Whizzer is a steel roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, that has been spinning riders through its signature loop-de-loop layout since May 29, 1976. Built by German manufacturer Anton Schwarzkopf and designed by Werner Stengel’s firm, it opened as “Willard’s Whizzer,” named for Marriott Corporation founder J. Willard Marriott, whose company operated the original Great America parks.
Today Whizzer holds a special distinction: it is the last remaining Schwarzkopf Speedracer-model coaster left standing anywhere in the world, after its twin at California’s Great America in Santa Clara was demolished in 1988. Recognized as an American Coaster Enthusiasts Coaster Landmark, Whizzer has survived a near-closure in 2002 thanks to public outcry and continues operating today after decades of safety upgrades and maintenance.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois
- Manufacturer: Anton Schwarzkopf (design by Ing.-Buro Stengel)
- Opened: May 29, 1976
- Height: 70 feet
- Top speed: About 42-45 mph
- Length: 3,100 feet
- Inversions: 0
The Ride Experience
Whizzer’s layout is built around a distinctive figure-eight style course anchored by a large overbanked loop-de-loop turn rather than a traditional vertical inversion. After a spiral chain lift, trains dive into a series of banked turns and helixes that build speed across the 3,100-foot circuit, delivering a smooth, momentum-driven ride that contrasts with the launch-and-airtime style of modern steel coasters.
Whizzer originally ran with five trains when it opened in 1976, but following a collision incident in 1980 the park reduced operations to three trains as part of broader safety upgrades. Each of today’s three trains seats 24 riders in six rows of single-file cars. The ride lasts about two minutes and keeps a family-friendly 36-inch height requirement, making it one of the more accessible classic coasters still running at the park.
A Rare Survivor
Whizzer and its twin at California’s Great America were built together for Marriott’s bicentennial-themed park openings in 1976, both using Schwarzkopf’s Speedracer model. The California version closed in 1988, leaving the Gurnee ride as the sole surviving example of the design anywhere in the world.
The coaster’s history has not been without setbacks, including the 1980 incident that led to its reduced train count and a brush with closure in 2002 when maintenance costs threatened its future. Fan support helped keep it running, and the park has continued periodic track and safety maintenance to keep the 1976 landmark operating for new generations.
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Whizzer FAQs
When did Whizzer open?
Whizzer opened on May 29, 1976, at what was then Marriott’s Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.
Who built Whizzer?
Whizzer was manufactured by German coaster builder Anton Schwarzkopf, with the layout designed by Werner Stengel’s engineering firm, using Schwarzkopf’s Speedracer model.
How many trains does Whizzer run?
Whizzer originally operated with five trains in 1976, but that was reduced to three trains after 1980 following safety upgrades. It still runs three 24-rider trains today.
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