Hearts pounding with anticipation as the roller coaster ascends, the feeling of weightlessness takes over as riders reach the peak. Then, in an exhilarating rush, the coaster plummets downwards, and a mix of adrenaline, excitement, and a slight sense of fear overtakes riders as their stomachs drop. The wind rushes past, and they experience a thrilling combination of speed, intensity, and momentary loss of control. It is an adrenaline-fueled sensation that leaves riders breathless and craving more experiences like these.

Visitors to Six Flags Great America are no strangers to incredible roller coaster experiences and are torn when it comes to picking their favorites. But it cannot be denied that of the park’s 11 coasters, only five offer supreme thrills.

#5 American Eagle

In 1981, Marriott’s Great America debuted Intamin’s dueling wooden roller coaster, American Eagle. Breaking the height, length, and speed world records for dueling coasters upon opening, the ride boasts an impressive top speed of 66 miles per hour after its first drop of 147 feet. Topped with great theming and a historical presence at the park, American Eagle is extremely iconic and earns its spot on the list.

#4 Superman: Ultimate Flight
Great America’s flying coaster model pertains to the fitting theme of Superman. Riders are rotated in their seats, positioning their bodies to face the ground as they soar through the ride’s exciting elements. The second best element of any ride at the entire park is Superman’s 87 foot-tall pretzel loop (a complete front flip) because it’s a unique coaster component specific to flying models which delivers some of the most intense g-forces you can find on any roller coaster.

#3 Goliath

Fighting its way into the top three, Goliath broke three world records upon release, in 2014. The ride was manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, esteemed for their unique wooden coasters with tracking. Goliath debuted as the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest wooden roller coaster in the world, topping out at heights of 180 feet tall and speeds of 72 mph. Delivering the hype the ride promised, the ride also features two thrilling inversions, and great pacing throughout the layout. 

#2 Maxx Force

Maxx Force boasts the second fastest acceleration of any other ride in the world. Its launch alone, the greatest element at the park, sends riders into a 78 mph rush from a static position in just 1.8 seconds. Even after that, the ride shows off its world-record 175-foot double inversion. After three more quick inversions, the ride is cut short, being only 23 seconds long, leaving it just shy of the number one spot.

#1 Raging Bull

Located in the Southwest Territory of the park, Raging Bull bull rushes its way to the top of the list. With a first drop at 208 feet, the ride gains momentum to rip its way through almost a mile of track. Complementing the rides’ abundance of airtime, Raging Bull’s incredibly comfortable seats and restraints allow for a more liberating experience while also fitting the theme of the ride. With constant, quick-paced airtime hills, the ride provides an iconic experience at the park, securing its title as the best coaster at Six Flags Great America.