American Thunder, Wooden roller coaster at Six Flags St. Louis, Missouri
American Thunder is a wooden roller coaster at Six Flags St. Louis, an amusement park in Eureka, Missouri. The track runs over a series of hills and tight turns, giving the ride a fast and varied feel throughout.
The coaster opened in 2008 under the name Evel Knievel, after the famous American stunt performer. It was later renamed American Thunder when the park updated the theming of that section.
American Thunder sits in the section of Six Flags St. Louis themed around the 1904 World's Fair, which was held in St. Louis. The wooden structure fits naturally into this setting, recalling the old-fashioned fairground rides that were popular in that era.
There is a height requirement to ride, so visitors with children should check this before joining the line. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, so arriving early in the day helps to keep waiting times short.
The coaster was built by Great Coasters International, one of the few companies that builds only wooden roller coasters. Their designs are known for producing a rougher, more physical ride than steel coasters, which many enthusiasts prefer.
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