Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is a 212-acre (86 ha) theme park located in Arlington, Texas, east of Fort Worth and west of Dallas. It is the first amusement park in the Six Flags chain, although later acquisitions make Six Flags New England the oldest park owned and operated by the company. The park opened on August 5, 1961, following just a year of construction and an initial investment of US$10 million by real estate developer Angus G. Wynne, Jr.[2]

This article is about the theme park. For the flags themselves, see Six flags over Texas. For the theme park franchise as a whole, see Six Flags.
Six Flags Over Texas
The park's main entrance in 2011
SloganThe Thrill Capital of Texas
LocationArlington, Texas, USA
Coordinates32°45′20.52″N 97°4′12.80″W
OwnerTexas Flags, Ltd.[1] (51%)
Operated bySix Flags
OpenedAugust 5, 1961; 58 years ago
Operating seasonYear-round
Area212 acres (0.331 sq mi) (0.86 km²)
Attractions
Total45
Roller coasters13
Water rides3
WebsiteOfficial website
StatusOperating

The park is managed by the Six Flags Entertainment Corp., which also owns 53.1% interest of the Texas Limited Partnership that owns the park. A similar arrangement exists with the partnership that owns Six Flags Over Georgia.[3] Six Flags Over Texas Fund, Ltd, a private-equity and asset management firm headed by Dallas businessman Jack Knox, purchased the park in 1969. Over the years the various companies that managed the park, exercised options to purchase interest in the fund. Six Flags Entertainment has an option to purchase the remaining 46.9% in 2028.[3][4][5] Starting in 1991, the park was managed by Time Warner Entertainment. In 1998, Time Warner sold its interests in the Six Flags parks to Premier Parks of Oklahoma City, which later changed its name to Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.

History

Initial planning and construction

Following a visit to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, shortly after its opening, wealthy real estate developer Angus G. Wynne, Jr. decided that his home state of Texas should have a local park for entertainment.[6] Planning for such a place began in 1959, under the leadership of Wynne and the Great Southwest Corporation, along with the backing of various New York City investors. Construction on the park began in August 1960.[7]

The original logo for Six Flags over Texas
The entrance of Six Flags over Texas welcomes visitors while the Oil Derrick observation tower looms in the background.

Origin of the name
Six different flags that have flown over Texas

The name "Six Flags Over Texas" refers to the flags of the six different nations that have governed Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America and the Confederate States of America.[8] Wynne originally intended to name the park "Texas Under Six Flags." Various legends have attributed the name change to his wife Joann; a group called "The Daughters of The Texas Republic" — of which his wife may, or may not, have been a member; or his entertainment director, Charles Meeker, stating that, "Texas isn’t 'under' anything."[9] The original park was divided into six separate themed areas for each of the six governing entities that have ruled over Texas. Although additional themed areas have been added, the original six can still be found within the park.

Grand opening

Six Flags Over Texas opened its gates from July 29 to August 4, 1961, to several local corporations that Wynne had invited as part of a "soft-test opening." The park held its grand opening ceremonies on Saturday, August 5, 1961. Dignitaries included the mayors of Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie and Irving.[9] Park attendance reached 8,374. Admission was $2.75 (equivalent to $24 in 2019) for adults and $2.25 (equivalent to $19 in 2019) for children (cf. admission prices of $62.99 and $47.99 for the 2013 season); parking was 50 cents (equivalent to $4 in 2019; cf. $20.00 in 2013); hamburgers were 35 cents (equivalent to $3 in 2019), and soft drinks were 10 cents (equivalent to $1 in 2019).[10] On opening day, guests could visit the six original themed sections: Mexico, Spain, France, The Confederacy, Texas and Modern (representing the USA). According to the 1961 Park Map[11] there were 46 "major attractions" listed. The park's first season, lasting only 45 days and ending on November 25, 1961, was a success with over 550,000 visitors.

