Six Flags St. Louis


Six Flags St. Louis, originally known as Six Flags Over Mid-America, is an amusement park in Eureka, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Owned and operated by Six Flags, it has eight themed areas with attractions, dining, and live entertainment, many themed with characters from Looney Tunes and other Warner Bros. films and TV shows, DC Comics, and, formerly, Scooby-Doo.
The park was conceived in the 1960s by Six Flags founder Angus G. Wynne as the last of the company's original three parks. It was the first one designed by the Six Flags company; the designer of the first two, architect Randall Duell, was busy designing AstroWorld at the time. The park opened on June 5, 1971.
The park has undergone many changes, including the 1990s replacement or renaming of all six of the park's original areas and the addition of two new ones.
The park, which operates from April to November, hosts various celebrations and events. Some of the most popular are Fright Fest, which runs during the Halloween season and features many Halloween decorations and haunted houses. Star Spangled Nights takes place July 4 and features fireworks displays. The park no longer operates Holiday in the Park, which ran from November to early January and featured Christmas decorations and music, New Year's fireworks, and more.

History

Opening and operation

Plans for a Six Flags park in the St. Louis area—dubbed Six Flags Over Mid-America—were announced on July 16, 1969. The park opened on June 5, 1971, the third and last of the three "true" Six Flags parks as envisioned by Angus G. Wynne. The park was divided into six themed sections: the namesake "Six Flags" over Mid-America:Missouri, the main entry of the park, themed after the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904. U.S.A., located in the southeast of the park, with a patriotic theme, after the United States.
  • France, located to the east, adjacent to U.S.A., themed after a colonial French trading post.
  • Spain, located in the southwest of the park, with Spanish-themed architecture and restaurants.
  • England, located in the northwest of the park, themed after a village in medieval England.
  • Old Chicago, located in the northeast section of the park, themed after the city of Chicago in the early 1900s.
On June 5, 1999, the 12-acre Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park opened, adjacent to the main park. At a cost of $17 million, it was the largest single investment in Six Flags St. Louis' history.
In 2014, Six Flags sold 180 acres of unused land to the east of the park to developer McBride & Sons, effectively reducing the total property area of the park from 503 acres to 323 acres. According to the Six Flags 2015 Annual Report, the park now owns 323 acres of land.
In January 2020, construction began on a renovated entry plaza, removing the original ticket booths that had been at the park since its opening in 1971. Subsequently, in March of the same year, Six Flags St. Louis announced that the opening of their 2020 season would be delayed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yearly attendance figures have not been released.

Areas and attractions

Six Flags St. Louis is divided into eight themed sections, all of which were added after the park's opening or renamed. The park is laid out in a "Duell loop", a design concept that was often used by park designer Randall Duell.

1904 World's Fair

1904 World's Fair is the main area of the park, named after the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, which ran from April 30 to December 1, 1904. The area features the "Mall of the Mid-Americas", a shopping mall that features foods introduced or served at the fair, as well as early-1900s-themed buildings. The area was named "Missouri" until 1994.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
American Thunder2008Great Coasters InternationalA classically themed wooden roller coaster. It was named "Evel Knievel" until 2010, after the daredevil of the same name.
Colossus1986Carousel Holland B.V.A tall ferris wheel, around 180 feet in height.
The Log Flume1971Arrow DevelopmentA log flume.
Tommy G. Robertson Railroad1971Crown Metal ProductsTrain ride.

Gateway to the West

Gateway to the West is themed after the old colonial times of the state of Missouri, and features many references to locales and people that have lived in the state. The area opened in 1993, taking over a part of what was formerly the Missouri section of the park.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
River King Mine Train1971Arrow DynamicsA steel roller coaster named after the River King Coal Mine.
Thunder River1983IntaminA river rapids ride that circles the island that Mr. Freeze was built on.

Chouteau's Market

Chouteau's Market is themed after a French market along the Mississippi River. It is named after Auguste Chouteau, the founder of the city of St. Louis. The area opened in 1993, replacing France. In 2014, the area was expanded to take over a piece of what had formerly been the back of Studio Backlot.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
Spinsanity2017ZamperlaA Zamperla Disk'O ride.

