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"Gateway to Thrills"
―Slogan[src]

Six Flags St. Louis, originally Six Flags Over Mid-America, is a Six Flags theme park located in Eureka, Missouri. The park opened on June 5, 1971, and features eight themed lands that contain many rides and attractions for thrillseekers and families alike. The park features nine roller coasters, the most of any theme park in the state of Missouri, giving the park the self-proclaimed title of "Missouri's Coaster Capital".

Upon opening in 1971, Six Flags St. Louis was the third and final of the original three Six Flags parks to be designed, constructed, and opened under the supervision of Six Flags creator Angus G. Wynne before his death in 1979. To this day it is the only to be fully owned and operated by a subsidiary of Six Flags. The other two original parks (Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over Georgia) are owned by various limited partners.

Dedication

"Six Flags is divided into six sections which reflect the architecture and atmosphere of different eras in Midwestern history.
The flags of France, Spain, England, the Union, Illinois, and Missouri have had influence over the territory since 1764.
The buildings, shows, and rides are themed to help you relive the bright and colorful past at Six Flags.
"
―The dedication of Six Flags Over Mid-America, 1971[src]

Concept and construction

SFSL aerial construction

Construction of Six Flags Over Mid-America in 1969.

Six Flags Over Mid-America was the last of the three Six Flags theme parks envisioned by founder Angus G. Wynne before his death in 1979. Like Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over Georgia, the park was designed with an emphasis on education through historical fiction. Famous production designer Randall Duell of Randall Duell & Associates designed the layout of the park, which he centered around the park's Palace Theater, in what is called a "Duell loop".

The six lands or "Flags" were mostly the same as the previous two parks, with Illinois being exclusive to Over Mid-America. England was also chosen as the "replacement" for a Confederate area, since Missouri had no ties to the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. The reason for England's inclusion was the influence of British culture on America during Colonial America.

  • Missouri (now 1904 World's Fair), the main area of the park, themed after the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904,
  • U.S.A. (replaced by Time Warner Studios in 1995), located at the southeast of the park and themed after the United States.
  • France (now Chouteau's Market), located to the east across from U.S.A., and themed after a colonial French trading post.
  • Spain (replaced by DC Comics Plaza in 1997), located at the southwest of the park, with Spanish-themed architecture and restaurants,
  • England (now Britannia), located in the northwest of the park and themed after a village in Medieval England.
  • Old Chicago (also known as Illinois, its current name), located in the northeast of the park and themed after the city of Chicago in the early 1900's.

1971: Grand opening

Six Flags Over Mid-America opened to the public on June 5, 1971. On opening day, the park featured 16 different rides and attractions, and 5 shows.[1]

History

1971–1982: Penn Central era

SixFlagsGrandOpeningSign

An advertisement for the opening of Six Flags Over Mid-America featuring a host and hostess.

During the 1972 season, the Grand Ole Carousel opened in the England section of the park. The ride was originally built in 1915 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, and was later purchased by Six Flags.

For the 1973 season, the Illinois section of the park received an expansion. The Dodge City bumper cars and Mo-Mo the Monster, a spinning ride, opened in the Old Chicago section of the park. The Old Glory Amphitheatre, the park's main music venue, also opened. That year, the Palace Theater presented Meet Me at the Fair.

During the 1976 season, Screamin' Eagle, then the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, opened in the Old Chicago section of the park. It was designed by John C. Allen, and manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters.

For the 1977 season, Highland Fling, a Schwarzkopf Enterprise ride, opened in the England section of the park. For the ride's opening ceremony, a group of bagpipe players came to the park to perform. Singsation '77 was shown that year in the Palace Theater.

For the 1978 season, Sky Chuter, a parachute tower ride, opened in the England section of the park. A new conservation-based show, Energy Today and Tomorrow, was shown in the Palace Theater.

During the 1981 season, Jet Scream, a Schwarzkopf "looping star" roller coaster opened in the USA section of the park. The Great Rock 'N Roll Time Machine was performed in the Palace Theater.

