Six Flags Great America is celebrating a massive anniversary this year, as the park has now had 50 years of operation!

©Six Flags

The theme park located in Gurnee, Illinois, opened on May 29th, 1976, and has seen tons of change over 50 years. As Six Flags gets ready to celebrate this season, a few more changes are coming up this year that you’re going to want to hear about!

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There are TONS of changes headed to the park, so let’s dive right into everything you can expect for the park’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Raging Bull

Last season, Six Flags Great America gave Raging Bull, a very popular and intense coaster, a fresh new paint job. The attraction is getting another small touch-up, with a brand-new staircase coming this season.

©Six Flags

Columbia Carousel’s Reflection Pond

The Columbia Carousel is a popular spot not just as a ride, but as an iconic landmark at the park. Guests love to take pictures there as the reflection pond sits in front of it. The pond got an updated surface last year. This year, Six Flags is adding more landscaping to the front of it. You’ll see a bed of flowers with the Six Flags Great America logo in them in front of the pond.

©Six Flags

50th Anniversary Entertainment

Of course, there is a big celebration happening this year! For this celebration, the park will be introducing an all-new nighttime spectacular event that will feature a stage show AND a themed parade. This will take place from June 20th through August 9th. The park will be open until 10 p.m. every night to celebrate five decades!

©Six Flags

50th Anniversary Merchandise

There will be a retail store selling new 50th anniversary merchandise, and a museum display taking guests through the park’s history. The coolest thing is that guests will also have the opportunity to purchase an anniversary brick that will be placed in the park! There aren’t many other details on the entertainment and merchandise, so we’ll be waiting to hear more.

©Six Flags

Ice Cream Parlor is BACK

Six Flags will be changing the Firehouse Snacks building located in Hometown Square to an Ice Cream Parlor. Fans will remember that this used to be an Ice Cream Parlor a long time ago. With this return, the park will also bring back the classic root beers, along with other specialty food and beverage options. Six Flags is even considering adding a “tasting pass” — which would let guests try multiple special items around the park for one set price! It isn’t confirmed, but it’s being passed around, according to WGN 9.

©Six Flags

Some additional minor changes you may notice are upgraded toll booths and parking lot signage, as well as the “Flags” store getting a remodel. For now, that’s all we know regarding Six Flags America’s 50th Anniversary, although it was said there is a lot more to be announced over the coming months. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss anything!

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Will you be going to the park to celebrate its 50th anniversary? Let us know in the comments!