A racing wooden roller coaster that opened in 1981 and is a Marriott original. Although your friends may tell you it will be removed soon, these are (currently) not true. Can provide a rather rough ride sometimes.

American Eagle


The World's Tallest, fastest racing coaster is American Eagle. With a 147ft drop, killer helices and a great theme for Great America, Eagle stands as one of the must rides at the park. The lift hill is sometimes jerky, and will stop on occasion, the helices are rough, and there is not much airtime anymore. Although it is still quite a good ride because you race with the other side usually, and get a big ego if you win.


Overall
7/10

To me, I see it as a sad out and back coaster. It's too smooth for me, and the air is just not there. Maybe, if it had more hills like the beginning it would be better, but the ride just needs some work.

4/10

I arrive to see the red, white and blue original roller coaster at Great America. I see only the red train is running, but that does not matter. The ride operator is an African American man with a drunken voice. He is informed that the train is ready. Then he announces in slurred, comical words "enjoy your ride on the red side! Enjoy your ride on the blue side!" I glance around to see if I was wrong about the blue train not running, only to find that the man is teasing me. When it is my turn to ride, I first climb up the long lift hill. The harsh sound of clicks and clanking drives my ears insane. The car feels like it is lifting off the track. My nerves start to jump. I scan my eyes over the park. I can see everything from up here! Soon I am falling down the first drop into a wonderful, classic ride!

American Eagle is older, but still has that classic wooden roller coaster flavor. Front row is the absolute best. Any other row is fine, but not if you want the best experience possible. This ride is not quite as good as Viper, it is not the fastest and it does look and sound old. However, the classic needs to stay alive. American Eagle has a history and theme that keeps its symbol of our country the most appropriate symbol for Great America. Because this ride has aged, American Eagle has become a coaster that needs to remain at this park and this park only.

8/10

After reading reviews on a few sites, I think some people are too hard on American Eagle. Maybe I've just got a soft spot for it, as I've been riding since 1985. But as pp mentioned, it is a huge part of SFGAm's history. It's one of my favorite things to look for coming up I-94. So it's not the tallest, fastest, most advanced coaster out there, obviously, as it opened in 1981. It can be a bit rough, but are you really expecting a smooth ride from a woodie? In this case, a woodie that's 25 years old. And they've added some braking, which I think is not at all necessary... The huge helix was great before they started slowing the trains down so much. Overall, I think AE still provides a great ride, and most certainly an experience you can't find anywhere else.

9/10

Stars, Strips and wood. That’s the 127 foot wooden roller coaster it use to hold the record for longest at 4650' tallest at 127’ and fastest at 55 M.P.H wooden roller coaster. As you actually race threw the track, Red Vs Blue. As you head up the hill. Most people talk smack to the other train. Then you head down the track. You go up and down 2 times. Then you go up and ride through a helix. Then drop. Going up and down. Then Going up to a straight part of track. Then go down on a turn up. Finally you go on the blocks. It is a great wooden ride. The one of the best wooden roller coaster I’ve ever been on.
American Eagle 8/10

American Eagle is my favorite Great America coaster; it has been and it always will be. It was my very first roller coaster and it will always be important to me. Even though it does get a little rough at times, the ride experience never gets old.

My review: 10/10

I love this ride, and miss it backwards.
Fast, tall, great view. I love this coaster.

7/10

I have always loved the American Eagle. When I first rode it, it was the tallest roller coaster at SFGAm. I don't recall my first ride, but I do remember riding in the front row (my favorite spot) and looking down from the top of the first hill and thinking the drop looked huge! Now, I love standing in the station and watching the little kids that look terrified (and their parents reassuring them that they will be safe and the ride will be fun). When the train comes back into the station, the kids (usually) look excited and want to ride again. I still love this ride, and I get some great air time on the bunny hills near the end. 9/10

Went on it for the first time yesterday --WOAH!! It was amazing I am still waiting for my stomach to come down. I could have done without the big drop but the helix and the smaller hills were definately something. Only bad thing about it is the line it takes you 20 minutes to navigate the 4 block line. definately a 10/10.