Hometown Square is the central hub of Six Flags Great America. It opened with the park on May 29, 1976, as one of the six original areas. The area is themed after a small Midwestern town around the turn of the century, with many themed buildings as well as vintage-style rides, games, and other attractions.
History[]
1976–1983: Marriott era[]
Hometown Square opened on May 29, 1976 as one of the six themed lands of Marriott's Great America.
1984–present: Six Flags era[]
In 2013, IgNIGHT – Grand Finale was held at the area, which removed some landscaping, and the old gazebo at the area.
For Great America's "40 Seasons of Thrills" celebration in the summer of 2015, Six Flags introduced Hometown Park, an all-new children's area that featured the return of three classic attractions; Tot's Livery, Red Baron, and Lady Bugs.
At the end of the 2016 season, The Orbit was permanently closed and removed. In the empty space where the ride once was, a banner was placed which read "Return of The Lobster in 2017". East River Crawler, which had previously been named "The Lobster" from 1976 to 1990 before being renamed and rethemed for Batman: The Ride in 1992, was being dismantled over in Yankee Harbor to make way for The Joker. The ride was relocated to the newly vacant location in Hometown Square.[1]
Attractions[]
Current[]
- Hometown Fun Machine (opened 1976)
- The Lobster (opened 1976, previously located in Yankee Harbor from 1976 to 2016)
- Triple Play (opened 1976)
- Whizzer (opened 1976)
Former[]
- Bottoms Up (1976–1983)
- Rolling Thunder (1989-1995)
- Viper (Became part of Southwest Territory in 1996)
- The Orbit (1976–2016)
Shops[]
Current[]
Former[]
- Bargain Bonanza
- Bear Necessities
- Hocus Pocus
- Keyhole Photo
- Trudy's Sweet Shoppe
Restaurants[]
Current[]
- Bubble Tea Station
- Hometown Funnel Cake
- Coca-Cola VIP Lounge
- Strutters
- Trolley Treats
- Whizzer Snacks
Former[]
- Hometown Boarding House
- Sidetracks Soda
- Firehouse Snacks
- The Old Fashioned Root Beer Stand
Entertainment[]
Hometown Park[]
Hometown Park was added for the 40th season celebration of Great America in 2015.
Hometown Square Station[]
- Main article: Scenic Railway
Hometown Square is home to one of the two train stations for the Scenic Railway, the other being in County Fair.
Six Flags Fun Park[]
- Main article: Six Flags Fun Park
Hometown Square was featured as one of the playable areas in the 2009 video game Six Flags Fun Park.
References[]
- ↑ Moran, Dan (September 30, 2016). Moran: Great America puts the Orbit to rest, brings back the Lobster. Lake County News-Sun. Chicago Tribune.