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

Great America Scenic Railway

Six Flags Great America 50

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

1. Great America Scenic Railway Marker

Inscription. The Great America Scenic Railway has been circling the park since opening day in 1976, operating as a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that provides guests with a relaxed, scenic mile-long journey around the park. The line features two stations, Hometown Square and County Fair, and originally ran with two locomotives, one red and one blue, each built by Custom Fabricators on Vulcan steam-style frames with internal boilers for steam effects.

Over the decades, the railway has offered not only tranquil sightseeing but also unique views beneath and around major attractions. Although the track was partially removed in 2018 during construction of Maxx Force, the railway made its return in 2021, continuing its role as one of the park's most iconic and nostalgic transportation attractions.

Erected 2026 by Six Flags Great America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1976.

Location. 42° 21.95′ N, 87° 55.878′ W. Marker is in Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. It can be reached

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from Six Flags Drive south of Grand Avenue (Illinois Route 132). The marker is near Fairgrounds Junction rail station, which sits near the Goliath ride in the southeast corner of 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: Fiddler's Fling (within shouting distance of this marker); American Eagle (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Logger's Run (about 400 feet away); The Little Dipper (about 800 feet away); The Wooden Coasters of Six Flags (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kiddieland Amusement Park 1929-2009 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Six Flags History of Resurrected Rides (approx.

Great America Scenic Railway Marker at Fairgrounds Junction image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026

2. Great America Scenic Railway Marker at Fairgrounds Junction

0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Little Dipper (approx. 0.2 miles 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.

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.