1960s

The 1960s were a decade of growth for Six Flags Over Texas. The park added numerous attractions, including two new sections: Boomtown, named after the boomtowns that sprang up rather quickly during Texas' oil boom era and the "Tower Section", named after the Oil Derrick observation tower built in 1969.[12][13] The park also witnessed the birth of two classic theme park attractions: El Aserradero in 1963 and the Runaway Mine Train roller coaster in 1966. Attendance reached close to 2 million visitors a year by the end of the decade. Six Flags Over Texas was one of the locations used for filming parts of the theme song for Hanna-Barbera's newest TV show The Banana Splits Adventure Hour for the fall of 1968. Sid and Marty Krofft got their debut at Six Flags Over Texas with their very own puppet show. In 1969, Six Flags Over Texas was sold by Angus G. Wynne to a new limited partnership managed by Dallas investor Jack Knox.

1970s

The park's growth and expansion continued through the 1970s. It was the setting for the opening sequence in the 1971 Sid and Marty Krofft television show Lidsville, in which lead character Mark (Butch Patrick) sees a magician named Merlo (Charles Nelson Reilly) perform in one of the theaters. After that Mark went to sneak backstage after his show was over, causes Merlo's hat to enlarge and falls right through it then all of sudden Mark ends up in Lidsville the land of living hats.[14] The park underwent new management in 1971 with the Penn Central Railroad. The park added two new roller coasters, including Shock Wave in 1978, a 3,600 foot (1,100 m) roller coaster with a height of 116 feet (35 m).[15] More rides were also added, along with a new section called "Goodtimes Square". The park also removed many of its less popular aging attractions in this decade as well. In 1975, a new mascot, Cyrus Cosmo - the inventor - was created and led many ad campaigns. By 1978, Six Flags Over Texas had had over 30 million visitors.

1980s

The 1980s were another period of change for Six Flags Over Texas. The park added three roller coasters as well as a children's section themed after Pac-Man in 1983 and later changed to Looney Tunes in 1985. Six Flags Over Texas also introduced three popular festivals in this decade. Spring Breakout, introduced in 1984, brought live bands and excitement to the park for students on Spring Break. Six Flags also introduced Fright Nights and Holiday in the Park to increase attendance and extend the season.

1990s
The Texas Giant, seen here in 2005, opened in 1990

For the 1990 season, Six Flags Over Texas introduced the Texas Giant, then the world's tallest wooden roller coaster at 143 feet (44 m) tall.[16] Texas Giant was voted as number one coaster of its time in 1996 by The National Amusement Park and Historical Association, and by the readers of Inside Track magazine.[17] The coaster also won the Golden Ticket Award for the best wooden roller coaster in 1998 and 1999.[18] After a record year, Six Flags Over Texas went into a lull with management changes and name changes, as Six Flags headed into a new direction under Time Warner.[19] After the 1991 season, the Spee-lunker's Cave was permanently closed.[20]

In 1992, Yosemite Sam and the Gold River Adventure opened, a dark ride by Sally Corporation featuring the Looney Tunes characters, replacing the Spee-lunker's Cave. Six Flags Over Texas opened its next coaster, Runaway Mountain, in 1996, a 1,500 foot (460 m) long indoor roller coaster with a height of 65 feet (20 m).[21] In 1998, Six Flags Over Texas started off the year with the addition of Mr. Freeze, a LIM coaster named after the supervillain from DC Comics that had recently been featured in the film Batman & Robin.

On April 1, 1998, Time Warner sold its remaining interest in Six Flags Theme Parks to Premier Parks of Oklahoma City, which later changed its name to Six Flags.[22] As part of the sale, Six Flags received longtime licensing deals with Warner Bros. for the theme park rights to DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna-Barbera, and more, and the two companies retained a strong relationship.

In 1999, Six Flags Over Texas introduced Batman: The Ride, an inverted roller coaster by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard. After debuting at Six Flags Great America in 1992 and being duplicated four times over at other Six Flags parks, Six Flags Over Texas was the last to receive the ride until the now-defunct Six Flags New Orleans in 2002. Though unlike the others, that installation of the ride was not original, but was relocated from another park.

