| Not to be confused with Southwest Territory at Six Flags America. |
Southwest Territory is a Wild West-themed land at Six Flags Great America. It opened in 1996 for the park's 20th anniversary, after having been in development for many years prior.
The area features many Southern and Mexican-style attractions and buildings, as well as various restaurants and shopping locations. The land neighbors Metropolis Plaza and County Fair.
History[]
Development[]
After Gurnee's Great America park was a huge success during its opening season in 1976, Marriott immediately began plans to bring new attractions, as well a new themed area, to the park.
For the 1979 season, Marriott intended to introduce the "Great Southwest" as the park's seventh major area, but construction on the new area never went past the planning phase. However, there had always been a plan for the area's addition. The Southern Cross skyride, added in 1977, took guests from the station in Orleans Place to the distant "south end" station, which sat on an undeveloped plot of land. A sign posted at the station reminded guests that the Great Southwest would rise in that very location in 1979, though that never happened. When the Southern Cross permanently closed in 1982, the south end station was abandoned.
Also, in 1980, Demon's queue audio had Gary Owens announce the Demon may have formed from slime that had landed in New Mexico in 1923 after an "intergalactic battle," a reference to the Great Southwest plans.
1995–1997: Southwest Territory phases[]
The Spanish Mission in 1996.
In 1995, Six Flags finally began construction on a new themed area for the 1996 season, which was later revealed to be "Southwest Territory", a revitalization of the former plans for the Great Southwest over 20 years prior. Viper, which opened in summer 1995, already had heavy Southern influence, seemingly hinting at the revival of the theme.
In 1996, the first phase of Southwest Territory opened, bringing the Spanish Mission and its plaza, as well as Chubasco, Ricochet, Trailblazer, and the River Rocker.
1999-present: Continued expansion and changes[]
Southwest Territory's entrance
On May 1, 1999, Six Flags added Raging Bull, a hyper coaster and Southwest Territory's second roller coaster.
In 2015, the Southwest Territory Amphitheater was demolished to make way for Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, an all-new dark ride for the 2016 season. To accommodate construction, the north entrance to Southwest Territory was closed and the portal was moved closer to the courtyard area, in front of River Rocker and Ricochet. The plaza area that was the location of the Amphitheater became then became an all-new area, Metropolis Plaza.
For the 2023 season, Mission Beer Garden was added to the mission building and two shade areas were constructed, one near The Oasis, and the other near JB's. The well near the mission building was demolished.
Attractions[]
Current[]
- Viper (opened 1995)
- Chubasco (opened 1996)
- Ricochet (opened 1996, formerly known as "Big Top" in County Fair, where it operated from 1977 to 1995)
- River Rocker (opened 1996)
- Giant Drop (opened 1997)
- Raging Bull (opened 1999)
Former[]
- Trailblazer (1996–2006)
Dining[]
Current[]
- Fiesta Fries Cantina
- Mijo's Authentic Mexican Food
- Six Below
- The Oasis
- Mission Beer Garden
- Windy City Sports Bar & Grill
Former[]
- Crazy Buffalo Saloon (1996–????)
- Waterin' Hole (2004- 2022, replaced by Mijo's Authentic Mexican Food)
- JB's Barbeque & Sports Bar (2013 - 2023, replaced by Windy City Sports Bar & Grill)
Shops[]
- El Mercado, the gift shop of Southwest Territory.
- Southwest Territory Arcade
Southwest Territory Amphitheater[]
- Main article: Southwest Territory Amphitheater
This amphitheater was home to various shows since it opened with the area in 1996. It was demolished in 2015 to make way for Justice League: Battle for Metropolis and the new Metropolis Plaza area.
Gallery[]
