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Six Flags Over Georgia: Decades of thrills

Six Flags Over Georgia has offered thrillseekers nonstop fun since its doors opened to more than 3,000 visitors on June 16, 1967, in Austell. Although the amusement park has changed quite a bit over the years, it remains a popular destination. Here’s a look back at Six Flags through the years. Pictured here: Visitors at the park on March 28, 1975.

Credit: GUY HAYES / AJC 1975

Credit: GUY HAYES / AJC 1975

Six Flags Over Georgia has offered thrillseekers nonstop fun since its doors opened to more than 3,000 visitors on June 16, 1967, in Austell. Although the amusement park has changed quite a bit over the years, it remains a popular destination. Here’s a look back at Six Flags through the years. Pictured here: Visitors at the park on March 28, 1975.
By Tom Kelley
March 9, 2017

Six Flags Over Georgia has been providing thrills and excitement for Atlantans for nearly 50 years. The amusement park, which opened in 1967 as the second Six Flags park, offers an assortment of rides from the wildest thrillers to family-friendly attractions, plus shows, restaurants and even a small water park.

» Top 7 rides you must try at Six Flags Over Georgia

The park features 11 roller coasters ranging from kiddie-friendly to truly wild. Among them, Goliath towers over the park at 200 feet high; Superman Ultimate Flight was the first coaster of its kind in the U.S. to send riders soaring like a superhero; and Mind Bender in 1978 was the first coaster at the park to take riders upside-down.

Those less daring can enjoy a ride on a train, catch a view of the park from the aerial skybucket ride, get wet on a water ride or relax and watch a live stage performance.

» New ‘Justice League’ ride takes shape at Six Flags

» Want to shoot giant fake mutant spiders? New Six Flags ride is for you

In the fall, Fright Fest comes to the park, bringing spooky shows, creepy characters and bone-chilling thrills throughout the park as Halloween approaches. And for the season, Holiday in the Park offers more than a million lights and festive holiday atmosphere, food and fun, and of course Santa.

If you go: Six Flags Over Georgia is west of Atlanta on I-20 outside of I-285 (275 Riverside Parkway, Austell). Open daily May 20 through Aug. 6, then most weekends through Jan. 2, 2018. Hours vary; check website for details. General admission at the gate is $66.99 for adults, $45.99 for children under 48 inches tall, but discounts are available online at www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. For more information: 770-739-3400, www.Sixflags.com/overgeorgia

Tom Kelley is a lifelong amusement park fan and lover of roller coasters. He has been a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, a worldwide group, since 1996.

More Six Flags Over Georgia news:

»Six Flags Over Georgia used to be a dairy farm, 6 other things you didn't know about the Atlanta theme park

»Six Flags White Water theme park is in Marietta, Ga.

»How to get a job at Six Flags Over Georgia

Take a sneak peek JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis, coming to Six Flags Over Georgia in May 2017.

About the Author

Tom Kelley
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