2000s

The park introduced Titan in 2001, the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the park and in the state of Texas. Located in the Texas section the park and built by Giovanola of Switzerland, it climbs 245 feet (74.7 m) and features a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h).[23] The park also introduced the Looney Tunes USA children's area, which reopened with ten attractions.[24] In 2002, the park kicked off the "Best of Texas Festival", which brought Texas history back to the park. The park also made steps toward bringing back the past, when they reopened Casa Magnetica. In 2003, Superman: Tower of Power, a triple drop tower ride, opened in the Tower section.[25] The tower is 325 feet (99.1 m) tall, it was the tallest ride of its kind in the world at the time of its opening.[26]

In 2006, the park celebrated its 45th anniversary by adding ten new attractions geared toward families. Since then, Six Flags Over Texas had placed more emphasis on families by offering a daily parade and more characters (including Scooby-Doo and the Justice League). Six Flags Over Texas also introduced Festival Latino.

For 2007 and 2008, Six Flags Over Texas was home to "Cirque Dreams Coobrila", a high energy cirque-acrobatic-type show housed in the Music Mill Amphitheater. On May 17, 2008, Six Flags Over Texas introduced its first roller coaster in seven years, Tony Hawk's Big Spin (renamed Pandemonium in 2011).

In 2009, debuted the "Glow in the Park Parade", a nighttime parade filled with thousands of lights.

2010s

In early 2010, the Texas Giant roller coaster was closed to be renovated into a steel hybrid coaster, by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and was reopened on April 22, 2011, as the New Texas Giant for the park's 50th anniversary.[27] In late 2010, Six Flags began the process of removing licensed theming from attractions. They terminated several licenses including their licenses with Tony Hawk. Tony Hawk's Big Spin was renamed Pandemonium in the middle of the 2011 season. Mr. Freeze was closed briefly in order to turn the trains backwards. The newly named Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast reopened on May 12, 2012.[28]

On August 2, 2012, Six Flags Over Texas announced the last chance to ride Flashback and Texas Chute Out was September 3, 2012.[29] On August 30, 2012, Six Flags announced the park will be adding the world's tallest swing ride at 400-foot (122 m) tall, called Texas SkyScreamer. Texas Skyscreamer is located in Goodtime's Square, in the place of the former Texas Chute Out. It features a Texas theme with red, white and blue colors, along with a giant star with six other flags all on top of the tower. Texas SkyScreamer opened on May 25, 2013.[30]

On August 29, 2013, Six Flags officially announced that they would expand their kids area into Bugs' Bunny Boomtown. The park also added Wahoo Racer, a new water slide to the adjacent Hurricane Harbor park in 2014.[31] In late March 2014, Six Flags Over Texas announced for a limited time in 2014 Batman: The Ride will become Batman: The Ride Backwards, as the park reversed the trains.[32]

On August 28, 2014, Six Flags announced Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, a dark ride themed to the Justice League for the 2015 season.[33]

On September 3, 2015, Six Flags announced the expansion of the Gotham City section of the park for the 2016 season.[34] The expansion included two new rides, Catwoman Whip and The Riddler Revenge, and the renovation of Crazy Legs into Harley Quinn Spinsanity. The new rides opened on May 28, 2016.

At the beginning of the 2016 season, Shock Wave was closed to get ready for The New Revolution. It reopened on March 10, 2016 for Season Pass Holders. It reopened to the public on March 25, 2016. On September 1, 2016, Six Flags announced The Joker, a 4D Free-Fly Coaster, which opened to the public in early summer 2017.

Firsts, bests, and other records

Firsts and ones of a kind
  • First Six Flags Theme Park. This is the original Six Flags Theme Park, opened on August 5, 1961
  • First Pay one Price (POP) admission[35]
  • First theme park to feature Broadway-style shows (1961)[35]
  • First Intamin Ride, the Jet Set [9]
  • First Log Flume – El Aserradero (1963)
  • First Mine Train Roller Coaster – The Runaway Mine Train (1966)
  • First relaunch of the modern-day parachute ride - Texas Chute Out (1976) Removed in 2012.[36]
  • First Freefall Ride - Texas Cliffhanger (later renamed G-Force and then Wildcatter) (1982). Removed in 2007.[37]
  • First RMC I-Box hybrid coaster - New Texas Giant (2011)

Records
Six Flags oil derrick
  • Tallest Roller Coaster in Texas - Titan (245 ft)
  • Fastest Roller Coaster in Texas - Titan (85 mph)
  • Largest Land Based Oil Derrick - Oil Derrick (300 ft)
  • Tallest swing ride in the world Texas Skyscreamer (400 ft) (2013)