Studio Backlot

Studio Backlot is themed to the backlot of a movie studio in Hollywood. The area originally opened in 1995 as "Time Warner Studios", but was renamed "Warner Bros. Backlot" the following year.
In the first couple years, the area featured five interactive movie set experiences based on various Warner Bros. films, including Bonnie and Clyde, Little Shop of Horrors and Maverick, all of which were retired after the 1997 season. The area's name was changed again to its current name in 2002, though it mostly retains its previous theme.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
Batman: The Ride1995Bolliger & MabillardAn inverted roller coaster based on after Batman from DC Comics. Guests walk through an extensive queue themed after Gotham City.
Ninja1989Arrow Dynamics/VekomaA steel roller coaster themed after the Ninja of feudal Japan. Originally located at Expo 86 in Vancouver.
The Buccaneer1980IntaminA swinging ship ride. Originally called The Buccaneer, it was then re-themed to the Joker from DC Comics from 1995 to 2023 before returning to its original name.

DC Comics Plaza

DC Comics Plaza celebrates the worlds of DC Entertainment, with several attractions based on various DC characters and properties. The area opened in 1997, replacing the former Spain section of the park. One of DC Comics Plaza's most iconic features is DC Circle, a section of the ground that is designed after DC's longtime "DC Bullet" logo. The visual centerpiece of the Plaza is the Hall of Justice, which serves as the facade and entrance for Justice League: Battle for Metropolis. Directly to the opposite side is the large, snowman-themed facade of the "Snowy's Ice Cream Factory Tours", which is the entrance to Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
Justice League: Battle for Metropolis2015Sally CorporationAn interactive dark ride featuring an original story experience based on the Justice League. Hosted by Cyborg, an animatronic of whom is in the ride's station. Originally called Scooby-Doo Ghostblasters The Mystery of the Scary Swamp.
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast 1998Premier RidesA launched roller coaster themed after Mr. Freeze and the 1997 movie Batman & Robin. Its trains originally ran facing forwards, but were changed in 2012 to run facing backwards, coinciding with its name change adding "Reverse Blast" to the title. The shoulder restraints were replaced with lap bars after the 2001 season.
Shazam!1971Eli Bridge CompanyA standard scrambler ride themed after the super hero Shazam.

Britannia

Britannia is based on the country of Great Britain as it was in its medieval period, including elements from Arthurian legend. The area was named "England" from 1971 to 1992, then "Great Britain" in 1993, and it was given its current name in 1994.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
Grand Ole Carousel1972Philadelphia Toboggan CoastersA traditional carousel that was originally named "Carousel" from 1972 to 1983. It was also named "Grand Ole Carousel" from 1984 to 1993 and "Enchanted Carousel" from 1994 to 1997. In 1998, its name was reverted back to Grand Ole Carousel. The ride underwent a multi-year refurbishment which began in 2021, and re-opened in July of 2025.
Joker Carnival of Chaos2024ZamperlaA Pendulum ride.
Pandemonium2007GerstlauerA spinning roller coaster, the third of four installations at Six Flags theme parks. It was formerly named "Tony Hawk's Big Spin" from 2007 to 2011. Despite its location right inside the entrance of Britannia, the ride has no thematic connection to the rest of the area.
Rookie Racer2023VekomaA kids' roller coaster.
Supergirl: Sky Flyer2019ZamperlaZamperla Endeavour model, themed after Supergirl.
The Boss2000Custom Coasters InternationalA wooden terrain roller coaster, the tallest and fastest coaster built by Custom Coasters International. It was the eighth longest wooden roller coaster in the world when it first opened, with a track length of 5,051 feet. The helix element was removed for the 2018 season, reducing the track's length to 4,631 feet.
During the 2025 pre-season, 215 feet of track was replaced with Titan Track, allowing for a smoother ride experience.

Illinois

Illinois is loosely themed to the city of Chicago. The area was formerly known as "Old Chicago" from 1971 to 1993.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
Boomerang2013VekomaA boomerang roller coaster. It was relocated from Six Flags Over Texas, where it operated as Flashback.
Catwoman Whip2022FuntimeFuntime Booster model, themed after Catwoman. The ride was supposed to open in 2020, but was originally delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ride was pushed back again for the 2022 season to replace Superman Tower of Power.
Fireball2016Larson InternationalA "Super Loop" ride.
Screamin' Eagle1976Philadelphia Toboggan CoastersA wooden roller coaster designed by John C. Allen. When it opened in 1976, it was the tallest, longest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. An American Coaster Enthusiasts landmark.
SkyScreamer2011FuntimeA Star Flyer. Was the first SkyScreamer to open throughout the Six Flags parks.