During the 1982 season, The Buccaneer, a swinging ship ride, opened in the USA section of the park. Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance was shown in the Palace Theater.

1982–1991: Bally/Wesray era

During the 1983 season, Thunder River, a white water rafting ride, opened in the Missouri section of the park. That same year, Bally Manufacturing purchased Six Flags, and Six Flags Over Mid-America officially became a Bally theme park.

In January 1986, Six Flags Over Mid-America sold off 170 acres east of the park, reducing the acreage owned from 500 to 330 acres. The buyer of the land was not announced or confirmed by the park, and at the time rumors arose that a race track was being built that Six Flags had some kind of involvement with. Six Flags Over Mid-America Vice President and General Manager Jim Wintrode refused to expound on these rumors and only said that "we hope to be involved to some degree in the future use of the site."[2]

Ninja opened in 1989.

1991–1998: Time Warner era

Six Flags Over Mid-America - Early 1990s

Six Flags Over Mid-America in 1992.

In 1990, Time Warner acquired a 19.5% stake in Six Flags, then by the end of 1991 acquired an additional 30.5% giving them 50% ownership of the corporation, with the remaining divided equally by silent partners, The Blackstone Group and Wertheim Schroder.

In 1991, Tidal Wave opened in the Old Chicago section of the park.

In 1993, the Bugs Bunny Carrot Top Dance Party opened, a dinner show for kids.

In 1995, the park introduced Time Warner Studios, replacing the USA section. On April 22 of the same year, Batman: The Ride opened to the public, an inverted steel roller coaster based on the Batman film series. On May 27, the Robin Hood Stunt Spectacular debuted in the Sherwood Forest Theatre, a high-energy stunt show.

In 1996, the park opened Warner Bros. Backlot. It replaced the short-lived Time Warner Studios, adding more attractions and entertainment. The Chevy Show theater was renovated to become Sound Stage #2, and Gotham Harbor became The Joker Inc., marking the first time that the Joker had been given his own dedicated theme park attraction.

In 1997, the park debuted the new DC Comics Plaza area of the park, which replaced the former Spain section. It was originally intended to open alongside the new Mr. Freeze roller coaster, but the ride was delayed due to problems with the LIM launch system. DC Comics Plaza was opened, however, and featured the new DC Villain's Cafe and the newly rethemed Castaway Kids' Jungle Adventure.

In 1998, Mr. Freeze finally opened in the DC Comics Plaza section of the park. It was originally planned to open for the 1997 season in tandem with the theatrical release of Batman & Robin, but problems with the electromagnetic launch mechanism caused it to be delayed an entire year.

1998–2005: Premier Parks era

On April 1, 1998, Premier Parks purchased Six Flags Theme Parks for $1.86 billion. As part of the deal, Time Warner requested that some of Premier Parks' existing properties be re-branded as Six Flags theme parks, and Premier Parks was given longtime exclusive licensing deals for rights to various Warner Bros. properties.

On June 5, 1999, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor opened to the public. It was the biggest investment in the park's history at that time. That same summer, the Speed O'Drome opened in the Britannia section of the park. It was an upcharge go-karts track, similar to other ones added to Six Flags theme parks that year. In late 1999, Six Flags announced that St. Louis would receive an all-new wooden roller coaster in the park's Britannia section for the 2000 season.

In 2000, The Boss, a wooden roller coaster manufactured by Great Coasters International, opened in the Britannia section of the park.

In 2005, Tornado, the first major addition to Hurricane Harbor, opened to the public. Also that season, Looney Tunes Town was permanently closed.

2006–2009: Mark Shapiro era

At the end of 2005, a proxy battle resulted in Dan Snyder and Mark Shapiro, two major stockholders, assuming control of the Six Flags Board of Directors. The Premier Group was ousted in December and the new board appointed Mark Shapiro as CEO.