Awards

Incidents
Main article: Incidents at Six Flags parks § Six Flags Over Texas

Events

Six Flags Over Texas hosts several seasonal events throughout the year including:

The 'Best Time of the Year' is one of the many holiday traditions that make up the park's annual Holiday in the Park celebration.
  • Spring Break Out – Taking place in the month of March, the Spring Break Out event welcomes the warm Texas weather with plenty of outdoor attractions, events, games and concert performances. The event usually takes place over a couple of weeks, allowing various local schools’ differing spring break holidays to coincide with one of the event's weeks. It has been a park tradition since 1984.
  • Festival Latino - In April, Hispanic and Latino heritage is celebrated throughout the park. The park is alive with arts, crafts, performances by bands and dancers, as well as authentic cuisine including fajitas, sweet corn, churros and tacos. The annual event started in 2006.
  • Fright Fest – Originally only one night in October called 'Fright Night', Fright Fest is the annual Halloween festival at Six Flags Over Texas. Fright Fest takes place throughout the month of October and features several specialized additions to the park. Haunted houses, decorated pathways, patrolling ghouls and spooky music all contribute to the park's transformation into a giant 'scream' park.
  • Holiday in the Park – A tradition started in 1985, Holiday in the Park is now one of the park's most popular seasonal events as the park's season winds down towards the end of November and throughout December. Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights are strung around the park buildings and rides. An authentic snow hill is available for visitors to sled down. Festive holiday shows, arts and crafts, and delicious seasonal food also bring the holidays to Six Flags Over Texas.
Aerial view of "Gotham City"-themed section of the park. SH 360 and I-30 intersect in the immediate background, showing the proximity of the park to local roadways.

Areas and attractions
  • Guide to Rides & Attractions[38]

Star Mall

The Star Mall serves as the entry gate for Six Flags Over Texas. It was one of the original sections of the park when it opened in 1961. It is named for the large star-shaped fountain located in the section.

Attractions:

Ride name Year opened Manufacturer and ride type Other notes Photo
Silver Star Carousel 1963 Dentzel carousel Last carousel built by William Dentzel. Originally located in Boomtown section, ride was removed for restoration in 1985 and reopened at current location in 1988.

Entertainment:

  • Silver Star Carousel Stage – Located between the entrance and exit stairways to the Silver Star Carousel attraction, this multi-leveled stage showcases a variety of performances throughout the regular park operating season and during private park events as well. Although the stage is relatively small in size, performances include dance spectacles during both Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, school and private band recitals, and the daily Looney Tunes Party Rockin' Dance Party (March–September).

Dining:

  • Pink Things
  • Flags Famous Funnel Cakes

Merchandise:

  • $10 and Under

Other guest services:

  • Guest services
  • Locker rental
  • Six Flags Season Pass Processing Center
  • Stroller rental
  • The Flash Pass Reservation Center
  • VIP Tours

Mexico & Spain

The Mexico & Spain area consists of two sections both of which were originally part of the park in 1961. Both sections represent a flag that has flown over the state of Texas.

Attractions:

Ride name Year opened Manufacturer and ride type Other notes Photo
El Sombrero 1965 Chance Rides trabant Moved to new location in 2006.
La Fiesta de las Tazas 2006 Zamperla teacups Built in the former location of El Sombrero.
Conquistador 1981 Intamin Bounty swinging ship
La Vibora 1986 Intamin Swiss Bob / Bobsled roller coaster Ride was moved from Six Flags Magic Mountain. Originally named The Avalanche Bobsled.
El Aserradero 1963 Arrow Log flume World's First Log Flume. Features two separate log flumes: Flume I (1963) & Flume II (1968). Flume 1 is currently Standing But Not Operating.
El Diablo 2019 Larson Giga Loop 100 Ft[39] Originally called "Lone Star Revolution," and planned to be placed in the tower section. The ride was recently renamed and moved to the Spain themed area.
El Diablo

Dining:

  • Flags Funnel Cakes
  • Rancho de Pollo

Entertainment:

  • Six Flags Radio – located across from Indian Trading Village, guests can watch as specially-hired Six Flags Radio personalities—referred to as DJs—broadcast park-wide from inside the park's very own radio station.

