American Eagle

The American Eagle is a renowned wooden roller coaster located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. First opened to the public in 1981, this iconic coaster has become a beloved staple of the park, thrilling visitors with its unique design and status as one of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coasters in the world when it debuted. With its twin racing tracks, enormous structure, and nostalgic charm, the American Eagle remains a must-ride attraction for roller coaster enthusiasts and families alike.

History and Design
Designed by Intamin, the American Eagle was constructed as a signature attraction to enhance Six Flags Great America's reputation as a leading amusement park. The coaster was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, a storied manufacturer known for its expertise in crafting wooden roller coasters. It was an ambitious project at the time, requiring nearly 1,360,000 feet of wood and 30 tons of nails to create its massive structure.

Upon its debut, the American Eagle set records for both height and speed, featuring a towering first drop of 147 feet and reaching speeds of up to 66 miles per hour. The coaster's track is over 4,650 feet long on each side, making for an exhilarating 2-minute and 23-second ride experience. The dual-track design allowed two trains to race each other simultaneously, adding a competitive thrill for riders as they wind through the dense wooden framework.

Racing Tracks: Red vs. Blue
One of the key features of the American Eagle is its twin racing tracks, which pit two trains — one red and one blue — against each other. The concept of racing coasters was popular in the 1980s, and the American Eagle was one of the premier examples. The ride begins with a slow climb up the lift hill, during which riders can take in the view of the park and Lake Michigan in the distance. The first drop is a thrilling descent of 147 feet, sending riders plummeting into a dark tunnel before they emerge into a series of sharp turns, airtime hills, and sweeping banked curves.

The course of each track is nearly identical, but small variations can occasionally cause one side to reach the finish first. This unpredictability, combined with the sight of the opposing train racing alongside, creates an extra layer of excitement for riders. The American Eagle’s racing element is especially fun for groups of friends or families who can split into different trains and compete against each other.

Unique Ride Experience
While modern roller coasters are known for their extreme elements and smooth steel tracks, the American Eagle stands out as a traditional wooden coaster that still delivers powerful sensations. The ride’s unique structure includes a series of intense curves and turns that jostle riders in a way that newer rides do not. Wooden coasters are known for their characteristic rattling and bumpy ride, and the American Eagle is no exception — its raw, untamed energy is part of what makes it a classic.

The coaster features a helix finale, a circular element that has become one of its defining features. As the trains race around the final helix, riders are treated to lateral G-forces and a whirlwind of wooden beams and supports rushing past. This element, combined with the height and speed of the earlier portions of the ride, ensures a thrilling end to an unforgettable journey.

Notable Achievements and Legacy
When it opened, the American Eagle broke several records, including:

• Tallest Wooden Roller Coaster in the World: At 147 feet, it was a towering giant among wooden coasters.
• Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster in the World: Reaching speeds of up to 66 miles per hour, it was one of the fastest wooden coasters at the time.
• Longest Drop on a Wooden Coaster: The first drop, plunging down 147 feet, was the longest wooden drop in the world when it debuted.

While other coasters have since surpassed these records, the American Eagle still holds a special place in coaster history. It represents an era when the thrill of wooden coasters was at its peak, and its status as a dual-racing coaster adds to its unique legacy.

Ride Experience and Maintenance
Over the years, Six Flags Great America has made efforts to maintain and update the American Eagle to ensure its longevity and safety. The coaster has undergone various refurbishments, including track retracking and structural reinforcement, to keep the ride experience as smooth as possible for a wooden coaster of its age. Despite its age, the American Eagle remains a popular attraction, beloved by both longtime fans and new visitors.

Fun Facts

1. Themed Area: The American Eagle is located in the park’s County Fair section, fitting with its Americana theme and red, white, and blue color scheme.
2. Ride Statistics: The ride reaches a maximum speed of 66 miles per hour and features a total height of 127 feet, with a first drop of 147 feet due to the layout and slope of the terrain.
3. Nighttime Ride Experience: The American Eagle offers a completely different experience at night. With the wooden structure lit up and the park lights glowing in the distance, the sensation of speed and the unpredictability of the race are heightened.

The American Eagle is more than just a roller coaster; it’s a piece of Six Flags Great America’s history and a reminder of the thrill and excitement that wooden coasters can bring. Despite the advent of newer, more extreme coasters, the American Eagle’s status as a classic wooden racer has endured, making it a must-ride attraction for anyone visiting the park. For those seeking a nostalgic thrill and a bit of friendly competition, the American Eagle offers an experience like no other.