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Does Great America have a lazy river?

Great America Theme park Guests can float down the lazy river, or dare to navigate the watery twists and turns of the many thrilling rides. Take in the amazing views from the Star Tower, or ride on the Gold Striker, Northern California's tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster.



Yes, both major parks named Great America feature a lazy river to help guests cool off and relax between high-thrill rides. At California's Great America in Santa Clara, the lazy river is located within the South Bay Shores waterpark and is known as Rushin' River. It offers a soothing course where guests can lounge in tubes. At Six Flags Great America in Illinois, the lazy river is found in the Hurricane Harbor Chicago section and is called Castaway Creek. This version winds throughout the waterpark area, passing under bridges and through gentle fountains. Both rivers generally require children under 48 inches to wear a life jacket and may require a supervising companion for smaller children to ensure a safe and relaxing experience for all visitors in 2026.

Yes, Great America does have a lazy river, but it’s important to know which Great America you’re asking about, as there are two major parks with that name in the United States.

1. California’s Great America (Santa Clara, CA) - CLOSED

This park did have a lazy river called “Whitewater Falls” as part of its Boomerang Bay water park section. However, California’s Great America is permanently closed as of the end of the 2023 season. The lazy river is no longer accessible.

2. Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL)

This park does have a lazy river! It’s located in the Hurricane Harbor water park section (included with admission).

  • Name: The Great Wave
  • Description: It’s a relaxing, circular lazy river where guests can float on tubes. It’s a great way to cool off and take a break from the thrill rides and larger water slides.

In summary: If you’re asking about the now-closed California’s Great America, it had one, but the park is gone. If you’re asking about Six Flags Great America near Chicago, then yes, it definitely has a lazy river (The Great Wave).

For the most current information on attractions and operating hours, it’s always best to check the official website of the park you plan to visit.

People Also Ask

As one of the area's longest lazy rivers, Rushin' River offers in-water lounging down a relaxing course at a soothing pace.

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The owners of the land that's home to California's Great America amusement park in Santa Clara has been sold and the park will eventually close, according to Cedar Fair L.P., the sellers of the property. The parcel was sold for $310 million with a lease agreement, Cedar Fair announced on Monday.

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How long is the longest lazy river in the world? The Waco Surf lazy river located in Waco, TX is a whopping 5,280 feet long! ExpertTexan.com participates in affiliate programs.

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At California's Great America we are proud to have earned one of the best safety records in the industry. We are committed to providing our guests with a safe environment and we want our guests to have a safe and enjoyable day. We are continually striving to improve our facilities.

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While Cedar Fair plans to eventually close the park by 2033, the land rental agreement is a six-year lease through 2028 that gives Prologis the option of extending it another five years.

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The amusement park originally opened as Marriott's Great America on May 29, 1976, as one of two theme parks built by the Marriott Corporation. Six Flags acquired the amusement park in 1984 after the theme park division was an earnings disappointment for Marriott.

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Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) are historically least crowded during the summer season in June, July, and August. Weekends, especially Saturdays, attract more tourists and vacationers.

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As the two parks grew, they installed different coasters and constructed different areas. For the past 30+ years, the two parks have taken completely separate paths. Today, the park outside Chicago is known as Six Flags Great America, and the Bay Area knows us as California's Great America.

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