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

Whizzer

Six Flags Great America 50

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

1. Whizzer Marker

Inscription. Whizzer, originally known as Willard's Whizzer, opened with Six Flags Great America on May 29, 1976 as one of the park's headlining attractions designed by Werner Stengel and manufactured by Anton Schwarzkopf. As part of the innovative Speedracer coaster series, it featured a rare electric spiral lift hill instead of a traditional chain lift, sending riders upward through a twisting tower before racing along low-to-the-ground curves, terrain-hugging drops, and sweeping turns.

The ride was one of two identical Willard's Whizzers built for the Marriott-owned Great America parks in California and Illinois, though the California installation has since closed, making the Gurnee version the last remaining Speedracer coaster in the world. Today, Whizzer stands as a beloved family coaster and an American Coaster Enthusiasts Coaster Landmark, celebrated for its unique design, enduring popularity, and multigenerational charm.

Erected 2026 by Six Flags Great America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is May 29, 1976.

Location. 42° 22.094′ N,

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87° 56.098′ W. Marker is in Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. It can be reached from Six Flags Drive 0.6 miles south of Grand Avenue (Illinois Route 132). The marker is at the entrance of the Whizzer ride at Six Flags Great America. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee IL 60031, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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 Roller Coaster (here, next to this marker); The Lobster (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hometown Park (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Hometown Park (about 300 feet away); Columbia Carousel (about 400 feet away); Columbia (about 400 feet away); Silver Anniversary Horse (about

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

2. Whizzer Marker

The marker is directly beneath a 2012 marker about the ride's status as an American Coaster Enthusiasts Landmark.

400 feet away); Batman The Ride (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gurnee.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Columbia (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. This is one of several historical markers erected by Six Flags Great America in honor of the park's 50th anniversary. The park opened as Great America on May 29, 1976.

The marker is directly beneath one erected by American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) in 2012 about the ride's status as an ACE Landmark.

Also see . . . Whizzer The Scream that Started It All. This page from the Six Flags website also includes photos and a video of the ride. (Submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photo by Jonrev (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons, 2005

3. Whizzer

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.