One of America's favorite and most iconic theme parks is nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, an area brimming with history and natural beauty. Since opening its gates in the Town of Queensbury on June 27, 1954—originally known as Storytown USA—Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor has become a beloved family destination and a must-see attraction for millions.
And it’s certainly not hard to see why. With over 100 rides and attractions, a splash-tastic outdoor waterpark, live entertainment and games for the whole family, numerous in-park restaurants and snack stations, and storied events and celebrations throughout the season, Six Flags Great Escape keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more.
A Brief History on Six Flags Great Escape
The land was built and named as Storytown USA, which opened in 1954 by local businessman, Charles R. Wood, who would later be responsible for several area staples, including Double H Ranch, as well as Charles R. Wood Theater and Charles R. Wood Park, both of which were funded through his foundation.
Originally, Storytown USA was branded as a “Mother Goose” themed amusement park, aimed towards young children, with many of the original houses and landmarks still able to be viewed today in the park’s “Storytown Village.”
Wood however, wanting to appeal to older kids and adults as well, made several key innovations during his time as owner, including the building of the Ghost Town area, the opening of several iconic coasters such as the Steamin’ Demon and the Comet, and the opening of the Splashwater Kingdom waterpark—which would later be named to Hurricane Harbor. Not to mention the switch to the now widely recognized name of the Great Escape in 1983.
Though Wood eventually sold the park to what would become the Six Flags company, much of his legacy can still be viewed and admired in the park today. With many of his original concepts and ideas playing a vital role in the modern-day amusement park, Six Flags Great Escape proves to be a timeless treasure of thrills and wonder for all ages.
Rides For All Ages
If there’s anything Six Flags Great Escape is known for, it’s for the wide range of exhilarating rides located throughout the park. Whether you’re the ultimate thrill-seeker or perhaps a brave young rider, there are plenty of options for everyone in the family.
Below are some rides to get in line for.
Thrill Rides
Adirondack Outlaw – You can see this “giant arm” from the entrance to the park. This ride—combining height, speed, and dual motion—launches riders 16 stories in the air while also spinning and flipping.
Comet – Originally built in 1927, and an iconic landmark of the Great Escape since 1994. This 4,200-foot wooden roller coaster provides airtime drops of up to 85 feet, while also providing a scenic overview from the top.
Extreme Supernova – A giant pendulum-shaped ride with back-and-forth spinning that will lift riders up 50 feet in the air. Catch some serious airtime in between each swing.
Flashback - This double-looping coaster pulls riders 120 feet in the air with impressive speeds. But there’s more, because you’ll be experiencing it both forwards and backwards. Talk about getting ‘thrown for a loop.’
Greezed Lightnin’ – You’ll recognize this ride with its visual appearance as a great big ‘ring of fire.’ Rock back and forth before doing full 360-degree loops in this unique, heart-pounding experience.
Pictured: Greezed Lightnin' at Six Flags Great Escape.
Sasquatch – One of the first things you’ll see when walking into the park is this 192-foot towering behemoth, complete with two separate ride options. The Lift Tower will blast riders all the way to the top in nearly three seconds before bouncing them back down. Meanwhile, the Drop Tower builds suspense by creeping riders up to the top before plummeting you down, along with a few bonus bounces.
Steamin’ Demon – A pioneer of steel looping coasters built in 1984 under the mind of park founder, Charles R. Wood. Complete with lifts, vertical loops, and even a massive double-inversion corkscrew. Breeze through 1,565 feet of track with impressive speeds of up to 40 mph!
Family Rides
Blizzard – This giant igloo is the park’s only indoor ride. Spin around in this indoor scrambler with a colorful light show, music, and even air conditioning, perfect for a hot summer day.
Cannonball Express – Enjoy a classic rock n’ roll vibe with this circular wave spinner, featuring a blast of colors and lights. Swirl around the track— with included wavy hills— and be pushed to the edge of your seat.
Desperado Plunge – Cool off with this log raft ride and cruise through the trees over Ghost Town. Explore a winding mountain watercourse, tour a scenic workshop, and for the grand finale, plummet down a giant waterfall! A big splash at the end practically guarantees a refreshing soak.
Grand Carousel – This iconic carousel has been a Storytown staple for both the young and young at heart. Colorful horses in regal armor can be found on this ride, alongside giant bunnies, giraffes, lions, and even a camel!
Storytown Train – Explore an interactive history tour of the park on the original Storytown railroad. This relaxing train ride takes riders through the outskirts of the park, where you can find informational placards with important milestones and even some old exhibits and attractions for commemorative display. You might even see some aquatic life flowing in the river alongside the tracks.
The Bobcat – An exclusive one-of-a-kind wooden coaster that combines classic thrills with modern innovation. Soar 55 feet into the air and race along tight turns for quality excitement suitable for the whole family.
Kids Rides
And for the youngest of riders, Timbertown is an area filled with rides perfectly suitable for the children, as well as their parents. Embark on a mini drop tower, pilot your own plane, race on a circular car track, and even ride on a mini rollercoaster!
Summer Splashes at Hurricane Harbor
The perfect complement to the theme park is the ever-popular outdoor waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, included at no extra cost with general park admission.
At Hurricane Harbor, there are several different ways to enjoy the refreshing feel of the water on a summer day, from mild and mellow to high-speed thrills and chills. Regardless, it’s bound to be filled with soaks and splashes.