In 2006, the park introduced Superman: Tower of Power, an Intamin drop tower, and Bugs Bunny National Park, an all-new children's area themed after Looney Tunes. Some of the rides from the former Looney Tunes Town were relocated to the new area and given new themes. Superman: Tower of Power was relocated from AstroWorld, where it had operated as Dungeon Drop from 1997 to 2005.

In 2007, Tony Hawk's Big Spin, a spinning coaster manufactured by Gerstlauer, opened in the Britannia section of the park. That season, the Screen Stars Diner in Studio Backlot was replaced with a Johnny Rockets location.

2010–2019: Jim Anderson era

In 2011, Six Flags St. Louis celebrated its 40th anniversary. On May 14, 2011, SkyScreamer opened in the Illinois section of the park.

In summer 2012, Bonzai Pipelines opened in Hurricane Harbor.

On June 8, 2013, Boomerang opened in the Illinois section of the park. At the end of the season, Tsunami Soaker was announced as the park's 2014 attraction and the former Hannibarrels building was demolished to make way for it.

On May 24, 2014, Tsunami Soaker opened to the public. One of the featured additions in 2014 was JB's Smokehouse BBQ, a new barbeque sports bar which opened in DC Comics Plaza, replacing DC Villain's Cafe. In August, Scooby-Doo! Ghostblasters: The Mystery of the Scary Swamp was permanently closed to make way for a then unannounced 2015 attraction. This attraction was later announced to be Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, a new interactive 4D dark ride from DC Comics.

On June 5, 2015, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis opened in the DC Comics Plaza section of the park. Along with the new ride came its DC Comics themed exit shop, Superheroes vs. Villains, which replaced the former video game merchandise store Six Flags Power Up!. Near the end of the season, Rush Street Flyer was closed and Fireball was announced as the park's 2016 attraction. After Fright Fest 2015, Park President Dave Roemer retired after a long tenure at the park and was succeeded by Pete Carmichael, who had previously worked at Six Flags New England.

On May 7, 2016, Fireball opened in the Illinois section of the park, replacing Rush Street Flyer. A new dining option added that season was Fowl Ball, which replaced the vacant building that had previously been home to Calico Sal's.

On May 26, 2017, Spinsanity opened in the Chouteau's Market section of the park.

In January 2018, Phil Liggett was named Park President of Six Flags St. Louis, replacing Pete Carmichael, who returned to Six Flags New England to be that park's Park President. On June 22, 2018, Typhoon Twister opened in Hurricane Harbor. Highland Fling was fully removed after not having operated in over a year, and at the end of the season the park announced Supergirl Sky Flyer, a very similar attraction, to be its replacement.

The park opened for the 2019 season on March 23, 2019. Supergirl: Sky Flyer opened to the public on May 25. That season, the The Joint is Jumpin' was featured as the big production in the Palace Theater, and SoundFX, a rhythmic drumming show, was introduced in the Empire Theater. On August 29, Catwoman Whip was announced as the park's 2020 attraction.

2020–2021: Mike Spanos era

In January 2020, construction began on a renovation and redesign of the entry plaza, removing the ticket booths that had been at the park since 1971 as well as several planters to widen the area and make it more open. It would be completed when the park was scheduled to reopen on March 18, 2020. On March 2, the park announced its new tagline, "Gateway to Thrills". On the park's website, it was revealed that two new shopping locations would be coming to 1904 World's Fair, with Coaster Candy opening in the Front Mall, and Six Flags Kids opening in the Palace Gardens.

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Six Flags St. Louis' initial COVID-19 statement, released on social media on the morning of March 13, 2020.

Due to concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Six Flags St. Louis announced at 11 AM on March 13 that the park had temporarily suspended operations until "the end of March", at which time park officials would re-evaluate the situation and decide on an opening date. The park affirmed guests that there had been no reported cases of COVID-19 on property, however that the safety of the park's guests and team members was "always our highest priority." They continued, saying that the park will continue to monitor the "evolving conditions" and follow guidance from federal, state, and local officials. Six Flags St. Louis was just one of several Six Flags theme parks to temporarily close. On March 30, Six Flags St. Louis announced that the closure had been extended and would last until at least mid-May. The closure was extended again indefinitely.