Merchandise:

  • Casa de Six Flags
  • Mercado de la Plaza

Texas

The Texas section of the park was another original section when the park opened in 1961. It is named after the Republic of Texas flag that once flew over the state.

Attractions:

Ride name Year opened Manufacturer and ride type Other notes Photo
Boot Scootin' 2006 Zamperla boot-themed Jump Around
Chaparral Antique Cars 1962 Arrow antique cars Entrance & Station relocated in 2011 and returned to its original entrance in 2016.
Rodeo 2006 Huss Rodeo/Breakdance Ride moved from Six Flags Great Adventure.
Rodeo
Sidewinder 2006 Eli Bridge Scrambler Ride moved from Six Flags Astroworld.
Sidewinder
Six Flags & Texas Railroad 1961 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge train ride around the park. Stations are the Texas Depot and Boomtown Depot.
Six Flags & Texas Railroad
New Texas Giant 2011 Renovations by Rocky Mountain Construction / Hybrid roller coaster It won the Golden Ticket Award for World's Best Wooden Roller Coaster of 1999. Closed for renovation in 2010. Reopened on April 22, 2011 as the world's first Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) hybrid coaster. It won the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Coaster of 2011.
Titan 2001 Giovanola / Hypercoaster Tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Texas.
Yosemite Sam And The Gold River Adventure 1992 Arrow Water Dark ride Originally Opened in 1964 as Spee-Lunker's Cave Ride, name/theme changed in 1994. It is currently Standing But Not Operating.[40][41]

Entertainment:

  • Back Porch Stage – This venue houses live bands during certain times of the year.
  • Courthouse Stage – This small, porch-like stage comes equipped with a splash zone for use in various period gunfighting performances during the summer.
  • Crazy Horse Saloon – The Crazy Horse Saloon has provided live entertainment for over 40 years, featuring cowboys and saloon girls. This is the oldest theater in the park.
  • Lone Star Gazebo – Directly adjacent to the Lone Star Theater entrance, this space now houses Six Flags Karaoke (March – late September).
  • Lone Star Theater – This venue usually houses specialty shows.
  • Lip Synch Challenge – Its when two people challenge each other to lip synch. It was originally in the Goodtimes Square section.
A woman and boy ride on the Chaparral Antique Cars attraction.

Dining:

Merchandise:

  • Indian Trading Post
  • Texas Gift Shop
  • The Ole' Woodcutter Shop
The Oil Derrick observation tower
Roaring Rapids river ride (2007)
Superman Tower of Power

Old South & France

The Old South & France area consists of two sections both of which were originally part of the park in 1961. Both sections represent a flag that has flown over the state of Texas. The Old South was originally called The Confederacy and featured Civil War reenactments, including performances representing the execution of a captured Union spy.[8]

Attractions:

Ride name Year opened Manufacturer and ride type Other notes Photo
Runaway Mountain 1996 Premier Rides / Enclosed roller coaster Indoor coaster almost completely in the dark
Runaway Mountain

Entertainment:

  • David Blackburn Southern Palace Theater - The largest indoor theater at Six Flags Over Texas. This venue houses all types of musical and dance shows.

Dining:

  • Cold Stone Creamery (formerly Ben & Jerrys)
  • JB's Smokehouse Barbeque (formerly Gator McGee's Mountain Grill)
  • Primo's Pizzeria
  • Uncle Bub's Smokehouse

Merchandise:

  • Antique Photo Emporium
  • Les De Caricatures
  • M-Porium

USA

The USA area of the park opened with the park in 1961. It was originally named the Modern Section, but still represented the United States flag that has flown over Texas.

Attractions:

Ride name Year opened Manufacturer and ride type Other notes Photo
Justice League : Battle for Metropolis 2015 Interactive, 3-D, multi-motion base dark ride. Collaboration of Sally Dark Rides, Alterface, Oceaneering International and Pure Imagination Studios.[42] Themed to Justice League. Debuted on May 19, 2015. Riders wear 3-D glasses and shoot at targets generated in real-time.
Aquaman: Power Wave 2020 Mack Rides PowerSplash coaster [43] Shuttle coaster with 3 launches, ending with a splashdown.