Encounter twists and turns in a series of different water slides, including the freefall drops of the Bamboo Shoots, the spiraling speeds of the Bonzai Pipelines, or even the 100-foot tunnel that is the Big Kahuna.
Other water attractions include:
Paradise Plunge – The tallest slide around. Once the floor drops, you’ll plummet down more than 10 stories to a splash landing below.
Tornado – You’ll easily find this giant blue and yellow checkerboard funnel. Shoot from a height of 75 feet down a 132-foot tunnel before swirling around back and forth until you reach the bottom. Up to four people can grab a raft and enjoy one of the most unique waterslides out there.
Adventure River – Grab a tube and kick back on this lazy river. Float through a channel, past some big rocks and trees, and underneath a bridge. The perfect way to relax.
And, for the kids, they can enjoy aquatic attractions like the Buccaneer Beach, with miniature water slides and pop-up spray jets, or Splashwater Island, with a shallow wading pool and plenty of lounge chairs for the parents.
Engaging Entertainment
Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor is more than just rides and slides; it’s a whole entertainment package filled with things to see and do.
Want to win a prize? Then, check out the park’s two arcades—one located in Ghost Town and the other in the main Fest Area— for a variety of classic carnival-based games. There are plenty of chances to win, and the prizes range in size. There’s nothing like taking home a giant plush with you.
Take a step back in time and revel at the original characters and landmarks of Storytown USA by taking a stroll through Storytown Village. Buildings such as Cinderella’s Castle and the Pumpkin Carriage make for perfect photos, while classic fairytale characters like Mother Goose and Little Bo Peep will be there to greet the children.
Be a part of the celebration and dance along with your favorite characters with one of the select dance parties, happening multiple times daily. At the Fest Area, you can meet and dance with the cast of Alice in Wonderland, while the mascots of Timbertown will be hyping up the crowds near Carousel Plaza.
There are several other happenings and shows occurring throughout the season, so make sure to browse around and discover what’s new at the park.
*You can also visit the Great Escape’s Shows & Entertainment page.
Stop and Grab a Bite
All the fun and excitement can certainly build up an appetite. Fortunately, inside the park lies a buffet of dining and snacking options to fuel the day’s activities. From sit-down restaurants to outdoor snack bars, there are over 20 locations to choose from.
Here are some of the types of eats you can expect to find.
Bierhaus – Located in the Fest Area, this German-inspired stand serves turkey legs, pretzels, and even ice-cold beer for the adults.
Carousel Funnel Cakes – Reward your sweet tooth with funnel cakes, fried dough, and soft-serve ice cream, among other options.
Charley’s Saloon – This indoor restaurant in the Ghost Town is the place to go for pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and beef & chicken Philly’s.
Chicken Chalet – Nothing can beat the classics like chicken sandwiches and tenders, or perhaps some loaded bacon cheddar fries.
Festival Marketplace – Located in the center of the park, you can munch on tacos and loaded nachos.
Signature Events
Six Flags Great Escape is home to several special events hosted throughout the season. If you’re unsure when a good time to visit the park is, these celebrations are the perfect showcase of just how lively everything can be.
Red, White, & Rock! – Held throughout Independence Day weekend, amplify the amusement park experience with a high-energy live band performing classic rock hits center stage. Catch a show between the coasters and water park rides!
Oktoberfest – Held on select weekends through August and September, Oktoberfest celebrates the spirit of Germany. In between the usual thrills and attractions, guests can indulge in authentic German cuisine and craft beers, while also participating in family-friendly games and performances. This event brings a festive atmosphere like no other.
Fright Fest – A yearly tradition sought out by many! During the late-night autumn weekends, the entire park transforms into a celebration of all things spooky. Featuring frightening scare zones, haunted mazes, and other ghouls and terrors for spine-chilling excitement. There’s also nothing like going on your favorite rides under the nighttime lights!
Kids Boo Fest – For a more family-oriented experience during the daytime, Kids Boo Fest is the perfect time for spooky fun! Kids can walk through the park in their costumes along the trick-or-treat trail, while also partaking in other activities, including scavenger hunts, hay mazes, dance parties, and more.
Pictured: Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great Escape.
The Fun Continues at the Lodge!
As you’re exiting the gates of the park, just know that the excitement doesn’t have to stop. Just over the bridge and across the street lies the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to lay your head after a busy day of theme park thrills, then you’re in luck. This Adirondack-themed lodge offers over 200 suites, able to accommodate families of various sizes. From a more traditional suite that can fit four to six people, to a two-room suite that can room up to twelve. Everyone can rest comfortably with the modern amenities included in every suite. There’s also a downstairs arcade and craft-building at the Kids Klub to enhance your stay.
Of course, you can’t forget about the indoor waterpark, available to all lodge guests as well as the general public. Open year-round, this tropical-themed structure, known as White Water Bay, features various water rides and attractions, from giant tube-shaped slides to surfboarding and raft rides. No matter the weather outside, White Water Bay is always ready for a splashing good time.
Pictured: Six Flags Great Escape Lodge - White Water Bay
And, if you’re looking for a great meal, make sure to check out Hurricane Grill & Wings, located on the lower level of the lodge and open to the public. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this restaurant is serving up award-winning wings—with over 30 signature sauces and rubs—as well as delicious burgers, tacos, and other classic comfort eats. Whether you’re looking for a casual dining experience or are simply refueling after a day of thrills, this is the place to be.