On June 9, 2020, Six Flags St. Louis announced that the park was "getting ready to reopen", and that starting June 22 and ending June 25 the park would officially reopen for Members and Season Pass Holders and would then fully reopen to the general public on June 26 to all guests with a reservation.[3]

Location

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Lands and attractions

1904 World's Fair

1904worldsfair-firstcone

First Cone in 1904 World's Fair.

Main article: 1904 World's Fair

The main "hub" of the park, themed after the real-life 1904 World's Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition) in St. Louis, which ran from April 30 to December 1, 1904. The area features the "Mall of the Mid-Americas", a mall complex also known as the "Front Mall" that features the Looney Tunes Main Street Market as well as many food and snack venues. The buildings in 1904 World's Fair are themed to look like they are from the turn of the century, and the area also contains the "St. Louis Station" for the Tommy G. Robertson Railroad. The area was previously named "Missouri" from the park's opening in 1971 until 1994.

Attractions

Dining

Shopping

  • Looney Tunes Main Street Market
  • LaClede's Mart
  • Front Gate Photo
  • World's Fair Fudgery
  • Toy Circus
  • Flags
  • Studio 6F

Studio Backlot

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The entrance archway to Studio Backlot.

Main article: Studio Backlot

A movie studio-themed area located to the southeast of the park. Several movie and Batman-themed attractions reside in the area, including Batman: The Ride, Axis Chemical Arcade, The Joker Inc., and Ninja. It opened in 1995 as "Time Warner Studios" and then was renamed "Warner Bros. Backlot" in 1996, and both areas featured exclusive "movie set experiences" that made the area seem like a real working studio. The name was changed again to just "Studio Backlot" in 2002, likely to differentiate from the real-life Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, which are a international tourist destination. Studio Backlot is home to the Empire Theater.

Attractions

Entertainment

Dining

Shopping

DC Comics Plaza

JLBFM-SFSTL

The Hall of Justice, the entrance facade to Justice League: Battle for Metropolis.

Main article: DC Comics Plaza

An area themed after the various characters and elements of DC Entertainment. It opened in 1997, replacing the former Spain section of the park. It features rides such as Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast, and Shazam!. The giant DC logo in the center of the area, "DC Circle", is occasionally home to different shows and activities.

Attractions

Dining

  • JB's Smoke House BBQ & Sports Bar
  • Hero's Snacks

Shopping

Britannia

The Boss facade

The entrance to The Boss, themed after a castle drawbridge.

Main article: Britannia

A Medieval England-themed land in the northwest corner of the park. It features The Boss, Xcalibur, Dragon's Wing, and more. The area was named "England" from 1971 to 1992, "Great Britain" in 1993, and then it was given its current name in 1994.

Attractions

Dining

Shopping

  • Pandemonium Gifts

Chouteau's Market

Tsunamisoaker

Tsunami Soaker, one of the two attractions in Chouteau's Market

Main article: Chouteau's Market

An area themed to a French market. It is named after Auguste Chouteau, the founder of the city of St. Louis. The area was known as France from the park's opening until 1993, when it was renamed Chouteau's Market.

Attractions

Dining

Shopping

Bugs Bunny National Park

Bugsbunnynationalpark

The entry to Bugs Bunny National Park.

Main article: Bugs Bunny National Park (Six Flags St. Louis)

A children's area based on the Looney Tunes cartoons. It opened in 2006, replacing part of what once belonged to Britannia. It is seen as a spiritual successor to Looney Tunes Town, which was the park's former children's area prior to its closure in 2005.

Attractions

Dining

Gateway to the West

Main article: Gateway to the West

An area themed to the early years of the state of Missouri, featuring many references to locales and people in the state. The area opened in 1993, merging parts of what were formerly the Missouri and France sections of the park. The central location of Gateway to the West is Miss Kitty's Saloon.

