We have just had an update on the likely timeline for the opening of the World's First Eco Theme Park in the Chicago area as 2026-2027. The original plan, pre-COVID, was to open the Grand Atrium in the Fall of 2024 with the rest of the park slated to open in Summer 2025. 

The exact location is still to be confirmed but we do know that the project is moving forward very quickly and we look forward to being able to update you further details regarding the event/conference center, water park, and entertainment district in the near future.

Back in January, we shared details with you about the massive new 1000+ acre resort which is planned for the Chicago area. The theme park within the resort has been billed as the world's first Eco Theme Park. The Creative Magnet Entertainment Development, LLC has just announced The Adventurer Resort at WILD:

"WILD, the world’s first Eco Theme Park and Resort complex is currently in development in the Chicago area. The luxury resort will contain 500+ rooms and is themed to the adventures of both real and fictional adventurers. The exploits of the characters of Jules Verne, along with P.T. Barnum, Robert Ripley, among others, will be showcased in this massive “Steampunk” inspired property.

The resort will be connected to one of the largest indoor water parks in the country and a large event and conference center. Featuring numerous restaurants, shopping, and The Playhouse Theater in addition to multiple activities for all ages, the resort will have something for guests of all ages. The hotel will be connected to the year around, indoor Grand Atrium attractions, the WILD Theme Park, and Boulevards Entertainment District by a light rail system offering guests a “coatless” vacation in the often chilly Chicago weather."

These photos have also been released showing concept art for the new Adventurers Resort, home of the world's first Eco theme park, WILD.

The new Eco Theme Park will only be one part of the resort which will also include a huge indoor water park and convention centre, an indoor Entertainment District (supposedly similar to Downtown Disney or Citiwalk but much larger), and an indoor facility.

The indoor facility will be called 'The Grand Atrium' and will serve as a gateway into the park. It will be an enormous building which will feature numerous indoor attractions that are designed to educate through entertainment including dark rides, exhibits, a wide format theater, as well as unique shopping and dining experiences. There appears to be great importance given to the attractions being both entertaining and educational. Also included in 'The Grand Atrium' will be a beautiful indoor butterfly garden.

The 'Grand Atrium' will be free to enter so guests can enjoy the shopping and dining options available but they will have to purchase a wristband to experience all the attractions. Guests will exit the 'Grand Atrium' onto the main street of the theme park which will be home to numerous shops. If guests do not want to visit the 'Grand Atrium' they will be able to access a tunnel which goes underneath the 'Grand Atrium' and will emerge out onto the main street.

The theme park is billed as the first Eco Theme Park and each attraction will have a  “green planet” message. It will be split into a number of different themed lands with most situated around a central lake which is located just off the main street. Education will shine through and even the roller coasters will have an undertone of learning. So, it’s not a museum.  But it’s certainly not a Six Flags. It appears that it will be a blend of nature and education but with FUN at the heart of every attraction making this a very exciting and original prospect. We are guessing that numerous animals will be included in the park too.

The image below shows an artist's impression of one of the lands which will be included in the Eco Theme Park. As you can see it will be heavily themed with trees and greenery to absorb guests in the rustic ambience. The ride which is shown is a traditional wave swinger attraction but has been transformed to the parks theme to celebrate nature and the environment.

The following image appears to be of an attraction based on the Jackalope which is a mythical creature of Northern America. The Jackalope is described as being part Jack rabbit and part antelope hence the horns. It looks similar to a very popular ride we all know and love but with a legendary twist.

We also have this final image to share with you, giving an artist's impression of yet another one of the planned lands for the theme park. 

We are hoping to hear further details about this exciting new project in the coming weeks with more concept art and information outlining exactly where this new resort will be located and a more concrete idea of when we are likely to see it opening.

We will inform you as soon as we hear any other updates on this new resort on our News and Facebook Page. Let us know your thoughts on this first Eco Theme Park and resort which is planned for the Chicago area by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook Page.