Best Three Parks and Rides at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois

Six Flags Great America is almost too big of a park to take on all in one day. You need a full two days at least to discover every ride, restaurant and attraction they have to offer. Now, naturally, depending on your age, you won't have the interest to ride all of the rides, but since they're one of the United States' biggest parks, Six Flags Great America certainly has a lot to offer.

But if you're only driving up for a day trip to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, save yourself some decision-making time and hit these three parks for the most fun for your buck.

Southwest Territory

If a Wild West theme park doesn't hold your interest, look again. This park is home to two thrill rides that will knock your socks off - or make you vomit, one or the other.

Viper: The Viper is a wooden roller coaster that is newer than Six Flags' original hallmark, American Eagle. The Viper goes so fast up and down the hoops that your jaw jars and your teeth rattle in your mouth. Your eyeballs roll around in your head and, well, you get the picture. But as soon as you get off, you'll be heading back into line again for more torture.

Raging Bull: The Raging Bull ranks up there with Six Flags' signature Superman and Batman rides. Even though it won't take you upside-down, it takes you almost completely sideways and also plunges you almost straight to the ground at a nearly 90-degree angle.

Coldstone Creamery: Make sure your stomach isn't too warm before enjoying this cold treat. It cools you off, no doubt, but it doesn't feel so great right after riding Raging Bull - let me tell you that from experience. Wait about 15 minutes, and you'll be good to go.

Orleans Place

Don't let the name fool you - it's not about Mardi Gras here. You're about to enter superhero territory.

Superman: Let me tell you this much - the ride is way better than the movie. Instead of sitting on a seat with your legs dangling, Superman launches you stomach-down on the octane-fueled ride of your life. Unlike Raging Bull, this one will spin you through high-speed loops and take you upside-down. It's definitely not one for the faint of heart.

Papa John's Pizza: Great for lunch or an afternoon snack, Papa John's Pizza is located in this park as well as several other ones around Six Flags. This one is close to the entrance and exit though, so if you're on your way in or out and don't want to stumble your way around the park for a meal, this one provides easy access.

Yankee Harbor

You wouldn't think a park called "Yankee Harbor" would have the most awesome thrill rides in the park, but it does.

Batman: Not to be mistaken with the lame and nausea-inducing Dark Knight ride in Orleans Place, the Batman roller coaster is a smooth-sailing, leg-dangling ride that gets more and more addictive as you ride it. Expect to be standing in line more than once for this one.

Vertical Velocity: It's probably safe to say that Vertical Velocity is like no ride you've ever ridden before. It's similar to the Mr. Freeze coaster in Six Flags St. Louis, but it's way cooler. Vertical Velocity features a two-sided vertical corkscrew, which means you'll ride up the front facing forward and fly up the back side facing toward the ground. Since your legs hang free the whole time, it feels like free fall and really doesn't induce any vomit-producing feelings.

Ben and Jerry's: If Coldstone Creamery's not your thing, Ben and Jerry's ought to be. So if you need to cool off and you're in the mood for something chilly and fattening, head over to Ben and Jerry's for a scoop of cold delight.

No matter how you slice it, Six Flags Great America has the best rides in the Midwest. So you really can't go wrong with any of the parks. These just happen to be the ones with the "can't miss" thrills that you're probably hoping for as a roller coaster enthusiast.

Feel free to check out www.theme-park-review.com for more tips on which theme parks are worth your time and hard-earned cash.