Attractions

Dining

  • Colonel Cobb's

Shopping

Illinois

BoomerangSFSTL

Boomerang, the newest roller coaster at the park

Main article: Illinois

This area is loosely themed to the city of Chicago. The area was one of the park's six original areas when it opened in 1971, and is the only to have kept its original name. The area is also sometimes referred to as "Old Chicago".

Attractions

Entertainment

Dining

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Main article: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Missouri)

Hurricane Harbor opened for the park's 28th anniversary on June 5, 1999. The water park is themed after a harbor that washed up from the South Seas long ago.

The Flash Pass

In 2003, the FastLane virtual queue system was introduced at Six Flags St. Louis. It eventually changed its name to The Flash Pass.

Seasonal events

July 4th Fest

Main article: July 4th Fest

Every July, Six Flags St. Louis celebrates "July 4th Fest", sponsored by Coca-Cola. The event features nightly fireworks for the 4th of July weekend, as well as various activities.

Fright Fest

Main article: Six Flags St. Louis Fright Fest

Every Halloween season, Six Flags St. Louis celebrates "Fright Fest", a Halloween celebration for older audiences that features haunted attractions, themed areas named "scare zones", and other activities. The event started in 1988 as "Fright Nights" and was numbered every year until Fright Nights V in 1992. In 1993, the event was renamed to its current name.

Holiday in the Park

Main article: Holiday in the Park

Every holiday season, Six Flags St. Louis celebrates "Holiday in the Park", a joint event that celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other holidays. The event made its debut in 2016, extending the operating season past November for the first time in the park's history.

Management

Main article: Six Flags St. Louis/Management

Gallery

Main article: Six Flags St. Louis/Gallery

Park maps

References

  1. Valerie Schremp Hahn (August 1, 2019). Jet Scream, MoMo the Monster, Mule-Go-Round and more: Six Flags attractions of yore. STL Post-Dispatch.
  2. "And They're Off — With Six Flags Land", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 25, 1986, p. 45. 
  3. Twitter icon Six Flags St. Louis (@SFStLouis) at Twitter "We're getting ready to open! Starting June 22-25 we will be open to Members and Season Pass Holders who have made a reservation and beginning June 26 we will be open to ALL guests with a reservation: https://sixflags.com/reserve"

External links

v - e - d
Six Flags St. Louis logo.svg
1904 World's Fair
Mall of Mid-AmericaPalace TheaterAmerican ThunderColossus
Gateway to the West
River King Mine TrainThunder RiverMiss Kitty's Saloon
Studio Backlot
Batman: The RideNinjaThe Joker Inc.Axis Chemical ArcadeEmpire Theater
DC Comics Plaza
Justice League: Battle for MetropolisMr. Freeze: Reverse BlastShazam!Justice League HeadquartersJB's Barbecue & Sports Bar
Chouteau's Market
The OutpostTsunami SoakerSpinsanity
Britannia
Grand Ole CarouselBritannia Square GamesPandemoniumSupergirl Sky Flyer
Illinois
Screamin' EagleCatwoman's WhipSkyScreamerFireballOld Chicago Games
Bugs Bunny National Park
Bugs Bunny Fort FunBugs Bunny Ranger PilotsDaffy Duck Stars on ParadeElmer Fudd Weather BalloonsFoghorn Leghorn National Park RailwayMarvin the Martian Camp InvasionTaz TwistersTweety Twee HouseYosemite Sam Tugboat Tailspin
Hurricane Harbor
Big KahunaGully Washer CreekHook's LagoonHurricane BayPirate Ship SlidesTube SlidesTornadoWahoo RacerBonzai PipelineTyphoon TwisterMonsoon Marge's Trading CompanyCowabunga BurgersBeachside BBQPrimo's PizzeriaPineapple Pete'sTreasure Chest
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