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

The Lobster

Six Flags Great America 50

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

1. The Lobster Marker

Inscription. The Lobster debuted on May 29, 1976, as one of the park's original attractions, operating in the Yankee Harbor section (now DC Universe™). This Schwarzkopf-built Polyp-style spinning ride was instantly recognizable thanks to its bright orange cars and the sculpted golden lobster mounted atop its central "octopus" head.

In 1992, following the introduction of BATMAN™: The Ride, the attraction was re-themed and renamed East River Crawler, receiving a purple repaint and continuing to operate in Yankee Harbor for more than two decades. After the 2016 season, the ride was relocated to Hometown Square to make room for THE JOKER™ coaster, replacing the retired Orbit. With the move, its original name, The Lobster, was restored in 2017 along with a refreshed look, featuring black cars with gold striping.

Today, The Lobster remains a classic family thrill staple, continuing to deliver its signature spinning, rising, and tilting motions, just as it has since the park's opening nearly 50 years ago.

Erected 2026 by Six Flags Great America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment

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• Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is May 29, 1976.

Location. 42° 22.043′ N, 87° 56.101′ W. Marker is in Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. It is on Six Flags Drive 0.7 miles south of Grand Avenue (Illinois Route 132). The marker is next to the entrance to the Lobster 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: Hometown Park (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Hometown Park (a few steps from this marker); Demon (within shouting distance of this marker); Whizzer Roller Coaster (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

2. The Lobster Marker

The marker is near the entrance to the ride.

Whizzer (about 300 feet away); The Little Dipper (about 400 feet away); Kiddieland Amusement Park 1929-2009 (about 400 feet away); Six Flags History of Resurrected Rides (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gurnee.

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.

Also see . . . The Lobster: Clamp on & Hold Tight!. From the Six Flags website. (Submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 27, 2023

3. The Lobster

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 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.