Gurnee in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Columbia
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026
1. Columbia Marker
Across its two grand turntables, 106 meticulously recreated horses, animals, and chariots circle in a vibrant display of artistry. Each figure was modeled after pieces sourced from museums, private collections, and historic carousels. On the lower level, you'll find rare Dentzel horses adorned with carved floral saddles, while the upper level showcases jewel-trimmed C.W. Parker horses in full prance. Among them is the famed Silver Anniversary Horse, one of the world's rarest carousel figures. Its original counterpart is preserved at the Circus Hall of Fame in Sarasota, Florida.
The carousel's ornate exterior was sculpted by Henry Greutert and Chris Mueller, whose craftsmanship preserves the fading art of architectural sculpture. Above them, sixteen original oil paintings by renowned artist George Gibson crown the ride with scenes drawn from American history.
Designed by Randall Duell and Associates, Columbia Carousel marked the first major
this page online
To Mr. Duell and his fellow artisans, our enduring gratitude.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1976.
Location. 42° 22.158′ N, 87° 56.115′ W. Marker is in Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. It can be reached from Six Flags Drive half a mile south of Grand Avenue (Illinois Route 132). The marker is in front of the carousel 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
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 19, 2026
2. Columbia Carousel
The marker is the upper of two in front of the carousel.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Columbia Carousel (here, next to this marker); Silver Anniversary Horse (here, next to this marker); Rue Le Dodge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Whizzer (about 400 feet away); Whizzer Roller Coaster (about 400 feet away); Batman The Ride (about 600 feet away); DC Super-Villains Swing (about 700 feet away); The Lobster (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gurnee.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Columbia (has been replaced with this marker).
More about this marker. This marker, erected in 2026, replaced a similar sign that had stood at the same spot on the south side of the Columbia Carousel. While the older marker shared the same themes and some of the same language, this newer version is much tamer when it comes to some of the superlatives used to describe the carousel.
Another sign about this carousels history is directly below this one. It was erected for Six Flags' 50th anniversary in 2026.
Regarding Columbia. The Columbia Carousel was
Photographed by Sean Flynn, August 27, 2023
3. Columbia Carousel
The Gurnee carousel is officially the second tallest carousel in the world, since it is one foot shorter than its Santa Clara counterpart. While there are some other minor differences, the two carousels are nearly identical. The Silver Anniversary Horse referenced on the marker is on the bottom half of the double-decker carousel and is identifiable thanks to a small marker near its base. It is a replica of the original horse owned by the Circus Hall of Fame in Sarasota, Florida.
The Great America park in Gurnee was sold to Six Flags in 1984; the Great America in California was acquired in 2006 by Cedar Fair, the parent company of the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio. In 2024, Cedar Fair and Six Flags completed an $8 billion merger, bringing the two carousels under the same ownership for the first time in four
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 27, 2023
4. The Columbia Carousel's Silver Anniversary Horse
Also see . . . R. Duell and Associates. The Dark Ride Database listing for R. Duell and Associates, which designed the Columbia Carousel.
Excerpt: "Randall Duell was a schooled architect who worked as set designer and building architect at MGM Studios from 1936-1959. When he resigned, he entered Marco Engineering: a company by C.V. Wood who oversaw the construction of Disneyland and now designed new theme parks. Duell left the company shortly afterwards, in 1960, establishing his own company. He was asked for the design of Six Flags over Texas, what would become the first [successful] theme park after Disney."(Submitted on June 22, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 27, 2023
5. Original marker for the Columbia Carousel
This marker was replaced in 2026.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on June 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2. submitted on June 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 28, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
