The History of Six Flags Great Escape Resort: From Storytown to Today

Six Flags Great Escape Resort began with the vision of Charley Wood, a Lake George area entrepreneur who created a storybook-themed park for families and kept expanding it over time. What started as Storytown USA has grown into a full resort destination that includes Six Flags Great Escape, Hurricane Harbor, and the year-round Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark.

The 1950s: Storytown USA Opens

Storytown USA officially opened on June 27, 1954, as a 5-acre Mother Goose themed amusement park. From the start, it invited families into a world of nursery rhymes and fairy tales, led by two original attractions: Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage and the Swan Boats.

The Swan Boats are still a beloved classic today. Guests take a leisurely ride along the historic River Dee, a calm, scenic tradition that has been part of the park since opening day.

In 1957, Ghost Town is added to broaden the park’s appeal beyond very small children, bringing Old West energy, interactive fun, and live entertainment into the growing park.

The Storytown Houses: A Living Piece of the Park’s Roots

The Storytown houses reflect the park’s roots as Storytown USA, with storybook buildings that let kids explore classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Favorites include scenes inspired by the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and the Three Little Pigs, many of which still remain in the Storytown section today.

The 1960s: Themed Walk-Throughs and a View from Above

In 1964, the Sky Ride is added, giving guests a scenic way to travel above the park. In 1965, Alice in Wonderland opens as a walk-through area. Guests enter through the door in the tree and follow the story through themed scenes featuring characters like Alice, the Queen of Hearts, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and the Cheshire Cat, all depicted in classic Storytown style.

The 1970s: A First Coaster and a Classic Flume

In 1971, the park introduces its first roller coaster, The Italian Roller Coaster, which operates until 1988. In 1977, International Village opens. It is the area guests first walk through when they enter the theme park, with shops designed to resemble a small European village.

In 1979, Desperado Plunge opens as the park’s first water ride, sending riders through a winding flume above Ghost Town before a final drop and splashdown.

The 1980s: The Great Escape Name Takes Hold

In 1982, the name Storytown USA is changed to The Great Escape. In 1984, Steamin’ Demon opens and becomes a marquee attraction that signals the park’s continued growth into bigger thrills.

In 1986, the Raging River opens as the park’s second water ride, and Cinderella’s Castle is added, reinforcing the storybook charm that still defines the park’s personality.

Ghost Town’s Longtime Marshall: Wild Windy Bill McCay

Ghost Town is known for live entertainment traditions, including Wild Windy Bill McCay (Daniel F. Clapps, 1921 to 2011), the longtime Marshall of Ghost Town. He performed for 50 summers from 1957 to 2007, known for mock bank robberies, singing, and deputizing kids.

The 1990s: Landmark Additions and a Growing Waterpark

The decade includes a major ownership shift. In 1989, Charles Wood sells The Great Escape to International Broadcasting Corporation for $36 million. In 1993, Wood buys the park back for less than he sold it for, setting up the next phase of expansion.

In 1991, Condor opens, lifting riders 105 feet for a bird’s eye view of the park. In 1994, The Comet opens as a major milestone in the park’s history, a 4,200-foot wooden coaster with roots dating back to 1927.

In 1995, Splashwater Kingdom opens, adding a major waterpark experience. In 1996, Premier Parks, later Six Flags, buys The Great Escape. In 1999, the park launches a Halloween themed fall event called Hallow Scream, which is now known as Fright Fest.

The 2000s: Ghost Town Thrills, a New Kids Area, and the Lodge Opens

In 2003, Canyon Blaster opens in Ghost Town, adding a family coaster with a runaway mine train theme. In 2005, the park adds a new area with family-friendly rides and attractions designed for younger guests. That area has continued evolving and is known today as Timbertown.

In 2006, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark opens on February 7 as a year-round resort with 200 Adirondack-themed suites, White Water Bay Indoor Waterpark kept at 82°, and on-site options like Kids Klub and the Starlight Arcade.

In 2009, Sasquatch opens as a 192-foot tower ride with two experiences: a rapid launch up and bouncing return, or a slower lift followed by a drop with bounces.

The 2010s: Big Thrills, Hurricane Harbor, and Family Favorites

In 2013, Screamin’ Eagles opens near Alice in Wonderland with rider-controlled motion, followed by Extreme Supernova in 2014. In 2019, Splashwater Kingdom becomes Hurricane Harbor, adding Bucket Blasters and the Shipwreck Cove splash area.

The 2020s: A Pause, New Adventures, and The Bobcat

In 2020, the park does not open due to COVID-19, and the Lodge reopens in June with guidelines.

In 2021, Adirondack Outlaw is added. It is the first ride in the park’s history to combine height, speed, and dual motion.

In 2024, the resort celebrates its 70th anniversary and opens The Bobcat, the first new coaster added to the park in over 20 years and the first-of-its-kind in Six Flags history. The Bobcat blends the charm of a classic wooden coaster with modern innovation to create a family thrill coaster that feels both timeless and completely new. That same year, Hurricane Grill & Wings opens at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge.

Make Your Own Great Escape Memories

From the storybook magic that opened in 1954 to the modern thrills that keep arriving today, Six Flags Great Escape Resort has grown by holding onto what makes it special. Visit for the day, or book a stay at the Lodge to turn your Lake George trip into a full resort escape.