Bugs Bunny National Park

Bugs Bunny National Park is a kiddie area based on the Looney Tunes franchise. It opened in 2006 as the successor to Looney Tunes Town. It replaced some former land that Britannia used to occupy.
RidePictureYear openedManufacturerDescription
Bugs Bunny Fort Fun2006SVC InteractiveA play area and treehouse area themed after Looney Tunes.
Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots2006Chance RidesA "Red Baron" kiddie biplane ride featuring Bugs Bunny. It was originally located in Goodtime Hollow and later Looney Tunes Town and was then relocated.
Daffy Duck Stars on Parade2006ZamperlaA swing ride featuring Daffy Duck. The ride was moved from its old "Fairgrounds"/Looney Tunes Town location for the construction of Evel Knievel to the former Daffy Duck Duccaneer location in 2008.
Elmer Fudd Weather Balloons2006ZamperlaA "samba balloons" ride themed after Elmer Fudd.
Foghorn Leghorn National Park Railway2006ZamperlaA kiddie railroad ride named after Foghorn Leghorn. It was relocated from Looney Tunes Town, where it was known as "Looney Tooter".
Marvin The Martian Camp Invasion2006ZamperlaA "Crazy Sub" spaceship-themed kiddie ride themed after Marvin the Martian.
Taz Twisters2006ZamperlaA mini tea cups ride named after Taz.
Tweety Twee House2006ZamperlaA "Jumpin' Star" kiddie drop tower ride themed after Sylvester and Tweety.
Yosemite Sam Tugboat Tailspin2006ZamperlaA "Rockin' Tug" spinning ship ride themed after Yosemite Sam.

Roller Coasters

Ride namePictureYear openedManufacturerCurrent locationDescription
American Thunder 2008Great Coasters International1904 World's FairA classically themed wooden roller coaster. It was originally named "Evel Knievel", until it changed to its current name for the 2011 season.
River King Mine Train 1971Arrow DynamicsGateway to the WestA steel roller coaster named after the River King Coal Mine. It is the oldest operating permanent coaster in the state of Missouri.
Batman: The Ride 1995Bolliger & MabillardStudio BacklotAn inverted roller coaster based on after Batman from DC Comics. Guests walk through an extensive queue themed after Gotham City.
Ninja 1989Arrow Dynamics/VekomaStudio BacklotA steel roller coaster themed after the Ninja of feudal Japan.
Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast 1998Premier RidesDC Comics PlazaA launched roller coaster themed after Mr. Freeze and the 1997 movie Batman & Robin. Its trains originally ran facing forwards, but were changed in 2012 to run facing backwards, coinciding with its name change adding "Reverse Blast" to the title. The shoulder restraints were replaced with lap bars after the 2001 season.
The Boss 2000Custom Coasters InternationalBritanniaA wooden terrain roller coaster, the tallest and fastest coaster built by Custom Coasters International. It was the eighth longest wooden roller coaster in the world when it first opened, with a track length of 5,051 feet. The helix element was removed for the 2018 season, reducing the track's length to 4,631 feet.
Pandemonium 2007GerstlauerBritanniaA spinning roller coaster, the third of four installations at Six Flags theme parks. It was formerly named "Tony Hawk's Big Spin" from 2007 to 2011.
Screamin' Eagle 1976Philadelphia Toboggan CoastersIllinoisA wooden roller coaster designed by John C. Allen. When it opened in 1976, it was the tallest, longest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world at 110 feet high and 62 mph. An American Coaster Enthusiasts landmark.
Boomerang 2013VekomaIllinoisA boomerang roller coaster. It was relocated from Six Flags Over Texas, where it operated as Flashback from 1989 to 2012.
Rookie Racer2023VekomaBritanniaA junior roller coaster themed to Formula One racing.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Hurricane Harbor is a water park that is connected to the southeast portion of Six Flags St. Louis and is adjacent to Studio Backlot, but is not part of the main park.
Slide/Attraction NameYear OpenedManufacturer/Ride TypeOther notes
Big Kahuna1999Proslide Technology Inc. MammothFamily raft ride.
4 tube slides1999Proslide Technology Inc. PipelinePiranha & Man-O-War - partially enclosed, Hammerhead & Stingray - completely enclosed.
Adventure Cove2022SCS Interactive Discovery TreehouseFamily activity area, with Proslide Technology Inc. Twisters’ Zone slides. New play structure, renamed "Adventure Cove" opened in 2022.
Hurricane Bay1999Aquatic Development Group Inc. WaveTek wave poolWave pool with a "volcano" at one end and a beach at the other
Gulley Washer Creek1999Aquatic Development Group Inc. lazy riverLazy river
Tornado2005Proslide Technology Inc. Tornado “60”Funnel slide that uses four person “cloverleaf” tubes.
Wahoo Racer2009Proslide Technology Inc. 6-Lane ProRacerMat-racing slide complex.
Typhoon Twister2018Proslide Technology Inc. HybridHybrid water slide featuring a bowl dropping into a zero-G wave wall. Utilizes four-person "cloverleaf" tubes.

Entertainment Venues

Six Flags St. Louis has several theaters that host daily shows during its operating season. With the exception of the summer concert series, all shows are free to attend.
NameLocationDescription
Palace Theater1904 World's FairLarge indoor performance theater. Home to daily shows including Fright Fest's "Love at First Fright," which has been performed at the park almost every year since 1993. In the summer of 2025, it was home to "Brad Ross: International Star Illusionist".
Palace Porch1904 World's FairAn outdoor performance space on the steps of the Palace Theater.
Miss Kitty's SaloonGateway To The WestSmall indoor performance theater styled after an Old West saloon.
Empire TheaterStudio BacklotMedium-sized indoor theater, formerly home to a puppet show and an indoor ice skating show.
Old Glory AmphitheatreIllinois Large outdoor venue previously used for summer concerts.

Annual events

A number of annual seasonal events are held at the park:

July 4th Fest

Fest was introduced in the 2000s and features multiple nights of fireworks for the Fourth of July. It is typically sponsored by Coca-Cola. This event was last held in 2024 and was replaced by "Star Spangled Night", presented by M&M'S.

Fright Fest

Fright Fest was introduced in 1988 as "Fright Nights", which ran until Fright Nights V in 1992. In 1993, the event became Fright Fest under the ownership of Time Warner, who wanted each Six Flags park's Halloween event to use the same name for branding purposes. The event runs from mid to late September through Halloween and typically features several haunted attractions and scare zones, as well as live entertainment. Fright Fest celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018.
Fright Fest was replaced with HALLOWFEST in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Park capacity was reduced to 25% of its normal capacity and all haunted houses, scare zones, and shows were replaced with outdoor, socially distanced alternatives.

Holiday in the Park

A holiday event was introduced in 2016 which features several themed areas as well as live entertainment. The event extended the park's operating season by two months for the first time in its history. It did not return in 2022.

Holiday Square and Cosmic Sleigh Ride

For the 2022 season, Holiday in the Park was replaced by Cosmic Sleigh Ride & Holiday Square. After 2021 season, Holiday in the Park was reimagined and rebranded as "Holiday Square" heavily toning down the operation, but still including the core elements of lights, entertainment, characters and treats. It was paired alongside a drive through lights show, run by World of Illumination.

Kids Weekend

Throughout weekends in June, Kids Weekends, happens. Kids Weekend features decorations, entertainment, and food offerings. According to Six Flags, "This event is all about the kids. Foam cannons, dance parties, and snow cones will be at Six Flags every weekend in June." Kids Weekend inaugural season is 2023.

Summer Vibes

Presented by M&Ms, Summers Vibes features food offerings, entertainment, and decorations. Summer Vibes is throughout July, after July 4 Fest. According to Six Flags, "This spectacular event features mouth-watering treats, beat-the-heat beverages, and photo moments in both the theme park and the water park." Summer Vibes' inaugural season is 2023.