Bugs Bunny Boomtown

It is the children's area of the park. It originally opened in 1983 as Pac-Man Land. With the introduction of Looney Tunes characters to the park, it was renamed to Looney Tunes Land around 1985. In 2001, the area was renamed once again when it was expanded to include new attractions. It was renamed Bugs Bunny Boomtown for 2014.

Attractions:

Ride Name Year Opened Manufacturer/Ride Type Other Notes Photo
Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters 2014 Zamperla Watermania
Looney Tunes Adventure Camp 2014 Miracle Recreation Equipment play structure
Marvin the Martian Space Rockets 2014 Zamperla Rocket Ride
Speedy Gonzales' Truckin' Across America 1992 Zamperla Kiddie convoy/truck ride
Sylvester & Tweety's State Fair-is Wheel 2001 Zamperla mini Ferris wheel
Taz Tornado Swings 2014 Zamperla Lolly Swing
Bugs Bunny Cloud Bouncer 2001 SBF/VISA group Happy Tower
Wile E. Coyote's Grand Canyon Blaster 2001 Chance Rides Big Dipper / Junior coaster
Yosemite Sam's Texas Tea Cups 2001 SBF/VISA group mini teacups

Dining:

  • Bill's Lemonade
  • Granny's Grill
  • Six Flags All-American Cafe (Formerly USA Food Court)

Merchandise:

  • ACME Rock-N-Rocket Shop (Closed at the end of 2014 to get ready for Justice League - Battle for Metropolis)
  • Cartoon Clubhouse
  • Looney Tunes Mall/Candy Corner
  • Studio 6F (Formerly Attitudes)

Other Guest Services:

  • Baby Care
  • Lost Parents

Goodtimes Square

The Goodtimes Square section of the park opened in 1973. Over the years, it took on a loose 1950s theme. Some of Goodtimes Square expanded to the Gotham City Section for the 2016-2017 season.

Attractions:

Ride Name Year Opened Manufacturer/Ride Type Other Notes Photo
Cloud Bouncer 2006 Zamperla Samba balloon tower
Judge Roy Scream 1980 Don Rosser & Bill Cobb / wooden roller coaster Built outside main park area, along the park's entrance lake.
Judge Roy Scream
Texas SkyScreamer 2013 Funtime Star Flyer Second Tallest Star Flyer in the world, standing 400 ft.[30]
Texas SkyScreamer

Entertainment:

  • Majestic Theater - Originally the Krofft Puppet Circus & Goodtimes Theater, this venue houses all types of musical, dance and specialty shows.

Gotham City

Gotham City opened in 1999 and is themed to the DC Comics Batman universe.

Attractions:

Ride Name Year Opened Manufacturer/Ride Type Other Notes Photo
Batman: The Ride 1999 Bolliger & Mabillard / Inverted roller coaster Is the only inverted coaster in the park. Trains were reversed for the 2014 season.
Batwing 2006 Zamperla Telecombat
Catwoman Whip 2016 Zamperla Endeavor
Harley Quinn Spinsanity 2018 ABC Rides Tourbillon
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast [44] 1998 Premier Rides LIM / Launched roller coaster Originally intended to open for the 1997 season, but problems with the LIM Launch system delayed opening until 1998. Trains were reversed and ride renamed to Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast in 2012.
Mr Freeze
The Joker 2017 S&S Worldwide 4D Free Spin
The Riddler Revenge 2016 Zamperla Giant Discovery ride.

Dining:

Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Over Texas

Boomtown

The Boomtown section opened in 1963. It is based on the Texas boomtowns that sprung up in Texas during the oil boom era.

Attractions:

Ride Name Year Opened Manufacturer/Ride Type Other Notes Photo
Mini Mine Train 1969 Arrow / Mine train roller coaster Located next to the bigger Runaway Mine Train and Mr. Freeze. Track modified slightly in 1997 when Mr. Freeze was built next to/over parts of the track.
Pandemonium [45] 2008 Gerstlauer / Spinning roller coaster Originally named "Tony Hawk's Big Spin".
Pandemonium
Runaway Mine Train 1966 Arrow Development / Mine train roller coaster First Arrow mine train coaster.
Six Flags & Texas Railroad 1961 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge train ride around the park. Stations are the Texas Depot and Boomtown Depot.
The Gunslinger 1983 Chance Rides Yo-Yo swings ride Ride was named Texas Tornado until 2007.

