American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes American Eagle at Six Flags Great America as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.
During the late 1970s, management of what was then known as Marriott’s Great America wanted a signature record breaking roller coaster to be visible from nearby Interstate 94. They approached European ride manufacturer, Intamin, to build what would become the largest and fastest roller coaster in the world at the time. This was Intamin’s first wooden roller coaster project.
The massive wooden roller coaster was designed by Curtis Summers (1929-1992) and built by Figley-Wright Contractors, Inc. Construction of the enormous twin-tracked racing coaster began in June 1980 in the County Fair section at the rear of the park. Towering to a maximum height of 127 feet, but featuring a first drop of 147 feet, the ride became the world’s tallest roller coaster and reached a top speed of 66 mph. Named American Eagle, the gigantic coaster opened to the public on May 23, 1981.
American Eagle sports a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme and includes two sets of racing red and blue trains from the Philadelphia Toboggan Company with each train holding up to 30 passengers. The dual tracks run parallel from the lift-hills up through the iconic 560-degree helix that is visible to the nearby highway. The tracks then split apart after the helix with the red side crossing over the blue side. Each track features similar but slightly different hills and elements during the return run so that each track length is equal to 4,650-feet long.
ACE applauds Six Flags Great America for continuing to operate and maintain the magnificent American Eagle, which is still the world’s tallest and fastest racing wooden roller coaster.
Presented by American Coaster Enthusiasts
During Coaster Con 47
June 16, 2025