Six Flags Great America announced its largest park investment in decades on Thursday morning, promising a brand new roller coaster and themed area — Camp Timber Trail, scheduled to open in 2027 — along with a broader renovation of the park.
Park President John Krajnak called it one of the most significant investments in the park since the 1996 opening of the Southwest Territory. As the park celebrates its 50th anniversary, Thursday’s announcement was a way of “looking forward,” he said.
“It’s really special,” Krajnak said. “I’m impressed with the investment we’re making. It’s substantial. It’s on a larger scope than we’ve done in some time.”
Camp Timber Trail will be a family-oriented, woodland camp-themed immersive “adventure destination,” and include interactive play and outdoor discovery experiences, a park news release said.
The most notable addition will be the Sky Hawk, a brand new suspended family coaster that will be the Midwest’s “longest tallest and fastest” of its kind according to the release, and offer “stunning views” of the woodland landscape below.
Other new attractions include Trail Trotters, an animal trek taking guests on a wilderness journey “filled with exploration and discovery,” and Forest Grove Play Park, an outdoor play destination with nature-inspired elements.
Four classic Yukon Territory rides will be “reimagined” — Sprocket Rockets will become the bird-themed Chirp Chaser, Crazy Bus will become the rustic Wilderness Wagon, Yahoo River will be the Creek Cruiser, and Buzzy Beez will return with new theming as Bee Boppin’.
Camp Timber Trail will also be the home of Little Dipper and Logger’s Run, both classic rides of the park that largely meld with the area’s theming, the release said.
Krajnak said there’s additional theming reworks planned for other aspects of Camp Timber Trail. According to the release, the area will offer themed dining, specialty treats, shopping — including exclusive merchandise and souvenirs — and “immersive environmental storytelling throughout.”
Whether this project is a full rebranding of Yukon Territory or simply a new part of it is still being determined, Krajnak said.
Major investment
Two years ago, Six Flags merged with the Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., which one theme park consultant called the “wind beneath the wings” that saved the struggling Six Flags. Since then, several poorer-performing parks have been dropped.
This new investment could be a good sign for the park looking ahead. The release framed the project as part of a broader commitment to “creating memorable moments,” enhancing the park environment and delivering “new reasons to visit year after year.”
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Beyond Camp Timber Trail, the release said work includes improving the park’s existing environment; enhancements to landscapes, walkways, guest amenities, facilities and the overall look and feel of the park.
“Looking ahead, guests can expect to see beautification efforts and property-wide improvements over the next three to five years as the park creates a more vibrant, welcoming and immersive experience throughout its 300 acres,” the release said.
In the release, Krajnak called it the “first step in a multi-year transformation,” and the release promised that “the next 50 years begin here,” with the new Camp Timber Trail “just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the park’s story.”