Six Flags Buys Kiddieland Roller Coaster

The Little Dipper will be the 14th coaster on the line-up

The little dipper will ride again!

The 60-year-old wooden rollercoaster that lived its entire life at Kiddieland found a new home in Gurnee, Illinois.

Six Flags Great America announced Wednesday that they're adding the roller coaster their line-up of rides. Six Flags purchased the vintage wooden roller coaster purchased from the now-defunct Kiddieland at auction.

The ride will keep its "Little Dipper" name and become the 14th coaster featured at the theme park.

"The Little Dipper has been a fond family tradition for over 50 years," said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great American's park president.  "We wanted to preserve this important piece of Chicago history for families to experience for many more years to come."

The 700-foot long, family-friendly coaster features a three story tall lift hill and a figure eight design track.  Built in 1950 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the Herbert Schmeck-designed coaster has been honored with the ACE Coaster Classic award by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

The last of Kiddieland's twenty remaining rides, signs and food-service equipment were auctioned off Nov. 24. 

Warehouse membership club Costco announced Oct. 28 that they were eyeing the location of the former amusement park site for future development.

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