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

Hometown Park

Six Flags Great America 50

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

1. Hometown Park Marker

Inscription. Hometown Park opened in 2015 as part of Six Flags Great America's 40 Seasons of Thrills celebration, bringing new life to the park's central Hometown Square area. Created as a dedicated kids' section, the area reintroduced three classic kiddie rides-Lady Bugs, Red Baron, and Tot's Livery-all of which had delighted families in the earliest years of Great America's operation.

Located in one of the park's original themed areas, Hometown Park was designed to blend seamlessly with the small-town charm and vintage Americana aesthetic that defined Hometown Square when it debuted on May 29, 1976. The addition gave young guests a place of their own within this part of the park while honoring the nostalgic roots of Great America's family attractions.

Since its debut, Hometown Park has continued to serve as a welcoming space for the park's youngest adventurers, reconnecting generations of guests with the classic rides that helped make Great America a beloved family destination.

Erected 2026 by Six Flags Great America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas

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• Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 2015.

Location. 42° 22.038′ N, 87° 56.088′ W. Marker is in Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. It can be reached from Six Flags Drive 0.7 miles south of Grand Avenue (Illinois Route 132). The marker is on the archway leading into Hometown Park. 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: A different marker also named Hometown Park (here, next to this marker); The Lobster (a few steps from this marker); Demon (within shouting distance of this marker); The Little Dipper (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kiddieland Amusement Park 1929-2009

Hometown Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

2. Hometown Park

Identical markers are on either side of the entrance to the Hometown Park area. The Wrath of Rakshasa ride towers over the entry.

(about 300 feet away); Whizzer Roller Coaster (about 300 feet away); The Wooden Coasters of Six Flags (about 300 feet away); Six Flags History of Resurrected Rides (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gurnee.

Regarding Hometown Park. 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.

Two identical versions of this marker adorn either side of the archway into the Hometown Park area.

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. submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.