Little Dipper, Wooden roller coaster in Gurnee, Illinois.
The Little Dipper is a compact wooden coaster featuring a figure-eight track layout that spans 700 feet with a peak height of 28 feet. The ride operates with a single train containing four cars and holds up to sixteen passengers per cycle.
This coaster was built in 1950 as part of Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park where it operated for decades as a family attraction. It was acquired and relocated to Six Flags Great America in 2010 where it continues to operate today.
This wooden coaster served as the first roller coaster experience for many children in the region and created lasting memories across generations. People often return to ride what thrilled them as kids, making it a personal milestone for families.
The coaster is located within Six Flags Great America park and is easy to spot due to its small size, making it accessible to riders of most heights. Wait times are typically shorter than larger attractions in the park, especially if you visit during morning hours.
This coaster was manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, a builder known for creating many classic wooden rides that have largely disappeared over time. Its survival and continued operation makes it a rare example of this particular builder's work from the 1950s.
Location: Illinois
GPS coordinates: 42.36750,-87.93330
Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49
Six Flags Great America
177 m
Goliath
237 m
American Eagle
324 m
Shockwave
420 m
Raging Bull
372 m
Demon
179 m
Whizzer
212 m
X-Flight
217 m
Apocalypse
237 m
The Flash: Vertical Velocity
88 m
Viper
328 mKey Lime Cove
2 km
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago
456 m
Giant Drop
321 m
Genesee Theatre
8.4 km
Ragin' Cajun
166 m
Mardi Gras Hangover
223 m
New Gračanica Monastery
6 km
Sky Trek Tower
318 m
Waukegan Public Library
8.3 km
Tsunami Surge
305 mThe Merit Club
4 km
Bowen Park
8.8 km
Spacely's Sprocket Rockets
192 m
Waukegan Building
8.4 km
Islamic Foundation North
4.7 km
Mrs. Isaac D. Adler House
7.6 km
Near North Historic District
8.5 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes