Chicago Area Six Flags Purchases Kiddieland Roller Coaster

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois announced on November 25, 2009 that they have purchsed a roller coaster from Kiddieland, a longtime Chicago area amusement park. Six Flags purchased The Little Dipper, a wooden roller coaster made in 1950. The addition of the Little Dipper to Six Flags brings the number of roller coasters at the theme park up to 14.

Six Flags Great America is one of the leading tourist attractions in the Chicago area. The theme park is located in Gurnee, which is about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois.

Kiddieland was an amusement park in Melrose Park from 1929 through the fall of 2009. Kiddland offered 81 seasons of family oriented fun in the Chicago suburb for 81 years before closing their doors.

After closing, Kiddieland put their rides up for sale. The purchase of the Little Dipper by Six Flags means that a portion of Chicago area history will be preserved in Gurnee, Illinois.

The Little Dipper roller coaster was built in 1950 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Called a family friendly roller coaster, the Little Dipper roller coaster features a three story tail lift. The figure eight track runs 700 feet in length. ACE Coaster Classic has awarded the Little Dipper with the ACE coaster classic award.

The Little Dipper roller coaster will be relocated to its new home and will be at Six Flags starting in the 2010 season when the park reopens in the spring.

The Little Dipper is just part of the excitement for next season. New in 2010 will be the Glow in the Park Parade. The Glow in the Park Parade will be a nightly event that will make staying at the park until dark will be more fun. Five vibrantly decorated floats and about 65 performers will wind through the Six Flags grounds in a parade that will take about a half hour.

Six Flags has roller coasters and rides for people of all ages. The park rates the rides so that guests know up front which rides, or areas, are kid friendly and which will give thrill seekers a wild ride. The Little Dipper is called a family friendly roller coaster.

Six Flags Great America is a popular family attraction that opens in the spring and runs through fall. Season passes, which are $64.99 for unlimited visits, are the best value for people who plan to go to the park more than once during a season.

Information about park hours, tickets and more can be found on the Six Flags website.

Source: Six Flags

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