Best Roller Coasters at Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois is one of those must-visit places for every older kid, teen or young adult. Even many adults find it a great place to ride a few rides, hang out and eat every few hours. Six Flags Great America spans several thousand acres, so it's a huge park to traverse in one day during the busy season. So if you're planning on visiting Six Flags during the summer or on a holiday, you might consider hitting these rides first so you don't miss out on the best roller coasters and thrill rides Six Flags has to offer.

Superman: Orleans Place Park

The Superman roller coaster is one of Six Flags Great America's signature coaster. It's different from others in its league in that it tips riders face-down for the entire ride. Thus, if you were able to put your arms out in front of you, you'd look just like Superman as you fly through the air.

Secure a seat in the front position whenever possible. It's unfortunate but not unlikely for riders to spit out their gum and inadvertently hurl on this ride, and as a rear rider, there's a small chance you could get sprayed.

Batman: Yankee Harbor Park

The Batman roller coaster straps in riders with legs dangling - there's no floor below this one, so if that bothers you, keep that in mind before getting in line. It is without a doubt one of the fastest coasters at Six Flags and has the potential to make riders feel a little heady. Word to the wise? Don't close your eyes during the ride.

Batman is a teensy bit jerky, but nothing like a wooden coaster. The steel coaster itself provides a smooth ride as you careen down steep drops, through loops and upside-down throughout the duration of the ride.

Vertical Velocity: Yankee Harbor Park

Although Vertical Velocity is a roller coaster, it doesn't take up much real estate on the ground. Riders spend most of their time at a 90-degree angle, either face skyward or face downward. The ride launches riders up a corkscrew twist at 70 miles per hour before sending them spiraling towards the earth and up the other side - backwards. This process continues three times before coming to a halt.

This might sound like an upchuck-wagon to some, but in reality, it's one of the least vomit-inducing rides at the park. There's really no time for your body to feel what's going on, and as there are no jerks, quick turns or uncomfortable stomach lurch areas, your body gets accustomed to the speed quickly.

Demon: County Fair Park

The Demon features tight loops and a few short, steep drops. Riders snaked around the black steel through mist, under a brief, well-lit tunnel and around several loops. Some riders might experience some head-jerking, but overall, this is a coaster you won't want to miss.

Raging Bull: Southwest Territory Park

Raging Bull is one of the biggest, longest-duration coasters at Six Flags. It's not one of those "over before you know it" types we've all come to despise after standing in line for 30 minutes or more. Although this ride does not take riders upside-down, it does feature two stomach-lurching drops at near 90-degree angles and several sideways turns that set your heart thumping.

This ride is by no means scary, but you might want to prepare your ears for plenty of screaming.

Viper: Southwest Territory Park

The Viper is one of two full-size wooden roller coasters at Six Flags Great America. It features every love and hate aspect of a wooden coaster, including speed, "ka-chunking" climbs, steep plunging drops and quick twists that send your neck and head jerking. The track loops around in a taffy-pull shape, as I like to think it resembles from an aerial view, which means you go an elongated, skinny loop several times at different heights. Those who aren't a fan of wooden coasters might still want to give this one a try, as it is a more modern wood coaster with updated seating.