Two markers for Whizzer image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

4. Two markers for Whizzer

A new marker about Whizzer was added below the ACE plaque at the ride's entrance in 2026, in honor of Great America's 50th anniversary.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2022, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 639 times since then and 68 times this year. Last updated on June 26, 2022, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2022, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3, 4. submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.