The American Eagle ride at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee will be recognized as a landmark roller coaster, joining 50 other coasters worldwide.
The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) said Friday that they were “thrilled” to announce that two classic coasters would be recognized as ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks in 2025.
The designation is reserved for rides of historical significance.
American Eagle at Six Flags Great America and Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas will be honored for their “lasting impact and continued operation,” joining a group of 50 coasters across 42 parks worldwide.
American Eagle, the first wooden roller coaster built by Intamin Amusement Rides, has served riders since 1981.
It will be recognized during Coaster Con 47, the largest annual gathering of coaster enthusiasts, hosted at Six Flags Great America in June.
American Eagle set records upon its debut with a 147-foot drop and a top speed of 66 mph, making it the world’s tallest and fastest wooden coaster at the time.
It remains the longest double-racing wooden coaster, featuring 9,300 feet of combined track, ACE said.
This will be the third coaster at Six Flags Great America to receive ACE Roller Coaster Landmark status.
In June 2005, ACE awarded Batman The Ride as a coaster landmark. The ride is 105 feet in height, 2,683 feet in length and reaches a top speed of 55 mph with five inversions.
It was the first inverted looping roller coast when it was opened in May 1992.
In August 2012, ACE awarded the Whizzer as a coaster landmark. The ride is 70 feet in height, 3,100 feet in length and reaches a top speed of 45 mph.
The Whizzer is the last remaining large, steel, custom-built Schwarzkopf “Speedracer” coaster in North America. It was built in 1976.