Dining:

  • Dry Hole Charlie's
  • Dusty Dan's Waterin' Hole
  • Macho Nacho (Formally Goldminer's Diner)

Merchandise:

  • Caricatures
Six Flags & Texas Railroad (2007)
The Gunslinger swing ride (2007)

Tower

The Tower Section opened in 1969 and is named after the Oil Derrick tower location in the section.

Attractions:

Ride Name Year Opened Manufacturer/Ride Type Other Notes Photo
Caddo Lake Barge 2006 Zamperla Rockin’ Tug
Caddo Lake Barge
Dive Bomber Alley 1996 Skycoaster Requires additional charge.
Oil Derrick 1969 Intamin observation tower Largest land-based oil derrick in the world standing 300 ft tall.
Oil Derrick
Roaring Rapids 1983 Intamin river rapids ride Replaced Skull Island and LaSalle's Riverboat Adventure.
Shock Wave 1978 Schwarzkopf / Looping roller coaster Steel coaster with two back-to-back vertical loops.
Six Flags Speedway Go Karts 1999 J & J Amusements go karts Requires additional charge.
Superman Tower Of Power 2003 3 S&S Worldwide Combo Towers Tallest S&S Combo Tower in the world standing 325 ft tall.
Superman Tower of Power

Entertainment:

  • Music Mill Amphitheater - The park's large outdoor amphitheater. This venue houses concerts and other live entertainment.
  • Texas Arena - This is the park's stunt show theater. In 2008, the Thursday Night Starburst Concert Series performed here.

Dining:

  • Oliver's Tavern
  • Lone Star Twister Pretzels
  • Newman's Cafe
  • Flags Funnel Cakes (Formally Red River Dogs & Fries changed during Fright Fest 2014)

Former attractions

[46]

