Six Flags Over Georgia celebrates 50 years

Much has changed at Six Flags Over Georgia. But as the park celebrates its 50th season, one thing has remained constant: the screams that reverberate along the midway.

“We've managed to always be on the cutting edge of thrills,” says Dale Kaetzel, park president. In 1967, the state of the art was the Dahlonega Mine Train, one of the earliest steel coasters of its kind. Climbing 37 feet and hitting a top speed of 29 mph, the ride is still eliciting screams today. But the shrieks are probably louder at some of Six Flags' more modern behemoths. For example, Goliath, which rises 200 feet and is known as a "hypercoaster," accelerates to a pulse-pounding, bugs-in-your-teeth, G-force-crazy 70 mph. "The definition of thrills has changed through the years," Kaetzel says. "But our ability to deliver them has not."

Walt Disney may have pioneered the modern theme park. However, Angus Wynne, the founder of Six Flags, is credited with inventing what is now known as the regional theme park. He opened Six Flags Over Texas a few years after Disneyland debuted. Like Disney's park, Six Flags has themed lands and costumed characters (Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals stand in for Mickey and the gang). But its focus on thrill rides has made the brand synonymous with scream-inducing roller coasters.

The second park in the chain, Six Flags Over Georgia today boasts 11 coasters. Among its arsenal: Mind Bender, one of the first modern-day looping coasters; Batman: The Ride, an inverted coaster in which the train hangs suspended from the track and passengers' feet dangle; and Superman — Ultimate Flight, a flying coaster that places riders in a nearly prone position to mimic the soaring superhero.

One of the park's highlights is Great American Scream Machine. The classic ride was the tallest and longest wooden coaster when it opened in 1973. Today, it remains cherished as much for its appearance as its rough-and-tumble ride. Kaetzel says it is "the most beautiful coaster structure I've ever seen."

Rides other than coasters also generate screams, including the 200-foot-tall Acrophobia drop tower, the 24-stories tall SkyScreamer swing, and the 180-foot Sky Coaster, a bungee-like experience. The Log Jamboree, one of the industry's early log flumes, is another attraction that has been delighting visitors for decades.

It's not all thrills all the time at Six Flags Over Georgia. The lovely Riverview Carousel opened in 1972 at the park. But the antique ride dates back to 1908. The Six Flags Railroad, powered by a steam engine locomotive, has been circling the park for 50 years.

One of the most unique attractions is Monster Mansion. The "dark ride" (defined as a ride that uses vehicles to send passengers through an indoor show building) is more silly than scary with furry, bug-eyed animatronic characters frolicking to bouncy music. The boat-based ride has been a staple at the park since opening day when it was known as Tales of the Okefenokee. "Grandparents remember what it was like in 1967," says Kaetzel. He sees multiple generations enjoying the dark ride together. "It's one of the unique things about Six Flags Over Georgia. We've managed to stay contemporary while retaining a strong sense of tradition."

To help celebrate the tradition and mark the special occasion, Six Flags is presenting a 50th anniversary show in the Crystal Pistol, a theater that dates back to opening day. It includes music that spans the decades and incorporates archival video of the park. The soundtrack of the train ride also pays homage to the park's history.

Opened this season, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis carries on Six Flags' traditions. Like Monster Mansion, it is a dark ride (which gives the regional park bragging rights for having two story-based attractions). With its sophisticated roving motion-based vehicles, impressive animatronics, immersive 3-D imagery, and interactive gaming, it is a cutting-edge experience on par with the Universal parks.

The Justice League ride also includes some frantic action and a simulated inversion. It provides a dose of thrills and helps keep the screams reverberating along the midway.