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NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 17, 2026United States

Six Flags Great America Closed Due to Hazardous Air Quality

Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee are closed Friday due to hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke from Ontario. The park plans to reopen Saturday, pending further monitoring of air conditions.

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Read the full story at NBC Chicago – Local

Why It Matters

Residents and visitors are unable to access major regional recreational facilities due to health risks associated with air quality levels.

Key Facts

  • Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor are closed Friday due to hazardous air quality.
  • The park plans to reopen Saturday, subject to ongoing monitoring of conditions.
  • Air quality in Gurnee reached 312 on the AQI scale at 10:30 a.m. Friday.
  • Air quality reached above 500 on Thursday, leading to a 3 p.m. closure.
  • All Chicago city beaches and pools are closed Friday due to air quality.
  • Meteorologists expect air quality to improve to 'unhealthy' by Friday afternoon and 'moderate' by Saturday morning.
  • Smoke may return Saturday evening around 8 or 9 p.m. due to shifting winds.
  • Hazardous air quality is caused by wildfire smoke originating in northern Ontario.

Who's Mentioned

organizationHurricane Harbor“Water park associated with Six Flags that closed due to air quality.”other500“Maximum value on the air quality index chart.”organizationSix Flags Great America“Amusement park in Gurnee that closed due to air quality.”locationGurnee“Location of the amusement parks.”organizationNBC Chicago“News outlet that received the statement from the park.”organizationAirNow.gov“Air quality tracking website.”personAlicia Roman“NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist.”other312“Air quality index reading in Gurnee at 10:30 a.m.”