Ride Name Opened Closed Manufacturer Ride Model/Type Location Notes Photo
Aquaman Splashdown 1987 2019 Hopkins Rides Shoot-the-Chutes USA Ride was named Splash Water Falls until 2007.[47] Will be replaced by Aquaman Power Wave.
Aquaman Splashdown
Big Bend 1971 1979 Schwarzkopf Speed Racer USA Ride relocated to Six Flags St. Louis, but was never re-assembled and was later scrapped.
Bugs Bunny's Spirit of St. Louie 1976 2013 Zamperla Mini airplane ride Looney Tunes USA
Caddo War Canoes 1962 1983 Canoe Ride Boomtown
Cinesphere Chevy Show 1969 1984 Cinema 180 Old South Current Lone Star Theater
Daffy Duck's Capitol Tours 2001 2013 SBF/VISA group Kiddie crazy bus ride Looney Tunes USA
Ferrocarril Fiesta Train 1961 1978 Train Ride Mexico Updated in 1968
Flashback 1989 2012 Vekoma Boomerang Goodtimes Square It was closed on September 3, 2012. Ride relocated to Six Flags St. Louis, re-opened in 2013 as Boomerang
Great Six Flags Air Racer 1984 1999 Intamin AG Air Racer Tower
Harley Quinn Spinsanity 2006 2018 Huss Troika Goodtimes Square Removed before the start of the 2018 season. The ride was originally named Crazy Legs from 2006-2016. Ride relocated from Six Flags Astroworld
La Cucaracha 1961 1964 Allan Herschell Wild Mouse Mexico Originally named Sidewinder and was located in the USA section in 1961. Name changed and moved to Mexico section in 1962.
Las Cocheses Cabras Goat Cart 1961 1963 Mexico Goat powered cart ride
LaSalle's Riverboat Expedition 1961 1982 Guided Old Mill France
Little Dixie Carousel 1961 1974 Animal Powered Carousel Old South Also known as Flying Jenny
Los Conquistadores Mule Pack Ride Coronado Trek[48] 1961 1962 Spain Although titled "mule pack ride," guests actually rode burros and were led by a host dressed as conquistador, riding a horse.[9]
Michigan J. Frog's Tinsel Town Revue 1985 2013 Zamperla Mini swinger ride Looney Tunes USA
Overland Butterfield Stagecoach 1961 1967 Stagecoach Old South
Rotoriculous 1975 1988 Reverchon Himalaya Goodtimes Square Ride was enclosed
Route 66 Bumper Cars 2001 2013 SBF/VISA group Mini bumper cars Looney Tunes USA
Skull Island 1961 1982 Playground Skull Island
Sky Hook 1963 1968 Sky Crane Boomtown An observation ride adapted from a cargo crane by Von Roll of Switzerland.[9] Ride relocated to Six Flags Over Georgia
Spee-Lunker's Cave 1964 1991 Arrow Development Floating Dark Ride Texas
Spindletop 1967 1989 Chance Rides Rotor Goodtimes Square/Texas Relocated to Frontier City where it's currently operating and renamed Terrible Twister and then Tumbleweed in 2014.
Spinnaker 1977 1995 Schwarzkopf GmbH Enterprise Tower Relocated to Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Texas Chute Out 1976 2012 Intamin AG Parachute Tower Goodtimes Square Demolished on October 10, 2012. Replaced by SkyScreamer
Tower Slide 1969 1976 Fun Slide Tower Section
Virtual Quest 2001 2005 Virtual reality Goodtimes Square
ACME Rock-n-Rocket 2006 2014 Intamin AG Looping Starship USA Closed on August 24, 2014. Replaced by Justice League:Battle for Metropolis
  • Turbo Bungy - bungee trampoline
  • Helicopter Rides - helicopter tours above the park
  • Astro-Lift - A Von Roll type 101 aerial ropeway across the park
  • Humble's Happy Motoring Freeway Track I & II - Arrow Dynamics guide-limited auto ride
  • Jet Set - individual controlled mini jets. Intamin's very first ride.[9]
  • Missile Chaser - classic scrambler that was moved to Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • Petting Zoo - petting zoo
  • Wildcatter (Intamin 1st-Generation Intamin Freefall) - originally called Texas Cliffhanger; opened in 1982; located in USA "Boomtown" section. The ride was demolished in October 2007.
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: The Ride (motion simulator theater) - opened in 2004; located in USA section. Removed after 2007 season.
  • Bumper Cars (Soli bumper cars) - opened in 1973; located in Goodtimes Square section. Closed in August 2007 for Fright Fest and remained closed after the 2007 season.
  • Crazy Legs (Eyerly Aircraft Monster) - opened in 1973; closed after the 1980 season.
  • Porky Pig Magic Wheel - was a typical Eli Bridge Company model Ferris wheel located in Looney Tunes USA where the current "Fair-is Wheel" is located.

Controversy

In August 2017, in response to the controversial Unite the Right rally that was held in Charlottesville, Virginia, the park replaced its six flags (which had included the original Confederate flag, a Republic of Texas flag, a 19th century Spanish flag, a 18th century French flag, a 19th century United States flag, and a 19th century Mexican flag) with six American flags. A representative of the park told KXAS-TV, "We always choose to focus on celebrating the things that unite us versus those that divide us. As such, we have changed the flag displays in our park to feature American flags."[49][50]

See also

References
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  14. Lidsville Opening Title and End Credits, YouTube
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  31. "New for 2014". August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  32. "SFOT BB". March 25, 2014. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
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  38. Guide to Rides & Attractions
  39. http://larsonintl.com/the-giga-loop-100-ft/
  40. https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/attractions/yosemite-sams-gold-river-adventure
  41. http://www.screamscape.com/html/six_flags_over_texas.htm
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  43. https://sixflags.com/overtexas/newsroom/newfor2020
  44. "Mr.Freeze Reverse Blast", Six Flags Over Texas website.
  45. MacDonald, Brady (November 25, 2010). "Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers". Los Angeles Times.
  46. guidetosfot.com/rides/oilderrick/
  47. "IS AQUAMAN SPLASHDOWN BEING REMOVED? WHY IT'S POSSIBLE AND WHAT COULD COME NEXT". overtexasthrills.com. March 13, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
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  49. Morris, David Z. (August 18, 2017). "Six Flags Pulls Down Confederate Flags". Fortune. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  50. "Six Flags Over Texas removes Confederate flag, reversing earlier decision | Fox News". FoxNews.com. August 18, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
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